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Dumpster Rental 101: How To Avoid Unnecessary Fees

by Jared De Hooge

Whether you are cleaning out your packed basement and garage or remodeling your kitchen and bathroom, there are several jobs in life that require the assistance of a dumpster rental service. If you've never rented a dumpster before, chances are you're not sure where to begin, and you don't realize that there are extra fees you might wind up paying. Don't waste your money on fees that could easily be avoided and instead, here are a few tips to help ensure your dumpster doesn't cost a penny more than it needs to:

Choose the Right Dumpster for Your Needs and Project

Before you order your dumpster or decide what items are going inside, it's vital to choose a unit that will fit your needs. Not only will renting a dumpster that is large enough to accommodate your project save you a lot of time, it will also ensure you are not charged a fee for unnecessary extra trips to the waste management facility.

For example, according to Home Advisor, a 10-yard dumpster is ideal for smaller jobs, such as cleaning out your closets. If you are tackling a major remodel or cleaning out multiple rooms in your home, you may want to consider a 30-yard dumpster. Even if the initial cost is higher than you anticipated, remember that you will wind up spending a lot more if you rent a dumpster that cannot accommodate your needs.

If you have any further questions about the ideal size dumpster for your project, and the costs associated with renting the dumpster, don't hesitate to contact your local waste management facility.

There Are Certain Things That Don't Belong in Your Dumpster

In addition to renting a dumpster that cannot accommodate their project, there is another common mistake that first-time renters often make, and it can wind-up costing them a lot of money in unnecessary fees: tossing out items that are prohibited by the waste management provider.

There are a number of items that you cannot throw into a dumpster because tossing them into the dumpster is not only prohibited, it can wreak havoc on the environment, or even get you into some serious trouble.

Here are a few items that you should never toss into a dumpster:

  • Paint, paint thinners or solvents
  • Pesticides or herbicides
  • Old electronics
  • Batteries
  • Any appliances that utilize Freon, such as an air conditioner or refrigerator

There are other items that the dumpster rental company may or may not allow you to toss into the unit, such as your old washer and dryer or tires. If you're not sure, contact the rental facility and ask about any items you aren't sure if you should toss into the dumpster.

Fill Your Dumpster Wisely

Finally, there are two other seemingly-innocent mistakes that might wind up costing you an extra fee: overfilling the dumpster or exceeding the dumpster's weight limit. Depending on the rental facility, you will either be able to fill the dumpster to the top, or to a line that is below the top of the dumpster. Additionally, your dumpster will only be rated to hold a certain amount of weight. If you exceed this weight, you will be charged an additional fee.

The best way to avoid these fees is to simply watch how much you are throwing into the dumpster. Perform a rough estimate of the weight of everything you are tossing in the dumpster, break down larger items and stack your items carefully to avoid both of these unnecessary mistakes.

When it comes to finishing your home remodeling or cleaning project, renting a dumpster is a necessity in many cases. If you have any additional questions about renting a dumpster, don't hesitate to contact a rental company for assistance. 

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