Have you recently been thinking about renting a dumpster, but are unsure how the process even works? Wondering if the driveway is big enough, rental prices or whether or not a permit is necessary are just some of the concerns potential dumpster renters are faced with.
Having a roll-off dumpster is essential for any construction project, major home renovation venture and for other various industrial uses. However, if you've never rented before, this process could seem overwhelming and stressful.
This dumpster rental guide outlines each major factor to consider when deciding to rent a roll-off container. It offers tips for customers looking to rent a quality and affordable dumpster for their construction project, and also highlights questions you should be asking yourself when contemplating which company to rent from.
When the Time is Right to Rent a Dumpster
Construction and home renovation projects can often produce more waste than manageable for simply a few trashcans. This is an instance when it is appropriate to rent a dumpster to properly dispose of your unwanted waste. From household debris to roofing shingles and demolition materials, a rented roll-off dumpster is an easy solution to an organized, stress-free working environment.
How to Rent a Roll-Off Container
When it is decided that a dumpster is necessary for the project you are working on, choosing the correct size could be the most important factor of this process. Typically, temporary dumpsters will come in four sizes:
- 10 yard dumpster - approx. 12-14 ft. long x 8 ft. wide x 3-3.5 ft. high - 20 yard dumpster - approx. 22 ft. long x 8 ft. wide x 4 ft. high - 30 yard dumpster - approx. 22 ft. long x 8 ft. wide x 6 ft. high - 40 yard dumpster - approx. 22 ft. long x 8 ft. wide x 8 ft. high
After choosing the size, the next step will be to verify with the renter how much weight is allowed in the container. It is crucial to choose the correct weight limit, because if the contents exceed the amount specified an additional charge is usually added to the rental fee.
When the weight and size is specified during the rental process, the next step will be finding out what is and is not allowed inside the dumpster itself. Contents allowed will vary with different rental companies and cities, but rules tend to remain consistent throughout most businesses. Contents typically banned include: wet paint, oil, gasoline, hazardous waste, flammable liquid, toxic materials, car tires and batteries, asbestos, etc. Be sure to ask for a prohibited items list when making the rental. Placing prohibited items in a container typically leads to an additional fee.
Another topic to cover when making a rental is identifying the space where the container will reside. Usually at a residential property the dumpsters will be set on the driveway or the street. An important fact to remember is that in most areas a permit is required if a container is placed on the street. Calling the city and purchasing a permit can resolve this, or occasionally a permit can be secured through the rental company. The area the dumpster will be dropped off should be cleared of any hazards, which include: low lying power lines, tree branches, fences or unleveled ground.
Finally, once you are finished using the rented dumpster, a call to the rental company for a pick-up is required. All companies have different rental periods, and knowing the number of days allowed for a rental is imperative to know before making a payment.
Choosing a Rental Company
The most important step in the rental process is choosing a quality and trustworthy company to work with. The biggest mistake most customers make when renting a dumpster is not clarifying specific pricing. Make sure the company has no hidden fees that could potentially increase the price of the rental by an astronomical amount. Some of these hidden charges include: fuel/environmental fee, delivery charge, disposal fee, etc. Charges just specified can potentially not be mentioned when making a rental, and can really add up at the end of your leasing period.
An ideal company to rent from is one that offers a flat rental rate. The charge will include delivery, pickup, disposal and taxes will also be included. Some companies also only have a four or five-day rental period, and all days past this time frame are an additional charge. Renting from a company that has a longer leasing period is more desirable.
The key to choosing a company to rent from is to ask as many questions as possible. Make sure there are no hidden fees, specify the amount of allotted rental time and make sure the company has a trustworthy reputation. Choosing a company that has a flat rate is ideal, and don't be afraid to do online research before making an important decision such as this.
Using the tips and guidelines provided above will make this process considerably smoother and stress-free. Becoming a savvy dumpster rental customer is simple after knowing the basic guidelines and correct questions to ask.
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