How to Choose a Dumpster for a Home Renovation Project 

Renovating a house can be a fun venture. Still, the process is often messy, producing garbage and rubbish from used-up drywall and broken tiles to massive piles of construction material. If you choose the right dumpster your renovation project will proceed more quickly than without a dumpster. Below are some helpful tips to help you choose the appropriate dumpster for your project.

Evaluate Your Rental Duration and Scheduling

Timing is crucial in renovation. Most companies provide flexible rental options, ranging from a week to more for an additional fee. A week of rental may be enough for a quick job like a weekend kitchen remodel or ensuring you fill it. However, for a long project, you may need to rent and have it delivered at least once or possibly even twice.

You should undoubtedly rent a dumpster with a timeline in mind, book it to come to your job site just when the demolition begins, not days prior, so that you get the full value of your rental time. Check with your dumpster rental provider about their availability, especially during busy seasons, like spring or summer.

Consider the Type of Debris You’ll Generate

Not all waste created during the renovation is equal, which will influence what dumpster you order. Some companies will not take hazardous waste (such as paint or asbestos), and some will limit how much weight is allowed, especially for smaller dumpsters. For mixed construction (such as wood, drywall, and metal), a standard dumpster accessible for mixed debris works well. However, if you’re breaking up a concrete patio, you may need to order a receptacle designated for “heavy debris” that is reinforced.

Contact your dumpster provider for details about what is allowed, and plan accordingly. Up-front waste sorting will save you difficulties and is a good-functioning practice that can keep you in compliance with disposal at local waste management authorities.

Compare Prices and Hidden Costs

Prices vary significantly when renting a dumpster, depending mainly on the size, location, and company policies of the company you rent from. When looking at the price, ask about the initial rental cost and anything that might make that cost larger.

For instance, if you are hiring a dumpster for $300 and you have to incur penalties such as weight overage, late pickup, or other prohibited materials, this will cost you prohibitively at the end of its use. Furthermore, this may be included in the quote (delivery and pickup, for example) or charged separately.

You should always ensure you receive the complete breakdown in writing and review the costs from at least three companies. While a business may charge you the lowest base price to rent a dumpster, they may be the wrong fit for you if they put so many limitations on how you use it or if their service is awful. Identifying costs in advance can enable you to remain within your renovation budget.

Consider Placement and Accessibility

Where you locate your dumpster is nearly as crucial as its total size. Can it fit in your driveway, or must you place it on the curb? It’s worth taking a minute to measure your potential location, specifically the footprint of the dumpster, plus enough room for the delivery truck to get in. For example, a 20-yard dumpster will require an approximately 10-foot width and 20 feet of length plus room to drop it off. The ground must be level and firm. A dumpster on soft soil or sloped ground could tip over.

Think about how your workflow will work, if it is located close to the work site, that will minimize the hauling distance. You can also talk to the rental company about placement; they often know of a safe spot that meets your work conditions better than you.

Select an Established Rental Business

The last recommendation is to use a rental service that you can handle. Look for businesses with the best reviews, supportive and quickly responsive customer service, and open communication. A well-run rental vendor is not afraid to assist you with recommendations for sizing, restrictions, and delivery schedules.

Check online ratings or ask a neighbor or two for recommendations, locally owned businesses tend to understand regional and local rules better than a larger company with rental facilities nationwide.

Ensure the rental company uses environmentally friendly waste disposal methods, ensure disposal follows the regulations. A reliable vendor won’t just drop a bin off for you to use; they will be involved in your project from start to finish. Proceed cautiously and test their willingness by calling with a short question before the rental is booked. If they quickly return your call and are quickly responsive to your inquiry, odds are you will have quality service and value in your rental experience.

Endnote

Choosing the right dumpster can make a messy renovation process feel much more straightforward. When you size up your renovation, understand your options, and plan your logistics, you’ll remain calm amid the debris and be able to focus on the transformation ahead.