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Dumpster Rental FAQs
Common Questions About Renting a Roll Off Dumpster
Every cleanup is easier with a roll off container nearby. Never ordered a dumpster before? You’re not alone! Most Budget Dumpster customers are renting a dumpster for the first time, so we know you probably have a few questions. Use the following FAQs to navigate our services, pricing and sizing. We’ll also help you prepare for your dumpster delivery and pickup.
General
What is a dumpster rental?
A dumpster rental is a metal box you keep at your home or jobsite to toss trash in while you’re completing a project. We will deliver your dumpster when you need it, then pick it up once you’re done cleaning up.
Why would I want to rent a dumpster? What is it for?
Renting a dumpster is an easy way to clean up junk and debris. You can use a dumpster for a wide range of projects, including home cleanouts, remodels, commercial renovations and landscaping jobs. Just load trash into your roll off dumpster as you go to maintain a clean work space.
What does “roll off” mean in “roll off dumpster”?
A roll off dumpster is a rectangular box with no lid, a swinging door and wheels on one end. When your dumpster rental is delivered, a truck will use the wheels of the dumpster to roll it into the correct spot. So, a roll off dumpster is simply an open-top dumpster with wheels that “roll” into place.
How does renting a dumpster work?
With Budget Dumpster, renting a dumpster couldn’t be easier. Simply place your order online or over the phone. Then, we’ll schedule delivery when it works for you and place your container in a convenient spot for your project. Request pickup online when you’re finished cleaning up, and our driver will remove the full bin ASAP.
What should I look for in a dumpster rental company?
When choosing a dumpster rental company, you’ll want to consider customer service, dumpster sizes, customer reviews and pricing. In addition, find out about rental periods, prohibited items, terms and conditions. Read our guide on choosing a dumpster company to learn more about the standards we hold ourselves to.
Can I rent more than one dumpster at a time?
Depending on demand and local availability, there’s no limit to the number of dumpsters you can rent at one time. We’ll provide as many bins as your project requires, dropped off together or staggered to meet your needs. We can also deliver bins to multiple jobsites.
Will I need a permit to use my dumpster?
You might need a dumpster permit depending on your city and where you’re planning to keep your bin. If you’re planning to have your container in the street or blocking the sidewalk, contact city officials for permitting information before delivery. While not as common, you may need a permit if your dumpster will be on private property, like your driveway or jobsite. Read our guide on dumpster permits to learn more.
Do I need any special equipment or insurance to use a roll off dumpster?
No, you don’t need any special equipment or insurance to use a dumpster. All you need is a good place to keep it, like your driveway.
What should I do if I run into problems?
If questions come up during your cleanup, our team is here to take your call. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from preparing for delivery day to ensuring a successful pickup. If you run into trouble, simply contact us. We’re here to help.
Pricing
How much does it cost to rent a dumpster?
A dumpster rental can cost between $217 and $1,040 on average. This price is determined by several factors, including your location, dumpster size, debris type, debris weight and your rental period. Our team takes all of these things into account when offering you a flat-rate quote. Read our pricing guide to see how these five factors affect your quoted price.
Why does a dumpster cost so much?
Many customers are pleasantly surprised at how affordable renting a dumpster can be. But if the price seems high to you, let’s break down some of the key costs that make up your flat-rate quote:
- Landfill and transfer station fees for processing your trash
- Cost of the dumpster itself
- Your drivers' salary and drive time
- Fuel costs for delivery, pickup and transporting your debris to the landfill
A dumpster might seem like a simple metal box that just sits in your driveway or on your jobsite, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. We offer upfront pricing so you only have one cost for all the work that goes into delivering and picking up your dumpster.
Will I ever pay more than my quoted price?
There are several different dumpster fees that can be added to your dumpster rental, but all of these charges can usually be avoided. We recommend reading about each one of these fees before your rental period begins. You might also pay more if you request additional dumpster rental services during your project.
How can I avoid extra fees?
To avoid extra fees, prepare for delivery, fill your dumpster properly and only throw away accepted materials. You should also stay within your bin’s set weight limit. Please note there are several uncommon fees that can happen depending on the climate you live in. We typically see these charges in colder areas if we have to to dig your dumpster out of the snow or remove frozen debris from inside your bin.
When do I pay for my dumpster rental?
You’ll pay for your dumpster at the time of your order. But if you get extra fees throughout your rental period, you can expect to see those charges up to 120 days after you finish your project. While that can seem like a long time, we want to make sure we have all the information from the landfill and our driver before we charge an additional fee. Rest assured that if an extra fee is necessary, we'll let you know as soon as possible. Luckily, you can usually avoid these fees if you clean up mindfully.
Do I have to put down a deposit?
No, you don’t have to put down a deposit. We offer flat-rate pricing so you can pay for your entire dumpster rental upfront.
What payment methods are accepted?
Budget Dumpster takes most major credit cards. You can use a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card to pay for your dumpster. We don’t accept cash payments.
Sizes
What sizes do dumpster rentals come in?
We offer several dumpster sizes ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards. While the exact sizes available in your area may vary, our team can always help to find the dumpster that best fits your project.
How do I figure out what size dumpster I’ll need for my project?
The roll off dumpster you need depends on your project and the debris you’re tossing. Check out our dumpster infographic to get a better idea of how much debris can fit in each container size. You can also use our dumpster calculators to estimate how heavy your materials are before ordering. This ensures you get the best size for your project.
How much will my dumpster hold?
The amount of debris your dumpster can hold depends on the size you order. Each of our dumpster sizes is measured in cubic yards, which reflects the volume of the dumpster. For more information about dumpster volume and choosing the right size for your materials, read our guide on calculating cubic yards.
Will my dumpster have a weight limit?
Yes, all our dumpsters come with a weight limit, which is measured in tons. When you rent your dumpster, we’ll make it clear what the weight limit of your dumpster is. Going over this limit will result in a per-ton overage fee, so keep it in mind as you complete your cleanup.
How many pounds are in a ton?
There are 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. Your dumpster’s weight limit is measured in tons, so keep this in mind when you choose a container for your project.
How much space will my dumpster take up?
Dumpster dimensions can vary depending on the size you choose and where you live. Dumpsters are typically between 10 and 25 feet long, and around 7 to 8 feet wide. We'll need additional space to safely deliver your dumpster — at least 60 feet in a straight line and 10.5 feet wide, with clearance of at least 23 feet.
What if I don’t have a driveway or my dumpster rental doesn’t fit in my driveway?
If you don’t have enough room for a dumpster on-site, you can usually keep it on the street in front of or next to your work area. However, you may need a permit depending on the city you’re working in.
Delivery
How quickly can you deliver my dumpster?
Depending on local availability and our current schedule, we can usually deliver your dumpster in one to three business days. If availability allows, we can sometimes deliver your dumpster the next business day. Get in touch with our team if you need a container ASAP.
When will my dumpster rental arrive?
Deliveries can happen between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time. We cannot guarantee a time or provide an ETA, as driver’s routes are determined the day of delivery for maximum efficiency.
Can I request a specific delivery time?
We cannot accept requests for a specific time of day, or provide an ETA on the day of delivery. If you need your dumpster to get working by a specific time of day, we recommend scheduling delivery for the day before to keep your project moving.
How should I prepare for my dumpster delivery?
Make sure the drop-off location is accessible and clear before your dumpster arrives. This means moving cars, equipment and other potential obstacles out of the way. You should also open any entry gates to your property.
Do I need to be there for my dumpster delivery?
No, you don’t have to be present when your dumpster rental arrives. But make sure our driver can reach the drop-off location on your scheduled delivery date. This means moving cars, equipment and other potential obstacles out of the way before we get there.
Where can you drop off my dumpster rental?
We can deliver your bin to a flat, paved surface close to where you’re working. Your driveway usually works best for residential projects, while construction sites should designate a waste and recycling area. We can also drop off your dumpster in the street, as long as the city allows it. You may need a permit for street placement, however. Reach out to your city for permitting details.
Can my dumpster sit on an incline?
For safety reasons, we can’t place roll off dumpsters on hills. Steep slopes may prevent a successful delivery and make filling your bin difficult. If a hill is steep enough that you need to use the parking brake in your car, we can’t set your dumpster there.
Will my dumpster leave marks on the ground or damage my driveway?
While we carefully lower your dumpster rental onto your driveway, scratches are possible. If you’re worried about damaging your driveway, cover the delivery spot with plywood. This helps prevent unwanted scrapes and scratches. You should be especially careful if your driveway is old and starting to crack.
Can you move the dumpster after it’s been delivered?
No, we cannot move your dumpster to a different driveway or jobsite after it’s been delivered. However, we can move your dumpster to a more convenient spot on your property for an additional charge if needed. Marking the delivery spot ensures we place your container exactly where you want it.
Rental Period
Are there any rules I need to follow while I have my dumpster?
Make sure to clean up mindfully. Stay within your set weight limit, fill your dumpster properly and don’t throw away prohibited items.
What can I throw in my dumpster rental?
You can throw most kinds of debris, including household junk, construction materials and yard waste, into your dumpster. You can usually throw away appliances and mattresses too, but these items take longer for landfills to process. For this reason, you may get a per-item disposal fee depending on your location. In addition, there are prohibited items you can never throw in a dumpster rental. This includes oil, asbestos, gasoline, tires and other hazardous waste.
Is there a right way to fill my dumpster rental?
For safety reasons, we recommend loading large and heavy items into your dumpster first. Then, you can toss small and light objects over the sides to fill in any gaps. This helps you use all the space in your roll off container.
Will my roll off dumpster have a door?
Yes, all our dumpster rentals have a swinging door to make your cleanup easy. Open it to walk heavy materials into your bin first, spreading them apart to distribute their weight evenly. You can walk small and light objects through the door afterward, or toss them over the side.
Are there any safety considerations I need to take into account when using my dumpster?
The safest way to fill your dumpster is walking large and heavy items through the swinging door. You can easily hurt yourself if you toss these materials in over the side. Additionally, don’t touch flammable and hazardous waste if you can avoid it — and never throw these items in your bin. This includes oil, asbestos, gasoline and household chemicals.
Should I cover my dumpster if it rains or snows?
If you’re expecting storms during your cleanup, secure a tarp over your dumpster with bungee cords or tie-down straps. A cover keeps water from pooling in your container and adding weight to absorbent materials like dirt, upholstered furniture and carpet. Remember your dumpster rental has a weight limit, and going over it will result in an extra fee.
How long can I keep my roll off dumpster?
Our rental periods are usually between 7 and 10 days, but can be longer or shorter depending on where you live. If you’re tackling a lengthy project, ask about our extended dumpster rental periods when you order. For a flat daily rate, you can usually keep your dumpster for an extra day or two.
Do weekends count toward my rental period?
Yes, your rental period includes weekends and business days. Please note we may not be able to deliver or pick up your container over the weekend, so make sure to schedule your dumpster rental accordingly.
What if I fill my dumpster but still have more debris?
If you fill your dumpster before you’re finished cleaning up, use our empty-and-return service. Our driver will swap your full bin for a new one to keep you working with confidence. Already know you’ll need more than one dumpster for your project? With us, you can usually order multiple roll off containers at a time.
Pickup
Am I responsible for emptying my dumpster?
No, you’re not responsible for emptying your dumpster. Our driver will remove your roll off container shortly after you request pickup.
How do I request pickup?
Scheduling your dumpster pickup is easy with Budget Dumpster. All you have to do is submit our quick online form, and we’ll remove your full roll off container as soon as possible. We'll also email you during your rental period with a reminder to schedule your pickup.
When will my dumpster get picked up?
When you request pickup using our online form, you can schedule what date you'd like it to be removed. We'll follow up to confirm your requested date. Your dumpster can be picked up any time between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on your pickup date.
If my dumpster is picked up early, will I get any money back?
Budget Dumpster’s transparent, flat-rate pricing means you’re paying for your dumpster rental as one service. Your price is the same whether your dumpster is picked up early or not.
Should I do anything before my pickup date?
Make sure your debris is completely inside your roll off dumpster before requesting pickup. Nothing should stick up over the top or hang on the sides of your container. You should also clear the area of any potential obstacles so we can pick up your dumpster easily. Open any entry gates to your property, and shovel snow out of your driveway if needed. Not only does this help you avoid a fee, but it also ensures our driver can safely remove your dumpster. Also make sure to close and secure your bin’s loading door before pickup.