Your project is about to begin, and trash is about to start piling up. To make this process run as smoothly as possible, we’ve prepared some tips on how to prepare for dumpster service. The checklist below details tips and guidelines to ensure there are no problems with disposing of bulk waste from the beginning to the end fo your rental period.
Have a spot in mind for your dumpster
Before any other preparatory measures can start, you should first know where you’d like to put your dumpster. This may be dependent on a few factors, like the size of your driveway, its material, and your city’s regulations on dumpsters placed on the street.
The location of your dumpster should be somewhere that is hard and flat, like a concrete driveway. Asphalt works well too. Have a spot ready before the driver gets there and keep in mind that to deliver your dumpster safely, the area must be clear of obstructions.
Make sure you have the required room
It’s recommended to check on the exact size of the area you’ve chosen for the location to adequately prepare for dumpster service. You’ll need room for the truck to maneuver but you’ll also need room for the dumpster itself. This also includes considering understand the logistics of how you will be accumulating and disposing of waste to make disposal easy during your project.
- Do you need extra space to move around the dumpster or can it have a tighter fit?
- Should it squeeze onto your driveway, or sit out back where your patio is bigger?
Keep these questions in mind to mitigate any size issues that could affect the flow of your project.
The sizing requirements for dumpster delivery are as follows:
- A delivery truck plus a dumpster stacks up to about 18-23 feet while the dumpster is lifted and lowers from the truck. Check to see if any branches or power lines could get in the way of this.
- Make sure your desired drop-off location also has about 60 feet of straight-line clearance, meaning the truck won’t have to turn or maneuver for that distance. This helps the driver accurately and safely unload your dumpster.
- You’ll also want to give them about 11 feet of room from left to right.
Clear the area and mark it for delivery
Once the location of your dumpster is finalized, clear the area of any debris or obtrusions before the delivery truck arrives to prepare for dumpster service. Obtrusions can include trees, power lines, buildings, corners, or curves, all of which are difficult and potentially impossible for your driver to navigate.
- Be sure to move any cars from your driveway or away from the street by your house-you may need to ask your neighbor to move theirs too.
- To avoid potential scrapes or to harden a soft surface, you can put down a few planks of plywood for your dumpster to rest on.
- To ensure your area is secure and ready for delivery, block off the section with cones or something similar to indicate the space you’re reserving for delivery.
Confirm your delivery date
You don’t want to do all that preparation for nothing. Make sure you’ve got the right delivery date secured so there are no hiccups. Write the date down beforehand. Check with your represetnative to ensure your dumpster is coming when you think it is.
Double-check your pick-up date to ensure that you’ll have your dumpster for as long as you need it. Depending on your project, it may be better to book longer than you need it. This way, you avoid any penalty fees by extending your rental period.
Know what can and cannot be placed in a dumpster
It’s important to note that not everything is allowed to be placed in your dumpster rental. Make sure you know what can be placed in a dumpster before you start filling it up with trash. The wrong items could cause a penalty fee and the return of items that are not accepted.
Please check what items are allowed and not allowed before starting your project. This makes the unloading process easier and helps you avoid any additional fees. If you need further clarification than what’s listed on our site, check with our representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be around when they drop off my dumpster?
No, you do not unless you need to pass along additional instructions to the driver. We will deliver it without you being home but it’s a good idea to speak to us beforehand. You’ll need properly mark where you’d like the dumpster to go if you aren’t able to tell the driver yourself.
Can they put it on sand or soft ground if I don’t have a hard driveway?
Yes, however, it’s easy to put the delivery truck in a difficult situation without solid ground. The driver could get stuck trying to pick up a dumpster laden with heavy garbage on wet or unstable ground.
One solution is to use plywood for the dumpster to sit. Lay some plywood down if you can’t avoid it sitting on sand or soft ground. Notify our reps before delivery on the physical landscape if you think it could be problematic.
Can I throw away whatever I need to?
No. There are many landfills that don’t accept specific items. Most household garbage is perfectly acceptable to toss inside. For other items, it’s in everyone’s best interest to check with your representative. Heavier waste like concrete or shingles, for example, may require specific planning. This is why why we go through the specifics of the project with every one of our clients.
How long can I keep my dumpster?
The rental dates you set must be followed. It may be wise to plan for an extra day or two longer than you expect to need it. Demolition or renovation projects have a tendency to last longer than expected, which you may want to keep in mind.