Top 5 Dumpster Rental Tips
A dumpster rental is a great way to simplify waste removal, but if you’re a first-time renter you probably have a few questions about the process. Use these five dumpster rental tips to make the smartest choices for your waste removal situation.
1. Find the Right Type of Service
There are two different types of dumpster services: temporary and permanent.
Choose Temporary Dumpster Service if:
You’re planning a one-time project* like a home renovation or a big event.
Choose Permanent Dumpster Service if:
You need ongoing trash collection for your business or organization.
*Need more than one dumpster for your one-time project? Ask for swap out services to have debris hauled away as you go.
For permanent service, you’ll also have to determine the right trash collection schedule for your needs.
Depending on the size of your business and how much trash you typically produce, choose:
- Weekly collection if you’re a large business and/or fill up your dumpster quickly.
- Biweekly collection if you’re a mid-size business and/or fill your dumpster less quickly.
- Monthly collection if you’re a small business and/or produce little waste.
2. Know What You're Throwing Away — and How Much
Once you've decided on permanent or temporary dumpster services, it's time to think about what kind of debris you're tossing, and how much of it you're going to have.
Figuring this out will help you choose the right size dumpster for your needs, and the right collection schedule, if you'll be getting permanent services or swap out services.
Pro Tip
Try and visualize how many 13-gallon trash bags it would take to bag up your debris.
Dumpster capacity is often measured in cubic yards; one cubic yard is typically equal to 5-6 trash bags.
3. Choose the Right Size for the Job
Got an idea of how much debris you'll be tossing? Great — it's time to pick the right size dumpster for the job.
Tips for Choosing the Right Roll Off Dumpster Size
- Most heavy debris items, like concrete and dirt, must go in smaller roll off bins for road safety purposes.
- Debris cannot poke over the top of your dumpster, so if you have bulky debris that cannot be flattened, you may want to size up.
- Keep in mind how much space you have for a dumpster. If you have a small driveway or have to place the dumpster in a narrow street, you may want to stick with a smaller size.
Common Roll Off Dumpster Sizes
Roll Off Size | Typical Weight Limit | Maximum Volume | Maximum Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
10 Yard Dumpster | 4,000-6,000 pounds | 10 cubic yards | 50-60 trash bags |
20 Yard Dumpster | 4,000-6,000 pounds | 20 cubic yards | 100-120 trash bags |
40 Yard Dumpster | 10,000-12,000 pounds | 40 cubic yards | 200-240 trash bags |
Tips for Choosing the Right Front Load Dumpster Size
- Smaller businesses that serve roughly 100 customers a day will typically only need the smallest size: a 2 yard dumpster.
- Larger businesses like hotels and major retailers usually require the largest commercial size available: an 8 yard dumpster.
- If your business generates a large volume of trash but space for your dumpster is limited, pairing a smaller dumpster with a more frequent pickup schedule can help you stay on top of your waste.
Common Front Load Dumpster Sizes
Front Load Size | Typical Weight Limit | Maximum Volume | Maximum Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Yard Dumpster | 400 pounds | 2 cubic yards | 10-12 trash bags |
4 Yard Dumpster | 800 pounds | 4 cubic yards | 20-24 trash bags |
8 Yard Dumpster | 1,600 pounds | 8 cubic yards | 40-48 trash bags |
4. Clear Enough Space for Your Dumpster
Use these tips to make room for your roll off or front load dumpster:
5. Fill Your Dumpster the Smart Way
These best practices will help you get the most use out of your dumpster:
- Fill your dumpster evenly as you work.
- Don't allow items to stick out over the top or hang over the sides.
- Use the front-loading door to carry large or heavy items in.
It’s also important to avoid any items that are prohibited in a roll off dumpster. If these materials are found in your dumpster, you’ll likely be charged a contamination fee. Contact our team at 877-814-9826 for more details on prohibited items.
Food waste
Food waste can attract rodents that can end up damaging the roll off dumpster. Consider using traditional trash pick up or finding a local composting center for food waste.
Hazardous or toxic waste
Medical waste, car batteries, industrial or household chemicals and other toxic items are not allowed in roll off dumpsters. Appliances containing freon are also prohibited.
Flammable waste
Oil, fuels, propane tanks, paint, lacquers and other flammable waste cannot be thrown in a dumpster. Reach out to your city government for hazardous waste resources near you.
Locally prohibited items
Waste restrictions and requirements vary from place to place, so always check your local waste management and recycling guidelines before getting started with your project.
Get Your Cleanup Started Today
Ready to tackle your project? Find the right dumpster services for your needs in just a few simple steps. Let us know what you're throwing away and where you need your dumpster, and we'll give you an exact price.