Whether you’re performing a large home renovation, clearing out the estate of a loved one, or just decluttering your yard or garage, renting a dumpster is a smart move. These units provide convenience and make your project go along a whole lot more smoothly.
However, if you’ve never rented a dumpster before, you may have some questions about the process. Particularly, how long should you keep a rental dumpster? While the answer will always depend on the size of your project and other personal factors, Roadrunner Dumpster is here to provide some helpful tips to get things started for you.
Understanding Your Project Scope
You should try and understand the scope of your project before you rent a dumpster. Different projects require different amounts of time to complete, which will affect how long you’re going to need it. For example, cleaning branches and leaves out of your yard during the fall may not take as long as a massive home declutter. For a simple cleanup, you may want to rent the dumpster for a few days, but a major renovation could require several weeks.
Think about the size of your project. Larger projects typically mean more waste, requiring more time to fill up your dumpster. You want to try and guess how much waste you’re going to deal with by the end of your project. This way, you can avoid having a dumpster sitting in your driveway longer than necessary, saving you from unnecessary fees.
You can also use your current project timeline as an estimate for how long you’ll need the dumpster. Understanding how long each phase of your project will take can help you determine the rental period for your dumpster. If you plan to spend one week gathering everything up, you may not need the dumpster for that period, but you may rent it for a few days to throw all of that stuff out. That way, you aren’t paying for days that the dumpster will just sit there unused. Planning ahead is always a good idea, as it allows you to schedule pickup and drop-off at times that are convenient for you.
Types of Dumpster Sizes Available
After checking the size and scope of your project, you can use that information to try and determine what size dumpster you need. There are a range of sizes, and which ones are available may depend on the specific rental company.
One of the most common sizes is a 15-yard dumpster. These units are great for smaller home projects, and you may need them for only a few days. If you’re dealing with a larger project, you can go for a 20-yard or larger unit to hold more stuff.
The way dumpster size can impact how long you need to rent a dumpster depends on your living area. For example, your neighborhood may limit how long you can keep stuff on your curb. Also, you may not want to keep a heavy dumpster in your yard for too long if it violates HOA rules.
Check how long you can have waste disposal units like this on or around your property, and you can plan a rental agreement to fit within those timeframes.
Calculating Waste Volume
Calculate your waste volume when figuring out how long you need to rent a dumpster. This process helps you avoid over- or underestimating the amount of waste you’ll produce. To start, consider the types of materials you’ll be disposing of. Different materials take up varying amounts of space.
Try to estimate how much waste you expect to have before renting a dumpster. You can do this by visualizing or measuring potential piles of waste or debris. Here at Roadrunner Dumpsters, we can also help you estimate sizes by looking at photos of your project/debris and using other volume calculators for you. Keep in mind that you may not be able to throw certain things into the dumpster for environmental reasons, such as asbestos, liquids and batteries. Try to keep those hazardous materials in mind when making these calculations.
Rental Duration and Cost
When wondering how long you should keep a dumpster rental, you should look at the specific rental length and see how that impacts the price. Some companies offer deals, and you may find a better deal investing in a lengthier rental period than needing to undergo multiple short periods.
You want to try and align your rental period with the timeline of your overall project. Sometimes, it’s a better deal to keep the dumpster throughout the length of your entire project. In the worst-case scenario, you finish early, but that’s better than underestimating.
Scheduling Delivery and Pickup
After figuring out the scope of your project and having a rough idea of how long you need the dumpster, scheduling the delivery and pickup times is a much more straightforward experience. You can coordinate these logistics to ensure a smooth business experience. The first step is reaching out to a residential dumpster service and getting the information you need.
We recommend choosing a delivery date to line up with the start of your project or the day after gathering and sorting the waste piles that you expect to throw out. Having the dumpster ready as soon as possible can eliminate unnecessary delays and keep your project site free of clutter. You’ll also schedule the pickup at a time when your project should conclude.
Try to have some flexibility when scheduling your dumpster drop-off and pickup times. Allow for some cushion time in case of unforeseen delays. Remember to communicate with the dumpster rental service and provide them with information on any sudden changes that occur throughout the process.
Best Practices for Loading Your Dumpster
Once you have the dumpster, you can benefit your project by using that time effectively. Instead of tossing everything into the dumpster without a plan, try to load it efficiently. Begin by breaking down large items. By reducing bulk, you create more room in the dumpster, accommodating more waste.
Avoid overfilling the dumpster. Overfilling your dumpster may lead to additional fees or cause safety issues during transport. Always adhere to the fill line indicated on the dumpster to prevent these issues. You should also properly distribute weight within the dumpster. Placing heavier items at the bottom and evenly distributing materials prevents imbalance and ensures safer transportation.
If you’re looking to simplify your next home project and ensure efficient waste management, consider Roadrunner Dumpsters for all your residential dumpster service needs. With a commitment to reliability and friendly practices, we provide the perfect solution for your home projects. Contact us today to schedule your rental and experience a seamless, hassle-free process that keeps your project on track. Let us help you make your next home improvement endeavor a success!
