A Simple Guide to Dumpster Pickup
As your project wraps up, take some time to prepare for pickup. Our basic guide helps you prevent delays, extra fees and unexpected issues, so your cleanup ends as smoothly as it started.
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How to Schedule Dumpster Pickup
Once your project wraps up, it's time to schedule your dumpster removal. Requesting pickup online takes just a few clicks — but first, set yourself up for success by reviewing our scheduling tips.
Best Practices for Scheduling Pickup
We don't come back for your bin automatically, so be sure to request pickup before you finish loading. The ideal time to schedule is a few days before your rental period is over.
Schedule pickup
Request dumpster pickup online in minutes and we'll confirm within the next business day.
Time it right
Choose a date that’s convenient for your schedule and gives you enough time to finish loading before our driver arrives.
Coordinate with contractors
If you're working with contractors, confirm their schedule so you can arrange pickup accordingly.
Plan ahead to avoid issues
Schedule pickup as soon as your project's done to lock in your preferred day.
How to Adjust Your Rental Period if Your Project Runs Long
Projects don't always go according to plan. If your timeline changes, contact us to extend your rental period. We can usually offer flexible extensions for a flat daily rate. The earlier you communicate delays, the easier it is to adjust your rental period or pickup date.
How to Prepare for Pickup Day
With pickup on the calendar, take the time to review a few details before our driver arrives to haul away your bin.
Dumpster Pickup Day Checklist
Before your scheduled pickup, follow this preparation checklist:
☐ Confirm your pickup date
- Verify the scheduled date in the confirmation email you received after requesting pickup.
☐ Inspect dumpster contents
- Ensure that everything is properly loaded and below the fill line inside your bin.
☐ Create a clear path
- Remove vehicles, equipment and other obstructions from the drop-off location and leave access gates open.
- If your dumpster is in the street, make sure no parked cars are blocking the way.
☐ Take out prohibited items
- Do a final check for prohibited materials that you or someone else may have placed in your dumpster.
☐ Review dumpster protection
- If you used a tarp, remove it before pickup so our driver doesn't haul it away with the bin.
- If you put down plywood to protect your driveway, our driver will leave it on-site unless instructed otherwise.
What to Ask Yourself Before Pickup
Before pickup day arrives, take a few minutes for a final walkthrough with these questions in mind.
Is My Dumpster Overfilled?
All the debris in your container should fit below the inner fill line. An overfilled dumpster isn't safe to haul and you could end up paying a trip fee if we're unable to make the pickup. If materials are sticking out the top or over the sides, rearrange or remove them before your scheduled pickup day.
Is My Dumpster Overweight?
Every dumpster rental comes with a weight limit included in the pricing bundle. It’s okay to go over this limit, but you'll pay a per-ton pro-rated fee to cover the extra debris. Unsure how much your debris weighs? Use our weight calculators or contact us for guidance.
Did I Load Any Prohibited Items?
Check your bin carefully for electronics, tires, batteries and flammable or hazardous materials. These items can't go in a landfill and tossing them may result in additional fees or refused pickup. If you discover a prohibited item, remove it and dispose of it through your local recycling or hazardous waste program.
What Happens on the Day of Dumpster Pickup?
We don't guarantee a specific time window for pickup, but we will remove your dumpster at some point on your scheduled pickup day. The process typically takes just a few minutes. Our driver will hook up your container, lift it onto the roll off truck and haul it away.
Here are the most common questions about pickup day.
Do I Need to Be Home for the Pickup?
You don’t have to be home for your dumpster pickup as long as the area is clear and accessible. Be sure to open gates or provide an access code so our driver can open them. If you prefer to be on-site, that’s fine.
Just park your vehicle in a way that suits our clearance requirements — about 60 feet by 10.5 feet.
If your dumpster is in a shared area, consider notifying neighbors or contractors the day before so our driver can still get to your dumpster easily.
When Will Dumpster Pickup Happen on My Pickup Day?
Pickup times vary depending on driver routes, weather and traffic. We don’t offer specific pickup windows, but we will remove your bin on the scheduled day. For updates, you can contact our team or check your email.
During inclement weather or route delays, our customer service team will reschedule promptly and keep you informed until your pickup is complete.
Will I Get a Notification Before the Driver Arrives?
When you finish scheduling pickup, we'll send you an email confirmation of your pickup day. We won't reach out when we're on our way, but we will stay in contact with you in the case of inclement weather or another type of delay.
If you have questions about your pickup, you can always get in touch with our customer service team.
How to Troubleshoot Pickup Problems
Pickup issues are rare, but when they happen, knowing what to do saves time and frustration. Here are some potential pickup problems and how to resolve them quickly so you can keep your project on track.
Why didn't my dumpster get picked up?
Missed dumpster pickups are most often caused by:
- Overfilled dumpsters
- Blocked dumpster pickup access
- Prohibited items inside the container
- Unsafe weather or site conditions
Always double-check your dumpster and make sure it’s accessible for pickup by our drivers. If you run into any problems with pickup, please contact our team for help rescheduling.
What do I do if my dumpster is not picked up?
If your dumpster isn’t removed on the scheduled date, first check for any access or overfill issues. Make sure the container isn't blocked or too full for pickup. Then, contact our team to confirm the status of your order.
Delays rarely require rescheduling and will not result in a fee, while missed pickups are rare. We’ll work with you to reschedule as soon as possible and explain any issues that need correction before removal.
What’s the difference between a missed pickup and a delayed pickup?
A delay happens when we temporarily postpone pickup but your order remains active and on our schedule. A missed pickup means the driver attempted service but couldn’t complete it, often because of blocked access or an overfilled dumpster. Delays rarely require rescheduling, while missed pickups may result in a trip fee.
What if my dumpster is blocked?
If your dumpster is blocked when the driver arrives — by vehicles, materials or equipment — we won’t be able to pick up your dumpster. This will result in a trip fee. If this happens, clear any obstructions as soon as possible and contact us to reschedule your pickup.
What do I do if my dumpster is overweight?
If your dumpster weighs more than 10 tons, it’s considered too heavy to haul. If this happens, you may need to remove some debris. Use our convenient empty-and-return service to swap out your full bin for a new one and quickly dispose of the excess materials.
What do I do if there's a prohibited material in my bin?
If you find prohibited items in your dumpster, remove them right away to avoid a missed pickup or extra charges under our service agreement. Items like paint, Freon, tires and medical waste can’t go to a standard landfill. Bring them to a designated disposal site or contact our team if you’re unsure how to handle specific materials.
Dumpster Pickup Made Simple
Preparing for dumpster pickup doesn’t have to be stressful. By confirming your schedule, checking for prohibited items and maintaining a clear path, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free pickup.
If you have questions about preparing for pickup or need to extend your rental period, our team is here to help.
Dumpster Rental Resources
Dumpster Rental 101
Learn the basics before you rent, from choosing the right size to loading your debris safely.
Dumpster Fees Guide
See how dumpster fees work so you can avoid surprise charges and make the most of your budget.
Disposal Guides
Find out how and where to dispose of common items like furniture, appliances and yard waste.