How do dumpster rentals work?
In short it is an easy process. Call 3 different dumpster companies and talk to them about what size you may need. Order the dumpster for a specific day with specific placement instructions. Fill up the dumpster and call for a removal for a specific day.
Dumpster companies simply rent an empty container for you to fill. The dumpster rental price involves pick up and removal of the container up to a certain tonnage for a set number of days. The pricing is different for each company.
What do I need to know about ordering a dumpster?
The most common dumpster type is the Roll Off. It has a swinging door on the back of the container. It performs much like a dump truck so it can only be dropped one way with the gate of the dumpster facing your house. Leave 9’ between the dumpster and any obstruction if you need to open the dumpster door. The hinges of the dumpster are usually on the passenger side. Place boards where you want your dumpster to protect your driveway and to mark the location for the driver. 3 ea. 2x6 boards, 8’ in length is optimal.
The 3 basic dumpster sizes are 12 cubic yard, 20 cubic yard and 30 cubic yard. The base dimension or foot print are approximately the same. 8’ wide by 20’ long. There are some variations. The difference is in the height of the container. 12yrd – 2.5’ 20yrd - 3.5’ and 30yrd - 5’. A good way to determine how big of a dumpster you need is to think of a medium sized car. If your waste is the size of a mid sized car you will need a 12yrd. To determine the proper size dumpster for roofing shingles please refer to this chart.
Trip fees will occur if your driver cannot deliver or pick up the dumpster due to snow or ice or anything placed in the way, like vehicles, materials, garbage cans.
Trip fees can occur even if items are leaned up against the container. Trip fees can occur if the dumpster is loaded beyond the rim of the container.
Before you order your dumpster make sure you ask about the tonnage cap and the cost per ton over the cap. The average weight of a 30yrd dumpster on a construction site is aprox. 3.5 ton. Household debris is usually weighs between 1 and 2 ton. Find out how many days the dumpster can be rented without a daily charge. Ask about what you can put into your dumpster and be sure to mention what you are planning to put in the dumpster. You will need to know how long the dumpster rental is and if the dumpster is automatically removed when the rental time is done. Dumpsters for concrete, asphalt and dirt are ordered special. Only small amounts of these materials can be placed in a dumpster.
Ask about extra fees. Fees to ask about are merchant fees associated credit card processing, sometimes 3%, fuel surcharges, out of area fuel fees, dig out fees in the winter, generator tax, office fees and landfill fees. When a dumpster cannot fit on the property it will need to be placed on the street and there are usually extra permit fees associated with this. Roll off dumpster deliveries in and through ally ways, in general, have a low success rate. This is where a street permit will need to be pulled. If the dumpster delivery is turned away for any reason a trip fee may be charged to you.
You are responsible for what is in the dumpster on pick up. Be it restricted items, snow/ice or rain. The roll off dumpster is tipped back upon removal where most rainwater is dumped out though a gap in the back door. Tarps can help to avoid unwarranted dumping from passersby and sneaky neighbors.