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3 Most Common Types of Dumpsters

Roll off dumpsters are a very versatile tool that can be used for so many different uses that there are too many to list! They can be used to move equipment, haul debris and deliver materials to name just a few! They are a vital tool for residential cleanups, house cleanouts, house additions, new home construction, renovation projects and many, many more! Today, I am going to take a few minutes to discuss the 3 most common types of containers, what they can be used for and a few common mistakes people make when ordering certain types of dumpsters.

1. Debris dumpsters- Debris dumpsters are the most common and most versatile type of dumpster rental. Debris dumpsters come in many different sizes and configurations with the most common sizes being 10, 20 and 30 yd dumpsters. Here at D&D Disposal, we carry 12 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd containers for debris. The types of projects that need debris dumpsters are roofing projects, new construction, home renovation projects, house cleanouts, garage cleanouts, basement and attic cleanouts and many more.

The typical rental period for a dumpster is 1 week so you should pay particular attention to the rental period policy of the company you choose to work with. Some will work with you on your rental period while others may follow a strict time period on a dumpster rental. Knowing this will avoid problems down the road. Talk with your hauler and let them know what you are doing and what you are thinking as far as time. They should be able to advise you as to what they can and can’t do. Here at D&D Disposal, we guarantee you 1 week with the dumpster. Should you need it longer, we will happily leave it out for you as long as we don’t need it. While this is our policy, it isn’t everyone’s. Asking your hauler should be a priority for you.

2. Concrete/Asphalt/Dirt dumpsters- The second most common type of dumpster rental is for masonry/asphalt products. Many customers call us because they are in the process of a major home improvement project and need a dumpster. Often, they are removing their driveways or walkways, patios, etc. and need a dumpster for the removal of the old materials. Concrete dumpsters are the most common type and may include a driveway removal, sidewalk removal, home foundation removal, footings removal, pool removal, or patio removal to name a few. If you have an asphalt driveway, you may need an asphalt dumpster.

Here at D&D Disposal, we offer 12 yd and 20 yd dumpsters for these materials. As far as dirt dumpsters, you may need to get rid of backfill, perhaps you are removing dirt to install a driveway or perhaps you have some other home improvement project that needs to get rid of dirt. We can do that for you no problem! We offer 12 yd containers for dirt. We do not offer 20 yd containers for dirt because they are simply too heavy for the trucks to pull.

3. Yard debris- The third most common type of dumpster rental is for yard debris. Yard debris includes leaves, brush, logs and stumps. While there are certainly other types, these 4 are the most common. While it would seem logical to assume you can get a yard debris dumpster and throw all the yard debris in one dumpster, it doesn’t work that way. Yard debris dumpsters are broken down into specific types and mixing different types of debris together isn’t permitted. For example, if you order a brush box and fill it with half leaves and half brush, no problem right? Leaves grow on branches so of course they go together. This would be wrong. Brush is chipped into mulch and leaves are composted into topsoil. While the same facility does this here in Ocean County, they do it in separate areas of the facility.

A dumpster loaded with both would be considered debris and subject to the higher fees associated with debris dumpsters and trucking the dumpster to the local landfill. If you get a brush box and put limbs in that are greater than 4”, it would be considered a log/stump box. If you order a dumpster for leaves, it can ONLY have leaves in it. Anything else and it is contaminated. The reason for the strict rules is simple. As a hauler, we save money when we can recycle your debris and wherever we can save money, we pass this savings on to you. If we can’t recycle the dumpster, we will have to take the debris to the local landfill and pay to dispose of your materials. If you paid for a leaves box and we can’t dump it as leaves, you will be charged additional fees including disposal fees and additional hauling charges. No one wins when a recycling dumpster can’t be disposed of properly. Your best bet is to ask your hauler what the rules are in your particular area and order the correct dumpster based on those rules.

Whether you are doing a new home construction or doing some yard work around the house, a roll off dumpster can be a handy tool to accomplish your end goals. As I mentioned above, dumpsters can also be used to deliver materials to your job site as well. Many haulers will offer to haul materials to your site for you for a fee. The fee would obviously need to be discussed between the customer and hauler, but the dumpsters can be used to deliver stone, dirt and many other types of materials. When choosing your hauler, take into account the considerations mentioned above and discuss them with your hauler. If you work together with your hauler, you can have a problem free waste removal and not lose time or money trying to fix avoidable problems such as contaminated dumpsters. Rules for recycling vary by the region of the country you live in and a good hauler will know how to dispose of your debris in the most cost effective and legal way possible. I hope this blog helps answer any questions you have regarding some of the basic uses for dumpsters and hopefully your project will be as smooth as you plan it!