5 Tips for Choosing the Right Construction Dumpster

Hundreds of millions of pounds of waste making it to the dump each year in the United States, and much of that waste is leftover debris from construction sites.

If you’re anticipating a new build, renovation, or construction project of any kind, you’ll probably need a construction dumpster to aid you in the process.

Knowing what to consider before renting a dumpster will ensure that your construction project goes off without a hitch. Here are 5 things to think about before paying for a dumpster rental:

1. The Size of Your Construction Dumpster Matters

Before you rent a dumpster, you need to determine the right size for your needs. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is ordering the wrong size dumpster. It doesn’t make sense to pay for a dumpster that is twice the size of what you’re able to use.

Most dumpster rental companies offer a variety of sizes to choose from. These typically include:

• 10 Yard Dumpsters -These are great for smaller remodeling projects or medium-sized cleanouts jobs that don’t require more than 10 cubic yards of dumpster space.

• 20 Yard Dumpsters- This size of the dumpster is for medium-sized remodeling projects or big cleanout jobs in large homes where lots of clutter and junk are being removed.

• 30 Yard Dumpsters- This size of dumpsters is typical for commercial purposes such as a new home construction or cleanup of a medium-sized office building.

• 40 Yard Dumpsters- Used mostly for industrial purposes, this size of dumpster can hold up to 12 pickup trucks full of junk.

You may be tempted to try and work with a dumpster that is too small for your needs by piling junk and debris over the rim.

However, any debris that’s piled over the top of the dumpster can become a road hazard which means that the dumpster service can’t haul the container legally.

Most rental companies will leave the dumpster on-site and it won’t be picked up until the junk is minimized.

Having a general idea of the size you need will help you save money and avoid the hassle. However, it’s always better to end up with more space than you need than not enough.

Contact a couple of dumpster rental companies before renting and give them an idea of the size of your dump. They can make a size recommendation based on their experience.

2. Consider What You’re Dumping

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of waste you need to toss out. Many dumpster rental companies won’t allow you to mix your materials in the dumpster. For example, not every dumpster rental will let you mix gravel and other construction materials.

You may end up needing to rent more than one dumpster at a time if you have several types of materials to unload.

Depending on what you’re dumping, the total weight might end up being a factor. Heavier items usually cost more to dump.

It’s always a good idea to speak with the dumpster company first to discuss the type of materials you’re dumping so you can get an idea of what it will cost you.

3. Know the Dumpster Laws in Your Area

Disposing hazardous waste is against the law. Hazardous materials include oil filters, radioactive materials, paint (unless completely dried), flammable liquids, propane tanks, motor oil, antifreeze, fluorescent tubes, dead animals, herbicides and pesticides, solvents, asbestos, tires, and batteries.

A construction dumpster rental is not an option for ridding your home or business of any of these materials. Read on here to learn more about rules and regulations for dumping in your area and where to get the right tools for the job.

4. Shop Around 

Renting a construction dumpster can be a significant cost. Prices can vary a lot from one rental company to another. Take the time to research at least a couple of nearby companies and gather some quotes.

It’s also a good idea to ask about any additional expenses that you should anticipate such as tipping fees, late fees, fuel surcharges, or overage charges. Then you can make an accurate comparison and choose the service that makes the most financial sense.

Keep in mind that the price alone shouldn’t dictate which company you go with. Reputation and good customer service count for a lot.

5. Negotiate the Price

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of renting a dumpster. Plenty of commercial contractors do the same, and it might work for you as well. While you’re at it, ask about any special discounts.

It’s not uncommon for dumpster rental companies to offer discounts to groups such as veterans, seniors, military personnel, or certain organizations within the community.

Other dumpster rental companies might be open to offering a discount for first-time customers, referrals, or simply those who inquire.

You might not hear about these discounts or special prices unless you ask.

Get Your Project Going

This article has given you some insight into how to pick the right construction dumpster for your building project. But if your project hasn’t even begun, perhaps you need to start with the help of expert structural engineers.

Our firm employs some of the most competent, professional engineers in the industry with over 20 years of experience. Licensed in 45 states, we offer expertise in educational, healthcare, residential, and industrial sector projects.

We invite you to learn more about our team and our past projects and then contact us to discuss how we can assist you in designing the building project you’ve been envisioning.