The Do’s and Don’ts of Dumpster Renting

Many home projects are made much easier with the use of roll-off dumpsters for cleanup. But many homeowners have never rented a dumpster, so they’re uncertain of how to rent a dumpster and what they can put in them. And then there’s the question of what to do with them once they’re full.

At Small Haul Containers, our goal is to make renting a dumpster as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a few guidelines on the do’s and don’ts of dumpster rental. We hope you’ll find the answer to some of your most pressing questions right here, but if not, give us a call. We’re experts when it comes to roll-off dumpster rentals in Kansas City. We’re always happy to talk with customers and clear up any confusion about the dumpster rental process.

Q. What’s the best kind of project for a roll-off dumpster?

A. Roll-off dumpsters are ideal for any project that makes a sizable mess. This includes home improvement projects like room remodels, the addition of a porch or other room, changing out landscape features, or constructing a backyard living space such as an outdoor kitchen, shower, or firepit. It’s also useful when cleaning up after replacing carpeting, roofing, or siding. Many homeowners also rent a dumpster when they tackle big organization projects such as cleaning out an attic, garage, or basement.

Q. How do I know if I need a dumpster for my project?

A. If you’re planning a project that requires heavy lifting and will generate trash that’s too large to easily fit in a curbside trash container, you should consider renting a dumpster.

Q. What kinds of stuff can I throw in a roll-off dumpster?

A. Here’s a list of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to items that can be disposed of in a dumpster:

Do’s:

• Household items and waste
• Paper/plastics/glass
• Furniture
• Most home electronics such as TVs, computers, printers, and fax machines
• Appliances (subject to additional transportation fees; appliances mustn’t contain freon)
• Yard waste (must be separated from all other debris)
• Construction/remodeling debris such as drywall, wood, and siding
• Heavy materials (may require advance approval)
• Shingles (must be clean and not mixed with other material)
• Concrete/bricks/stone/soil

In general, the rule of thumb is that if a material is toxic, hazardous, or flammable, it should NOT go into a roll-off dumpster. This includes, but is not limited to, the items below.

• Paint, stain, lacquer, or empty cans from these items
• Tires and batteries
• Chemicals, including freon
• Solvents of any kind
• Oil cans or oil drums
• Radioactive waste
• Highly flammable liquids or materials
• Bio-medical waste
• Infectious waste
• Liquids of any kind
• Any toxic or hazardous material

If you have a question about the type of item you need to dispose of, give us a call before you schedule your dumpster rental so we can advise you.

Q. How can I tell what size dumpster I’ll need for my job?

A. Here’s how we do it at Small Haul Containers. We’ve come up with a handy guide to help customers determine what dumpster size suits their needs. We use the measurement of 1 cubic yard = 1 standard-sized washing machine as the basis for these descriptions.

• 6 cubic yards: Ideal for decluttering a small garage or basement. It’s about the size of a small car.
• 10 cubic yards: Great for an average kitchen or bathroom demolition. This container is about the size of a crossover.
• 13 cubic yards: This size works well for multiple home improvement projects. It’s about the size of an SUV.
• 16 cubic yards: Ideal for cleaning out a two-car garage or decluttering an entire basement or attic. This container is about the size of a minivan.
• 20 cubic yards: This is the Big Kahuna, our largest container. It’s about the size of a full-sized van. Most customers use this one for their largest home projects or for multiple room demolitions.

We recommend breaking down boxes and condensing items into the smallest possible footprint before throwing them in the dumpster. This way, you fill the container to capacity and maximize the available space.

Q. What if I’m not tall enough to reach the top of the dumpster?

A. Our dumpsters have barn-style doors that open outward to make loading a snap. Just walk inside and drop anything you want hauled off. You don’t have to worry about lifting heavy items over your head to get them inside the container.

Q. Where does the dumpster go? Will it kill my grass?

A. Don’t worry, your grass is safe! We deposit the dumpster in your driveway, taking care not to damage the driveway in the process. Even our largest container still fits within a parking space-size footprint. All you need to do is tell us whether you want it on the right side of the driveway or the left.

Q. How long can I keep the dumpster?

A. Our standard dumpster rental is one week. If you need additional time, you can extend your rental period for a nominal fee.

Q. What do I do with it when it’s full?

A. Once you’ve filled the container — or at the end of your agreed-upon rental period — we’ll come out, pick the container up, and haul it away.

Q. How do I go about renting a dumpster from Small Haul Containers?

A. Visit our website to view the availability of our dumpsters and our upfront pricing. Then schedule your rental online through the site. You’ll get instant confirmation that your order has been received.

If you still have questions about the do’s and don’ts of dumpster rental, give us a call. We’ll explain the process in more detail and help you figure out whether renting a dumpster is the best solution for your next project.

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