Renting a dumpster can help you with a multitude of tasks, from renovation to decluttering in anticipation of a move. While it’s not hard to find a reliable dumpster rental company, there are some things you’ll need to know before renting a dumpster; for example, you’ll need to know the size of the dumpster you need and become familiar with regulations dictating what you can and can’t discard in them.

Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know to rent a dumpster in a relatively short period of time.

Why Rent a Dumpster?

There are several good reasons to rent a dumpster, including:

• Renovation. Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or other area of your house will likely leave you with old appliances and waste material.
• Landscaping. Landscaping work can churn up bushes, trees, and other plants that won’t go away on their own.
• Disaster cleanup. Fires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters tend to leave a path of destruction, along with piles of debris, in their wake; dumpsters are perfect for cleanup.
• Moving. Dumpsters are ideal for clearing out old junk before moving.
• Decluttering. Even if you’re not moving, decluttering the house can help you feel better and take better advantage of your living space – and a dumpster can help you do it.

Size and Spec Considerations

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when renting a dumpster is determining what size to get (and what type of dumpster to get in general).

• Volume. Different types of dumpsters offer different sizes and loading capacities. For example, a standard 10 cubic yard dumpster is about 17×7.5×3.5 feet and it can hold about 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum, a 40 cubic yard dumpster is roughly 22×7.5×8 feet and it can hold upwards of 12,000 pounds. The bigger your project, the bigger the dumpster you’re going to need – and you shouldn’t risk overloading it.
• Materials. Some types of materials need a specific type of dumpster. For example, some dumpsters are designed for landscaping or for certain types of materials that don’t belong in a standard dumpster.
• Placement. Where are you going to place the dumpster? Dumpsters are often bigger than renters imagine; you’ll need to have a spot in mind before renting.

Appropriate and Responsible Disposal

Next, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with what you can and can’t throw into a dumpster. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t dispose of things in a dumpster that you wouldn’t throw in with regular trash. For example, you should never throw away old electronics, recycling them instead. You also shouldn’t throw away paint, gasoline, or other hazardous materials. Read a full guide on the subject before planning your dumpster rental.

Other Tips

Here are some other miscellaneous tips that can help you with your dumpster rental:

• Shop around. There are likely many different competing dumpster rental companies in your area. They may offer different prices, different sizes of dumpster, or different perks and additional services with rentals. Shop around before committing to your choice.
• Measure twice. Size is one of the most important considerations when renting a dumpster, so it’s something you need to be sure about. Measure all the big items you plan to get rid of (if you can) so you can come up with an accurate forecast of your volume needs. You’ll also want to measure an outline of the dumpster you’re considering so you can see if it will conveniently fit in the space you intend for it. You don’t want to be stuck with a dumpster that’s too big or too small.
• Do your prep work. It pays to do some prep work in advance. Prepare the area for the dumpster so you’re not scrambling at the last minute and try to go through some of your items before the dumpster arrives. The better you understand your project, the more efficiently it’s going to flow.
• Lift responsibly. It’s easy to hurt yourself when lifting heavy objects, especially if you don’t have much experience. Make sure you lift with your knees (rather than your back), use proper equipment, and don’t take on more than you can handle. While you’re at it, take frequent breaks.
• Get help. Finally, consider getting help. Whatever your project is, it’s going to be much easier and more manageable if you have more people participating in the process. Consider calling on roommates, friends, family members, and neighbors for some assistance – or hire a pro to do the job for you.

A dumpster can make your life considerably easier, and the rental process is a breeze if you know what you’re doing. After a bit of research and a bit of planning, you’ll be in a position to take full advantage of this additional asset.