A Complete Guide to Renting and Using Dumpsters | Billy.com

Dumpsters are an indispensable tool for big projects that generate a lot of trash. If you’ve never rented a dumpster before, you probably don’t know the first thing about getting one and what to do with it when it arrives. Fear not! Here’s a complete guide to renting and using dumpsters. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, you’ll have all that excess waste out of sight and out of mind in no time.

Find a Rental Service

The first step is finding a place to rent a dumpster from. Online searches will pay off, but you should ask around if possible. Other homeowners and contractors may have some insights on the best company to rent from. Look for online reviews or ask your neighbors or fellow contractors and merchants who they’ve rented from. Look for a lack of horror stories about hidden fees, overly strict regulations that result in higher costs, legal troubles, illegal dumping, and more. There are plenty of reputable dumpster rental companies out there, and you’re sure to find one that meets your needs.

Size Matters

One of the first things you need to figure out when you plan a successful renovation project is how much dumpster you need for the job. Dumpsters come in different sizes, measured in cubic yards. The smallest dumpsters have an area of 10 cubic yards. They increase in increments of 10, with the largest measuring at 40 cubic yards. Calculate how much stuff you need to get rid of. Overall, 10-yard dumpsters are good for small tasks, like cleaning out a garage or basement. A 40-yard dumpster is better for major renovation and construction projects. Save money—don’t pay for more dumpster than you need.

What You Can Throw Away

There are usually rules about what you can throw away in a dumpster. Basic dumpster rentals usually permit only nonhazardous materials. Think in terms of safe building materials like wood, metal, plastic, drywall, and generally harmless junk. If you need to dispose of hazardous materials that might be toxic, flammable, or reactive, you’ll need to make special arrangements for their removal. Ask the rental company what you can and can’t throw away.

Rules and Regulations

When you rent a dumpster, get ready to follow other rules as well. You will likely only have it for a certain amount of time before the company comes and takes it away. As mentioned, they may penalize you for throwing away illegal or otherwise not permitted kinds of trash. Some companies may have a rule about not allowing the waste to reach past the top of the dumpster, so pack it efficiently. Going over a certain weight may cost you. You’ll also need to arrange for a place where you can park the dumpster on city streets, and that may require input and permits from your local government.

That’s a complete guide to renting and using dumpsters. They can really help you clean up in this world!