Finding the Right Size Dumpster for a First-Time Renter

Dumpster rental can be a difficult thing to gauge when you are a first-time renter. With these steps, hopefully you can properly assess what size container you are going to need for the particular job you are working on.

How HEAVY is the stuff you are dealing with? If you are dealing with dirt, concrete, brick, trees and tree stumps your most important question is going to regard tonnage--followed next by volume of the container. Many places will not allow a larger size box with heavier loads, since in some cases a fully-loaded 30 or 40 yard dumpster loaded with concrete or other inert debris may weigh easily more than 20+ tons---which would be dangerous and illegal for haulers to try to carry. If you are dealing with light materials, any size is usually available to you and your only concern regards how much volume your box has.

In the case of roofing shingles, a 20 yard waste container can manage up to approx. 40 squares. Much like dirt and concrete---shingles can get heavy fast, so it's important that even if you have lots of volume left in the container, you need to keep in mind any weight restrictions and fees imposed by the company.

In dumpster rental, it's crucial to have too much than too little--coming up 10 yards short on getting rid of your stuff when you could have ordered a 40 over a 30 is going to cost you more in the end than ordering the 40 to begin with. Dumpsters can't be loaded over the top, so having to pay for another container just to get rid of a few more things will be a headache best avoided.

Home renovations such as overhauling a bathroom, or cleaning out a garage can usually be served with smaller containers--in few cases 10 yards are enough--in others maybe you need a 20 or a 30.

In summary, heavy stuff usually means you need a container with a higher tonnage limit--roofing and common single-room household renovations usually only require up to a 20 yard. Household clean-outs or junk removal may require larger sizes without much worry over tonnage as long as the stuff getting tossed in is all reasonably light. It's best to ask questions even if you are assured of what size you need, because there may be something specific the hauler can't take---but having a good idea of what size you need makes you a smart and informed customer when locating a company to fit your needs.

Things to Know about Finding a Recycler or Landfill

One of the biggest impediments for a business or individual in the waste industry can be locating recyclers and landfills to handle certain materials when the need arises.

Advertising for these landfills have never been better due to the advent of the internet---but it can still be difficult to find a place that is located reasonably close, is priced appropriately and will accept the material you need to dispose.

Keep in mind when trying to find a landfill or recycler, these establishments often specify materials that are acceptable, as well as items that are unacceptable. What materials a landfill accepts vary wildly from one landfill to the next, so it is important when shopping around to find out exactly what materials are acceptable. Also, it's important to find out how you are charged. Some landfills charge by weight, others by yard.

Landfills and recyclers can be a difficult thing to locate, as many do not advertise outside of industrial circles--or do so in a very limited fashion. Why should they? Most of their business has to come to them anyway. Hopefully keeping these couple of points in mind while searching for a Landfill will save you time and energy.