Should I put anything underneath my dumpster?

While it's not required for delivery if rainy or snowy weather is in the forecast, place plywood down over the delivery spot to protect your property by preventing the bin from sinking into your yard or freezing to your driveway.

How large of a tarp will I need to cover the dumpster?

Usually, 20 and 40 yard dumpsters can be covered with a tarp that is a minimum of 8 feet x 23 feet, while an 8-foot x 16-foot tarp can usually cover 10, 12 and 15 yard dumpsters. However, since dumpster dimensions can vary slightly from location to location, reach out to our team prior to your delivery date to find the exact dimensions of your container.

How do you keep rain out of a dumpster?

Cover your dumpster with a heavy tarp and secure the corners with rope to help keep unwanted rain out of your container.

How do you cover a dumpster with a tarp?

Place the tarp over the bin and secure the corners with a rope or bungee cord to prevent the tarp from lifting. These supplies can typically be found at your local hardware store. If you cannot find a tarp large enough you can use multiple tarps to cover your dumpster if they are pulled tight enough. Keep in mind that while it may not keep all the rainwater out, it can prevent your debris from becoming completely saturated, and keep the majority of snow out.

5 Dumpster Rental Tips to Simplify Your Cleanup

We’ve seen it all when it comes to junk removal, so we’re sharing our expert insight to make renting a dumpster easier. Keep these five pro tips in mind for a smooth rental experience from order to pickup.

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Expert Tips to Rent a Dumpster Like a Pro

We have the tips you need to make your dumpster rental stress-free. Our expert advice will help you narrow down your options and simplify the waste removal process.

1. Know How Much You’re Throwing Away Before You Order

For a successful dumpster rental, you need to know how much you’re throwing away before you choose a dumpster size. Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, so it’s best to think of your debris that way. Visualize how many trash bags you would need to hold your debris. Five to six 33-gallon trash bags are about the same as 1 cubic yard. You can also think of a standard pickup truck bed, which holds about 2 to 3 cubic yards.

The weight of what you throw away is just as important as how much you’re throwing away. Depending on debris type, the overall weight can add up quickly. A typical sofa weighs around 300 pounds, for example, while a toilet generally weighs about 120 pounds. Use the resources below to learn more and estimate the weight of your materials.

Understanding Weight Limits

Every dumpster comes with a weight limit included in your quoted price. Because landfills charge disposal fees on a per-ton basis, this is how our dumpsters are priced.

Learn More About Weight Limits

Weight Calculators

Estimating weight is a key part of renting the right dumpster for your project. Use our weight calculators to see how much your debris weighs.

Estimate With Our Weight Calculators

Overage Fees

Overage fees are charged when the material in your dumpster is heavier than your quoted weight limit. Learn more about these fees and how to avoid them.

Learn More About Overage Fees

2. Pick the Right Size Roll Off Dumpster for the Job

Now that you’ve estimated the weight of your debris, it’s time to choose a dumpster size. Keep in mind that the smallest bin isn’t always the best option. If you overfill a smaller bin, you can end up paying more in overage fees than the upfront cost of a larger bin with a higher weight limit.

Our most popular size is our 20 yard dumpster, which is perfect for most home cleanouts or removing floors. If you’re tackling a commercial renovation or building demolition, you might need a 40 yard dumpster instead. When you order from us, we work with you to find a suitable bin and make sure you only pay for the space you need. Think about these additional factors as you decide which size to order.

Available Space

Consider the dimensions of your delivery site. If you have limited space in your driveway or have to place the dumpster on a narrow street, you may need to choose a smaller size.

Debris Type

Debris cannot poke over the top of your dumpster, so if you have bulky debris, you may want to size up. For projects involving heavy debris like dirt or concrete, choose a 10 yard bin and plan to only fill it partway to stay within your weight limit.

Project Size

Our dumpsters suit a range of projects, from small cleanouts to commercial renovations. For mid-sized projects like remodeling a single room, a 15 yard dumpster is a great choice. Visit our sizing page for more guidance.

Choose to Order Online or by Phone

We offer two simple ways to rent a dumpster. If you already know what size you need, order your dumpster online today. Not sure what’s best for your project? Our team is here to help with an expert recommendation. Reach out today for quality roll off dumpster service.

3. Prepare Your Dumpster Rental Delivery Site

With your delivery date on the calendar, it’s time to get ready for your roll off dumpster’s arrival. Clear the drop-off area of cars and other obstacles like low-hanging branches or wires. We’ll need 60 feet of space and 23 to 25 feet of vertical clearance for our delivery truck.

On the day of delivery, leave access gates open or send us the entry code beforehand to ensure a smooth drop-off. If you’re worried about damage to your driveway, put plywood over the delivery site. You can also place cones to help guide our driver to a specific spot. With our roll off dumpster service, you don’t need to be present for delivery. We’ll take detailed placement notes when you submit your order to ensure that we drop off your dumpster right where you want it.

4. Fill Your Roll Off Dumpster the Smart Way

Follow these steps to minimize heavy lifting and finish the job without burning out.

Use the Swinging Door

Walk large, heavy items through your dumpster’s door. Consider using a wheelbarrow to move heavy debris as close as possible before lifting it.

Fill the Dumpster Evenly as You Work

Spread large debris across the bottom of the dumpster so weight is evenly distributed. Then, throw light items in over the sides.

Keep Debris Below the Fill Line

Your dumpster has a fill line to indicate how high you can stack debris. Make sure nothing sticks over this line or out the top of your bin. When tossing heavy debris like dirt or concrete, only fill the bin partway to stay within your weight limit.

Protect Your Bin With a Tarp

Cover your dumpster securely with a waterproof tarp when you’re not working. This keeps your debris dry and helps prevent illegal dumping.

5. Avoid Prohibited Items

There are certain materials you can’t put in your dumpster because they present safety risks or cause pollution. To avoid additional fees, steer clear of debris like toxic waste, treated wood and car batteries. Regulations on prohibited items vary based on location so feel free to ask our team for more details.

Flammable Waste

Items like lithium batteries and old fuel tanks pose a serious risk of fire. Keep these materials out of your dumpster to avoid danger and an extra disposal fee.

Hazardous Waste

Fluorescent lightbulbs, pesticides and other toxic waste contain harmful chemicals and cannot go in your roll off dumpster.

Locally Prohibited Items

Some landfills restrict certain items, like mattresses, while others accept them. You can find a complete list of prohibited items in your service agreement when you rent with us.

Food Waste

The smell of rotting waste attracts pests that might damage your bin. Consider using municipal trash pickup or a local composting center instead.

Dumpster Rental Made Easy

Simple Online Ordering

Use our online ordering form to schedule delivery at any time. If you prefer more personalized service, call our team of experts.