NEWS
Top 8 Things to Consider When Renting Driveway Dumpsters
Did you know the average person in the U.S. generates 4.9 pounds of municipal solid waste (MSW) daily? That’s nearly 1,800 pounds of trash per person yearly, or 3,600 pounds for a family of two! That’s about as heavy as an SUV or pick-up truck, which can weigh at least 3,500 pounds apiece.
On top of all that waste is the debris from household clean-outs and improvement projects. Home renovations alone can create, on average, around 60 pounds of waste per square foot.
Fortunately, driveway dumpsters make disposal of such waste faster and simpler. You only need to fill these containers with trash, and professionals will haul them away. The pros also correctly dispose of your garbage for you.
However, there are factors you must consider before renting a driveway dumpster. We’ll tell you about them in this guide, so keep reading.
1. Allowed Types of Waste
Driveway dumpster rental services allow many types of debris, including typical household trash. You can place old, unused, or damaged toys, clothes, books, and fabrics in the containers.
Most dumpster rentals accept yard waste, such as grass, leaves, short branches, and sod. However, they may require you to place these in separate bags.
You can also use driveway dumpsters to dispose of natural wood scraps. However, you may be unable to do the same with chemically-treated wood.
Lightweight roofing debris is generally allowable in driveway dumpsters, too. A specialty dumpster may be necessary for heavier materials, such as asphalt shingles.
2. Prohibited Waste
While the list of allowed junk in dumpster rentals is long, the same goes for prohibited items. These include most types of electronic waste that contain heavy and toxic metals. Don’t put these in the rented dumpster; bring them to an e-waste recycling facility instead.
Other prohibited items are tires, household chemicals, wet paint, motor oil, and gasoline. Also, medical waste, like syringes and needles, should never go into rented dumpsters.
Depending on where you live, dumpster rentals may or may not accept certain types of waste. For example, many localities allow you to put aluminum cans in dumpsters. However, others, like Houston, Texas, strictly prohibit them.
Treated wood waste is another example of waste prohibited by some places. In California, for instance, treated wood already classifies as hazardous waste. Thus, you can’t put these materials in a driveway dumpster if you live in the Golden State.
Ask the rental companies if you’re unsure which items are okay to put in the dumpsters. They can provide a complete list of all allowed, restricted, or prohibited waste.
3. Size of the Driveway Dumpsters
Driveway dumpsters are available in sizes ranging from 10 to 40 yards. The number in their name pertains to the volume of waste they can accommodate. For instance, a 10-yard dumpster can hold up to 10 cubic yards of waste.
Choose the appropriate dumpster size, as this affects the rental price. If you pick an undersized dumpster, you may have to pay penalty fees for exceeding the allowed limit. If you choose an oversized one, you’ll spend more on space you won’t use.
You can always ask the rental company if you’re unsure how much waste you could fit into a dumpster. Tell them the specific project you’re working on (e.g., a garage clean-out). They can then advise you on the most appropriate dumpster size.
Another way is to imagine a 10-yard dumpster comparable to 4 pick-up truckloads of trash. That makes this dumpster size ideal for one-car garage clean-outs.
4. Dumpster Weight Limit
Aside from their size, dumpsters also specify a weight limit, often expressed in tons. You must know this, as exceeding the threshold can incur extra costs. This is especially vital for small yet heavy debris, such as pieces of concrete or bricks.
To give you an idea, most 10-yard dumpsters can hold 2 to 3 tons (4,000 to 6,000 pounds). If your project involves concrete or brick disposal, rent a specialty 10-yard dumpster. These specialty containers often have a 10-ton limit.
5. Dumpster Drop-Off Location
The dumpster drop-off location influences rental prices, as it affects drive time. The farther you are from where the container comes from, the higher your costs. So, choose a company as close to your location as possible.
Just as crucial is the exact spot where the dumpster gets dropped off. It should be free of obstructions and big enough to fit the container.
6. Permits
The exact dumpster drop-off location is also a factor in determining the need for permits. In this way, it affects your overall cost, as getting these documents cost money.
You can avoid permits by ensuring your driveway can accommodate the dumpster. Parking such containers on private property eliminate permit requirements.
7. Rental Duration
The rental duration is the period between the time the dumpster gets dropped off and picked up. The shortest is typically seven days, but you can schedule them for longer, about 21 days. The longer you keep the containers, the higher their rental rates, so keep this in mind.
To avoid going past the duration, bag as much waste as possible before getting the container. This way, you can start filling up the dumpster immediately when it arrives.
8. Rental Fee Quotes
Dumpster rental fees can vary widely because of the many factors that go into them. Therefore, the average costs you can find online (e.g., $300 for a 10-yard container) may not apply to your project.
The best way to determine your rental costs is to phone providers for quotes. During the call, tell them your location, dumpster size, type of waste, and rental duration. They’ll then use the information to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
The quote you receive should include a breakdown of what goes into it. It should factor in the delivery, pick-up, hauling, environmental, and disposal costs.
Avoid companies that don’t provide an estimated cost breakdown. They may do this if they have hidden fees, charging you more upon pick-up.
Time to Rent a Driveway Dumpster
As you can see, driveway dumpsters can make junk, rubbish, or waste removal easier. However, they can cost you more money, especially if you don’t abide by regulations. So, consider the type of waste, dumpster size, weight limit, and rental period before you rent one.
For more waste-related tips and tricks, check out our guide on the proper ways to recycle e-waste!
Having completed my education in English, I’ve cultivated a successful career as a content writer. My tenure includes valued collaborations with distinguished professional organizations, reflecting my commitment to producing high-quality content.
Contact me on this mail: [email protected]
