Menu Close

3 Common Mistakes When Renting a Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is one of those things people don’t think much about – until they have a specific reason to do so. That said, it’s amazing how many situations there are in which renting a dumpster becomes a real necessity – whether it’s embarking on a new construction or demolition project, cleaning out the basement, dealing with yard waste, or any number of other projects.

When people do find themselves needing a waste container or rental dumpster, they often make mistakes that cost time and money. Here are three common errors people make when renting a dumpster.

1. Choosing the wrong size

You might assume that any dumpster will be good enough for your project – but people are routinely surprised by just how much junk there is. In the majority of cases, people choose a smaller dumpster to save cash, thinking it will give them plenty of space to get rid of everything they don’t want. But the dumpster soon fills up, and they’re forced to either rent another dumpster or delay their project. On the other hand, there are situations in which people rent a dumpster that’s much larger than necessary. A huge amount of space goes unused, and people end up spending a lot more money than necessary.

2. Choosing the wrong company

This is a common mistake with any purchase or investment – dumpster rental is no exception. There are companies out there who have clean, modern equipment and know how to deliver dumpsters efficiently. There are others who have faulty, old equipment and don’t know how to keep their time commitments. Hiring a sketchy dumpster rental company is a mistake that is likely to make your project more stressful, time consuming and expensive – and that’s not what you want!

3. Ignoring the rental company’s rules

This deserves mentioning because it happens so often. The fact is, every company has its own rules about what can and cannot be disposed of in a rented dumpster or container. Appliances and electronics are often prohibited, for example – in addition to things like air conditioners and other objects that contain specific chemicals. When you throw these materials in your rented dumpster without adhering to the rules, the rental company will almost always notice ­– and you’ll have to go through the hassle of removing them and finding alternative means of disposal. Having a clear idea about what can and can’t be disposed of in your rental dumpster is the best way to ensure a smooth, efficient junk removal project.

Finding the best dumpster rentals in your city or town

Obviously, dumpster rental isn’t something you want to spend a lot of time figuring out. You want to hit on a good solution and get the ball rolling. But if you’re too hasty, you might end up with a company who doesn’t operate to a high professional standard – and this will end up making things worse for you. Look for a strong track record of positive customer reviews, and you’ll be in good shape.