Questions to Ask the Dumpster Rental Company Before Renting a Dumpster

The global market size for waste management is expected to reach a stunning $2.34 trillion by 2027, up from $2.08 trillion in 2019. The waste management industry deals with the collection, transportation, and disposal of such waste products as garbage and sewage.

Dumpsters play a huge role in the management of solid waste. In particular, dumpster rental companies help ensure that unwanted products in residential, commercial, and construction areas are disposed of in a safe and efficient manner.

But with so many dumpster rental services in the US, how can you tell which dumpster rental company to work with? The best way to go about it is to interview several companies to get a good impression of what to expect.

During your interview, ask the following question to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Where Are You Located?

Ideally, you want to work with dumpster rentals located in your area. A big corporate company that you found through an online search may seem like a good option, but that’s rarely ever the case if they’re located in another city.

Such companies often lack local knowledge and have faceless representatives who treat clients like figures on a spreadsheet.

What you need is a company with a physical location in your area that offers services well suited to areas and businesses in your locality. Such a company can get to your site within no time and sort your issues in a hurry. And in case something goes wrong, you can always visit them in their offices and get it resolved. 

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This question is meant to establish the legitimacy of any company in the dumpster industry. The goal here is to protect yourself well before work starts.

Any dumpster rental company worth their salt will ensure they’re licensed before they start operations. They’ll also have sufficient insurance coverage to protect not only their employees and equipment but also their clients’ property.

During your initial meeting, request proof of licensing and company insurance. If the company seems hesitant to produce such proof, it’s a huge red flag.

What Materials Can Be Loaded

in the Dumpster?

There’s no use renting a dumpster that cannot accommodate the specific waste you wish to get rid of.

Every dumpster rental company is different, but there are certain materials that are generally prohibited in landfills. Consequently, these materials are unacceptable in both residential and commercial dumpsters. 

So, which materials do most dumpster rentals ban? Motor oil, paint, car batteries, and hazardous household waste are just a few examples. 

Note that some waste is acceptable, but only when not mixed with other trash. Such waste includes electronics and yard waste. 

Always be honest about what you’re planning to dump to avoid problems with the company in the future.

What Is the Weight Limit?

There are different dumpster rental capacities, depending on your needs. Generally, you want to stick to the weight limit stipulated in the dumpster rental to avoid overage fees. These fees are generally charged per ton.

Have a good idea of the weight of your debris before you rent a specific dumpster. This is especially the case when you deal with heavy waste. Generally, two tons of concrete would take up significantly more space than 2 tons of household waste. 

If you don’t take this into consideration, you may continue to fill the dumpster with concrete after it has reached the weight limit, just because there’s still more space left. The result, of course, is additional fees, which can quickly add up if you aren’t careful.

How Long Is Your Average Rental Period?

Most dumpster rentals allow you to rent a dumpster for a week. Many of them allow you to rent the dumpster for a longer or shorter period, depending on your requirements. Be sure to discuss these details during your first meeting so that there aren’t nasty surprises when it comes to delivery and pick up.

Note that you’ll most likely pay extra for keeping the dumpster for an additional period. 

How Much Will the Dumpster Cost?

The cost of a dumpster is generally based on its size. Larger dumpsters generally cost more to rent than their smaller counterparts.

Some companies also charge depending on how long you intend to stay with the dumpster. Pricing could also be based on the materials you intend to add to the dumpster, with heavier materials generally costing more. Get these details from the beginning to avoid surprises. 

Note that most companies charge the same for residential dumpsters, and they do for commercial dumpsters as you’re renting the same unit from the same company. However, the cost of construction dumpsters tends to be higher due to the extra cost paid at the local landfill for construction debris.

Don’t forget to enquire about the payment options available. The best dumpster rental companies offer a wide variety of modern payment options to suit their customer’s needs. These include credit cards, Bitcoin, and online transfers. 

To avoid getting overcharged, it’s always a smart idea to compare multiple quotes and go with one that makes the most sense for your budget.

Right the Right Dumpster Rental Company for Your Needs

Finding the right dumpster rental company for your needs does not need to be a big hassle. Once you’ve identified companies in your area you can work with, schedule an interview and ask the right questions to identify a rental company you can trust.

Are you in the market for reliable dumpster rental services in your area? Please, contact us today and learn how we can help.