Dumpster Rental 101: The Complete Guide to Renting a Dumpster
Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting a dumpster, from choosing the right dumpster size to understanding pricing and disposal rules. Whether you’re tackling a home renovation or major construction job, we’ll help you navigate the dumpster rental process with confidence.
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The Basics of Renting a Roll Off Dumpster
Renting a dumpster is simple when you know the process. With Dumpsters.com, you'll be confident in every step, from selecting the right size to loading and scheduling pickup, ensuring your project runs smoothly.
Dumpster Rental 101 Guide
Renting a roll off dumpster is a straightforward way to keep any project on track, whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or contractor. At Dumpsters.com, we keep the rental process simple and offer expert support every step of the way.
1. Plan Your Project
If your project will create more debris than your regular trash service can handle, it’s time to consider a dumpster. Common project types that need a roll off dumpster include:
- Heavy debris removal (concrete, rocks and dirt)
- Cleanouts (garage, attic, office and estate)
- Home renovations
- Commercial remodels
- Indoor and outdoor demolition
- Landscaping
A dumpster gives you one central place to toss everything as you go, keeping your workspace safe and organized.
How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Dumpster Rental?
It’s best to book your roll off dumpster at least a few days before your project begins. This ensures you’ll get the size you need and have the container delivered on time. During busy seasons — like spring cleaning and summer renovations — ordering a week or more in advance is a good idea.
With our free cancellation policy, you can order your dumpster well in advance of your project and cancel or reschedule for free if anything changes. Just make sure to let us know by 3 p.m. the business day before your scheduled delivery.
How Do I Order a Roll Off Dumpster?
Order by Phone
Have questions about sizing or debris? Speak with our team and get an expert dumpster rental recommendation.
Order Online
Already know which roll off container you need? Skip the phone and order online with ease.
What Do I Need to Rent a Dumpster?
When you’re ready to order by phone or online, have the following details on hand:
- Your delivery address, including zip code
- Type and amount of debris
- The date you need a dumpster and for how long
- Any unique requirements for the project
2. Choose the Right Dumpster Size
Selecting the right container size is one of the most important steps in the dumpster rental process. You don’t want to overload your bin and have items hanging over the sides, but you also don’t want to overspend on a dumpster that's too large. There are three main factors that will help you choose the right bin: size, weight limit and price.
Dumpster Sizing
To find the right size, you’ll need to know the type and amount of debris you’re tossing. We offer dumpster sizes from 10 to 40 cubic yards to fit any mess.
- For heavy debris removal or small cleanouts, our 10 yard dumpster typically works best.
- Our most popular size, the 20 yard dumpster, is a perfect fit for single room remodels or estate cleanouts.
- Larger renovations and demolition jobs usually need a 40 yard dumpster.
- We also offer dumpster sizes from 12 to 30 yards to fit any project.
Not sure which size is best for your project? Whether you’re ordering online or ordering by phone, we’ll provide expert roll off dumpster recommendations based on your project details.
How Do I Choose the Right Size Dumpster?
What You’re Tossing
Debris has varying sizes and weights, and some materials require a specific dumpster size. Make sure you know whether you’re tossing heavy, bulky or lightweight items.
How Much You’re Tossing
It’s important to know how much debris you’re throwing away so you don’t pay for more space than you need or overfill your container. Our weight calculators can help you find your debris tonnage.
Delivery Location
The location of your cleanup can determine which size bin you should order. Make sure your driveway, jobsite or street has 60 feet of clearance and 23 to 25 feet of vertical space.
Weight Limits
When you order a dumpster, your bin will come with a weight limit. Landfills charge disposal costs by the ton, so depending on the size of your container, you’ll have a weight limit between 1 and 5 tons. If you’re not sure how much your debris weighs, use our weight calculators to estimate your waste tonnage or get in touch with our experts for a recommended dumpster size.
What happens if I go over my dumpster's weight limit?
Landfills charge disposal costs by the ton, so going over your weight limit results in a per-ton overage fee. If you go over, you’re only charged for your extra weight. So going over your limit by half a ton means you’ll only pay for that half, not the whole extra ton. You’ll never pay for more than what you need.
How many pounds are in a ton?
There are 2,000 pounds per ton. Most of our dumpsters’ weight limits fall between 1 and 5 tons.
Dumpster Pricing
The average cost of a dumpster rental is $663 with prices ranging from $286 to $1,538. However, roll off dumpster pricing depends on your location, dumpster size, debris type and other factors.
Unlike companies that tack on additional service fees at checkout, we offer flat-rate invoicing that bundles your price upfront, so what you see is what you’ll pay for. When you order with us, you’ll receive a quote for your rental agreement that includes your:
- Delivery
- Pickup
- Rental period
- Landfill fees
- Weight limit
There are no hidden fees in your upfront cost — everything is bundled into one price from the start. If you go over the weight limit, we’ll only charge you for the amount of weight you’ve exceeded at a prorated amount.
3. Prepare for Delivery
We can typically deliver your dumpster within five days of placing your order, depending on your location. In some areas, we may even be able to offer same-day or next-day delivery subject to our inventory. We schedule our deliveries based on the most fuel-efficient routes, so your bin can arrive at any time during your delivery day.
Dumpster Delivery FAQs
How should I prepare for my delivery date?
Clear the drop-off spot of obstacles, unlock any necessary gates and, if you like, mark the spot with plywood or cones. When you schedule your delivery date, you don’t have to worry about being present when your dumpster arrives, just follow our simple dumpster delivery tips.
Where should I keep my dumpster rental?
Choose a flat, paved area for your dumpster delivery. If you’re working on a home project, driveway placement is usually ideal. On jobsites, a designated waste area works better. Street placement is also an option, but you may need a permit ahead of time.
Do I need a dumpster permit?
Depending on where you keep your dumpster rental, you may need a dumpster permit ahead of time. Typically you don’t need a permit if you keep your bin on private property, like your driveway or jobsite. If you need to keep your dumpster on the street, you may need a permit from your local municipality.
4. Fill Your Dumpster Safely
Once your roll off dumpster arrives, it’s important to know how to fill your bin safely — and how to avoid overloading fees. Follow these steps to fill your dumpster safely and efficiently:
1. Load debris evenly. We typically recommend loading your bin with heavy and bulky items first. Make sure to spread debris evenly throughout the container to distribute the weight. This will help ensure a safe pickup by our driver.
2. Be aware of the fill line. Each of our dumpsters has a fill line on the inside of the bin. To avoid an overloading fee, keep all debris below this line and make sure nothing sticks out the top of your bin or hangs over the sides.
3. Avoid tossing prohibited items. Only throw away accepted materials in your dumpster rental. Tossing prohibited items or hazardous waste can damage the bin and contaminate the landfill, and you’ll have to pay a fee.
4. Close and secure the dumpster door. When you finish loading your waste, it’s important to close and secure the dumpster door. Close the door until the latch clicks back into place. Then, replace the chain.
How Do I Open a Dumpster Door?
Our rentals come with a dumpster door at one end of your bin to help you load your heavy and bulky items. Because the door is heavy and swings open, it’s best to open it with someone to help you. To open the door:
- Lift the safety latch or pin on the side of the bin.
- Remove the chain.
- Lift the bar for the swinging door latch.
- Push the door open.
5. Schedule Pickup
So, what happens after your dumpster is full? When you approach the end of your dumpster rental period, we’ll send email reminders to schedule your pickup. Once you’ve finished loading your dumpster, schedule a pickup online using our Service Dashboard. We won’t come to get your dumpster until you schedule a pickup, even if it’s the end of your rental period.
As you decide on your pickup day, keep these things in mind:
- Be prepared for your dumpster to be removed at any time throughout the day.
- We’ll do our best to provide a time of arrival, but our routes are based on fuel efficiency.
- Make sure your dumpster is accessible and not overloaded with debris.
Using Our Service Dashboard
At Dumpsters.com, we strive to make the dumpster rental process as simple and convenient for you as possible. That’s why we created our Service Dashboard, so you can manage your rental online any time. With our Service Dashboard, you can:
- Change your delivery date
- Request a pickup
- Order another dumpster
- Ask billing questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Dumpster
Should I order my dumpster online or by phone?
Calling us or ordering online are both easy ways to order your dumpster. We recommend calling if you’re not sure which dumpster to rent or you have questions about your debris. Already know exactly which bin your project needs? Order online with ease.
How long can I keep my dumpster rental?
Our typical dumpster rental period is seven to 10 days. However, we can sometimes accommodate shorter rental periods if you only need your container for a weekend. Note that a shorter rental period does not always mean a lower rental price. Need to keep your bin past 10 days? Reach out to our team. Usually you can hold on to your dumpster for a flat daily rate.
How soon can you deliver my dumpster?
We can usually deliver your dumpster within five days of placing your order. It's always best to reach out early to secure the dumpster you need, when you need it. While we may be able to provide same-day or next-day delivery in some locations, it's not a guarantee.
How do I schedule my dumpster delivery?
When it comes to scheduling your dumpster delivery, simply confirm your ideal drop-off date with our team when you order by phone or select the desired date when ordering online. If you need to change your delivery date, you can do so without penalty up until 3 p.m. the business day before your scheduled delivery.
Do I need to be on-site when you deliver my dumpster?
No, you don’t need to be there when we deliver your dumpster. We'll take detailed delivery instructions when you order so we can still deliver your bin even if you aren't around. On the day of delivery, just make sure the drop-off spot is free of obstacles and any gates are unlocked and open.
What can I toss in my dumpster rental?
You can toss a variety of accepted waste in a roll off dumpster. Throw away household junk, like wooden furniture and old toys, or yard debris, including grass and dirt. You can also toss construction materials, such as lumber and concrete. There are prohibited items you can never throw in a bin, including flammable and hazardous waste.
How do I load my dumpster efficiently?
The most efficient way to load your dumpster is to start with your heavy and bulky debris. Walk items through the dumpster door or roll them in with a wheelbarrow. Spread materials evenly throughout the bin to distribute the weight. Then toss light items over the sides of your roll off container to fill in gaps. When you finish, be sure to close and secure the swinging door for a successful pickup.
How Dumpsters.com Simplifies the Process
World-Class Customer Service
Experience a stress-free cleanup with our expert support and online Service Dashboard.
Delivered & Picked Up as Promised
With our 98% on-time service rate, we make sure you have a dumpster when and where you need it.
Reliable Service for a Fair Price
You can count on us to provide great service at great rates so you never overspend on your cleanup.