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Save money, avoid common mistakes, and get the most out of your rental with these expert tips.
The #1 mistake is renting too small and needing a second dumpster (which costs more than upgrading). Use our free size calculator or call us, and we'll help you pick the perfect size. When in doubt, go one size up. The next size usually adds a fraction of what a second delivery would cost, since a second dumpster starts around $390.
While same-day delivery is available, booking ahead ensures you get the exact size and delivery time you want. Peak seasons (spring/summer) and weekends fill up fast. Planning ahead also gives you time to prepare your site.
Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries, tires) are prohibited, and landfills charge real per-item fees for certain items (one landfill charges $75 just for a mattress). Check our prohibited items list before loading. When in doubt, set questionable items aside and ask.
Position the dumpster as close to the work area as possible. For roof jobs, place it where debris can be thrown directly in. For cleanouts, near the main door. The truck needs about 60 feet of straight-line approach and roughly 25 feet of overhead clearance, plus firm, level ground underneath.
Place plywood boards (at least ¾ inch thick) under the dumpster to protect your driveway from scratches and indentations. We can often provide driveway protectors upon request.
Disassemble furniture, break down boxes, and cut large items into smaller pieces. This dramatically increases how much fits in your dumpster, potentially saving you an entire size upgrade. Flatten everything that can be flattened.
Place heavy materials (concrete, dirt, tiles) in the bottom of the dumpster and lighter items on top. This creates a stable load, prevents shifting during transport, and makes the most efficient use of space.
Never fill above the rim of the dumpster. Overloaded dumpsters can't be safely transported and will need to be unloaded before pickup, which means additional fees and delays. Keep everything level with or below the top edge.
Concrete, brick, dirt, and sand are extremely heavy. Heavy material goes in dedicated 10-20 yard boxes with their own rates (call us for a quote), and it can never be mixed with regular junk. Keeping it separate prevents overweight charges on your main dumpster.
Every dumpster includes a set tonnage, from 1 ton on a 10-yard up to 4 tons on a 40-yard. Exceeding it runs $150-$185 per additional ton. Know your material's approximate weight before loading. Our weight estimator tool can help.
If your neighbor is also doing a project, split a larger dumpster. A shared 30-yard costs less than two separate 15-yarders, and you both save money. Just coordinate your timelines.
Dumpsters on private property (your driveway) usually don't need a permit. Street placement often requires a temporary permit from your city, and the cost varies. In NYC it's $75 for a 5-day DOT permit, and we pull it for you. We can advise based on your location and help with the process.
Don't rush: every rental includes 7 days, and extra days run $40-$50 each (your exact rate is shown for your ZIP before you book). It's better to take an extra day or two than to scramble and end up needing a second dumpster for what didn't fit.
If you rent dumpsters regularly (contractors, flippers, property managers), our Pro Program offers volume discounts, priority scheduling, dedicated support, and net terms.
Document the delivery spot before the dumpster arrives and after pickup. This protects you if there are any property damage disputes. It's also satisfying to see your cleanup progress!
Renting too small. It costs far less to go one size up than to order a second dumpster, which starts around $390. When in doubt, size up.
Book 2-3 days ahead, choose the right size, stay within weight limits, break down items to maximize space, and avoid prohibited items. Contractors should join our Pro Program for volume discounts.
On a flat, paved surface as close to your work area as possible. Driveways are ideal. Use plywood underneath to protect the surface. The truck needs about 60 feet of straight-line approach and roughly 25 feet of overhead clearance.
Fill to the rim but never above it. Items cannot extend past the top of the container walls. Overloaded dumpsters can't be safely transported and may incur additional fees.
