How to Choose the Right Dumpster Rental for Your Project

Even though dumpster rental is not a service you think of every day, when you do it, you want to do it right. You may not know that there are different types of dumpsters for different projects or that dumpster rental can be a sustainable practice. This post is meant to guide you through choosing the right dumpster for your needs and to avoid making common dumpster rental mistakes to ensure an efficient process. Different Types of Dumpsters & Ideal Use Cases When renting a dumpster, there are three types to choose from: roll-off dumpsters, front-load dumpsters, and compactors. Each type has its own ideal use case. Roll-Off Dumpsters Roll-off dumpsters are large, rectangular, open-top containers with wheels. This is the type of dumpster rental you most commonly see, as they’re often used for construction and home improvement projects. They come in various sizes, 30 yards being the most common size and 40 yards being the largest. Dumpsters offer seven major benefits:

• Affordability
• Convenience
• Efficiency
• Safety
• Sustainability
• Versatility
• Compliance

Roll-off dumpster rentals are more affordable than buying large containers, and rental periods and pricing are often flexible. Similarly, they can be delivered and picked up when needed and placed where they’ll be most convenient for your project. They help you comply with local laws and regulations while also being able to hold any trash item, from large debris to small roof shingles. Roll-off dumpsters are safer and more sustainable than you’d think. They eliminate the danger of storing sharp, jagged, or heavy debris and eliminate the need to transport trash in the back of a truck or contractor bags. Plus, they reduce carbon emissions by requiring only one trip to drop off and pick up instead of multiple trips. Front-Load Dumpsters These dumpsters are similar to roll-off dumpsters, except they’re smaller and rented for long-term use. These are the dumpsters typically rented by restaurants and residential complexes. They can be used in various settings and are best suited for businesses that generate a consistent amount of waste. Front-load dumpster rentals have six major benefits: space-saving, sustainability, ease of use, convenience, versatility, and scalability. The biggest draw to a front-load dumpster rental is that they can fit in tight spaces like narrow alleys and corners while holding large amounts of waste. This saves money on waste and improves the look of the area. And just by existing, they reduce waste and promote sustainability. Their ease of use is also a large draw. They’re easy to load, and convenient in that some businesses will come by and empty it for you. They’re also versatile in that they can host garbage, recycling, or even yard waste. They’re efficient for growing businesses because you can rent different sizes as your organization grows. Avoiding Common Dumpster Rental Mistakes People make three common mistakes when renting dumpsters that you want to avoid: choosing the wrong size, overfilling, and placing prohibited items in the dumpster. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes. How to Choose the Proper Dumpster Size The size of the dumpster depends on the size and scope of your project, as well as the weight of the materials you’re disposing of. Dumpsters are typically measured in cubic yards, coming in sizes like 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40. Ten-yard dumpsters are great for smaller projects like cleaning out an attic, basement, or one-car garage. Fifteen-yard dumpsters are ideal for removing kitchen cabinets, rugs, flooring, and walls or outdoor projects like patio, tree, and yard waste removal. Home improvement projects like kitchen renovations or roof removal usually require a 20-yard dumpster, while 30-yard dumpsters are good for long-term jobs like home cleanouts, full remodels, and commercial renovations. Forty-yard dumpster renovations are rare, but they can be used for large amounts of bulky, heavy, or oddly-shaped materials, like during large construction or demolition projects or building a new apartment complex. How to Avoid Overfilling Your Dumpster Rental After ensuring you rent the correct size, it helps to break down items as much as possible to save space and begin with the largest items first. This helps you evenly distribute the weight and fill in the gaps between the large items with the smaller items. If applicable, avoid filling the dumpster with heavy materials like concrete, asphalt, or roofing unless that was the primary reason for the dumpster rental. It’s best to rent a second dumpster than to overfill one. How to Avoid Prohibited Dumpster Rental Items There aren’t many materials prohibited from putting in a dumpster, but there are three important ones: flammable or ignitable waste, corrosive waste, and asbestos. The main problems with these materials are that they set things on fire or otherwise harm human health. It’s important to consider what items you’re disposing of because these materials can sneak up on you. For example, nail polish remover is a flammable liquid, and asbestos is found in many older homes. The best tip is to remain aware. Check with your rental company for their list of prohibited items. Sustainable Dumpster Rentals When renting a dumpster, it’s important to consider sustainability. It may sound backward, but dumpster rentals are one of the more sustainable junk removal options. They utilize less gas, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, properly disposing of waste will always be more helpful for the environment than just throwing things away and hoping for the best. You want to partner with companies who value sustainability above all else. Conclusion Dumpster rentals offer much more than just simple debris removal. There are numerous ways to utilize dumpster rental services for all kinds of projects. Whether you're organizing a community clean-up, hosting an outdoor party, or taking on a decluttering project, a dumpster rental can provide the convenience and efficiency you need.