7 Things to Think About Before You Rent a Dumpster

7 Things to Think About Before You Rent a Dumpster

When completing a large project, you will likely end up with a lot of waste. This waste will not fit in your regular waste bins, so you need something larger and more robust. A dumpster is a perfect option here. A dumpster rental service gives you the dumpster to throw all your waste into and then the dumpster is collected after a set period. Before you rent a dumpster, though, there are a few things you need to think about.

The Amount of Waste You Will Produce

Before you start looking at which dumpsters you can rent, it is important to take a moment and think about the amount of waste you are likely to create. If you have not started tearing anything down or pruning any trees and shrubs, estimate the amount of waste you will end up with. If you have already started the project, gather all the waste you already have. You can use this, plus how much work you have left, to estimate how much waste you will end up with after you are done. If you only have heavy items to dispose of, junk removal might be the better option for you.

Dumpster Sizes

Dumpsters come in different sizes, although these sizes are standardized. Once you have an estimate of how much waste you will likely end up with, you will have a clearer picture of the size of the dumpster you need. Even though these dumpster sizes are standardized, not all companies offer all the different sizes available.

Options range from 2 yards to 8 yards for rental dumpsters and from 12 to 20 yards for roll-off bins. Both of these types of dumpsters hold 10 large bags of trash per yard of length. For better comparisons, a 10-yard dumpster holds about 2 to 3 metric tons of trash, equivalent to 1800 to 2700 kg.

Check the Pickup Period and Pickup Reliability

An important factor that you have to think about when renting temporary dumpsters for home projects is the frequency of the pickup as well as the reliability of the pickups. Ideally, you want the dumpster to be picked up before it gets so full that it starts overflowing. For most cities and regions, that would be once a week, which is perfect for residential options. For commercial settings where the dumpster might be larger, the pickup schedule will be different.

Next, you have to ensure that the company you are renting the dumpster from picks it up reliably. You do not want them to skip any days because that presents the overflowing issues we discussed above. Companies like Waste Connections Canada have very reliable trash and dumpster pickups, so you never have to contend with overflowing dumpsters again. Waste Connections Canada provides trash services in Toronto that include not only dumpster rentals, but also waste collection, residential waste management through recycling, and yard waste removal.

Local Laws and Bylaws

You also need to think about the applicable local laws and bylaws to ensure you are meeting them. Local bylaws dictate how you can use a dumpster as well as which materials you can use in each dumpster. For example, hazardous materials have to be kept separate from other types of waste.

Second, you will need a permit if the dumpster will sit outside your property. This is enforced heavily in Toronto where public waste is an issue. If you do not want to apply for a permit, ensure you rent a dumpster that will fit on your property until it is time for it to be picked up.

Quotes

Getting quotes from different companies has become a lot easier as it is now as simple as calling the company to get a quote from them. Additionally, many companies also put their prices right on their websites so that you have a direct quote without having to get in touch with them. 

The information you will need to get an accurate quote includes the size of the dumpster and the type of waste. You will also need to consider the pickup cost in addition to the rental cost.

Online Reviews

As you choose between different dumpster rental companies, do not forget to look at online reviews. Dumpster rental is straightforward enough, but the two things you should worry about are customer service and hidden costs. Some companies will spring hidden costs on you when it is time to pick up the dumpster, leaving you with no option but to pay.

Charges

The charges will vary from company to company and also depend on the dumpster you get. The one thing to be careful about is the charge for extra days. For example, you might rent the dumpster for 7 or 10 days but need it for longer. You will have to pay for these extra days at a cost that is usually higher than what you paid previously.

Hiring a dumpster is a great solution if you have a project to complete and will be producing a lot of waste. With careful consideration, it is possible to find a dumpster that is just right for you.