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11 Things You Didn’t Know About Renting a Dumpster

Posted By On April 26 2021
Things You Didn't Know About Dumpster Rental

If you’ve decided you’re going to give dumpster rental a try, there are a few things you might not realize the first time around. Since bin rental isn’t something you do every day, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process. Starting with some basic research, you can find a service to suit your needs. In general, though, there tend to be 11 things most people don’t know when they choose to rent a dumpster:

1. You have six sizes to choose from

You have probably seen dumpsters on the front lawns of Toronto homes for years, so you might think they are a one-size kind of deal. However, dumpsters come in six sizes allowing you to choose them either based on the space available on your property, or one that can meet your needs.

Renting a dumpster that is too large can lead to space issues, and also cost a bit more, while renting the right size allows you to complete your work and fill your load so you can take everything away in one trip. If your space is smaller, however, you might have to settle on the smallest size and arrange for a few trips. Sizes include:

  1. 4 yards: 10’ x 6’ x 2’
  2. 10 yards: 10’ x 7’ x 4’
  3. 14 yards: 12’ x 8’ x 4’
  4. 20 yards: 20’ x 8’ x 4’
  5. S20 yards: 14’ x 8’ x 6’
  6. 40 yards: 20’ x 8’ x 8’

Therefore, there’s a size sure to suit your needs for any job.

2. You have two types of delivery trucks for the bins

There are two options available for your bin delivery based on bin size:

  1. Hook lift bins. These are delivered using an arm extending out from the truck at 90 degrees. The arm hooks under a bar on the bin to lift it and place it on the ground. This is used to deliver bins 20 yards or smaller.
  2. Roll-off bins. These are delivered with wheels attached to a winch and cable system allowing the bin to easily roll off the truck onto its spot. The roll-off is used for larger bins.

3. Sometimes you need a permit for bin rentals

You’ll have to check with your local municipality to find out if you need a permit. In Toronto, you won’t need a permit for bin rentals placed in your yard or driveway. However, you do need a permit if you have to place the bin on the street.

4. Bin rentals can be filled more than once

As mentioned in point #1, if space is limited on your property, you will have to rent a smaller bin size. However, you can arrange to have the bin picked up and taken to the dump a few times as required.

5. Bin rentals have restrictions on some rubbish

Hazardous waste is not allowed to be disposed of in your bin rental. This includes:

  • Paint
  • Oils
  • Chemicals
  • Solvents
  • Asbestos
  • Oil drums
  • Oil tanks
  • Gas tanks
  • Toxins
  • Explosives

If you think you can get away with tossing stuff in the bin that is considered hazardous waste, don’t bother. Because laws on hazardous materials must be followed, bin rental companies have to check the contents before they haul it away. You will then have to remove the waste, which is just a pain, so it’s best to review the list before you begin filling your bin.

6. Your bin will have weight limits

This is a challenge because it can be hard to determine how much all that rubbish you’re tossing in the bin weighs. However, weight limits are there for a reason. First, it can be unsafe to try to use equipment to hoist or load too heavy a bin. Second, disposal companies are charged at the dump for weight. Therefore, they have to impose weight limits on you, so they don’t end up footing the bill for overages. A good example of something that will add a lot of extra weight would be concrete blocks such as old steps, or a lot of paver stones.

7. Online tools help you choose and book your bin rental

You can use the online order form to order your dumpster by answering a few simple questions. Of course, if this is your first time and you aren’t sure what you need, you can also speak to someone by phone before scheduling your delivery.

8. Your bin rental can be delivered or picked up even if you aren’t home

Unlike a lot of deliveries, you don’t have to take time off work to be home for the delivery or pickup of your bin rental. You provide special instructions when you book, so we know exactly where to place it and can follow any other steps required.

9. Bin rentals are insured to protect your property

If you are worried your property could be damaged during delivery or pick up of your rental bin, rest assured that our employees, trucks, and equipment are fully licensed and insured. We can present our liability insurance and WSIB Clearance Certificates upon request.

10. There’s a right way and a wrong way to load your bin rental

Loading a bin requires a little planning to make sure the weight is evenly distributed. You want to level out the rubbish, and be extra careful not to go above the disposal bin’s walls. Ideally, your rubbish is below the wall’s top and your waste is level to make pickup and transport safer and easier.

11. Bin rentals can only take clean fills

Although we’ve provided a list of hazardous materials we can’t take, when it comes to what is called a fill, it has to be clean fill. Clean fill refers to soil and rock, which is usually disposed of for major landscaping projects. For soil, we can only haul away clay, silt, and/or sand, and for rock, it can only be naturally occurring materials.

Contact Scarborough Disposal

If you have any further questions about your bin rental, speak to our team today at Scarborough Disposal.

12 Comments

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12 Comments

  • Posted on 05-09-2022 by Michelle Catapang

    A great read! Each point is explained really well. Thanks for sharing this content.

  • Posted on 07-06-2022 by Amy Saunders

    Hey there! I found it quite fascinating the moment you talked about how most dumpster rentals are covered by insurance policies to give us a sense of relief in case something goes awry with our property as a result of their mishandling. I’m going to host a small party for my colleagues this weekend at my backyard and I figure it would be impossible for me to clean the mess afterwards on my own. Well, I believe I should reach out to the right company to help me sort things out properly.

  • Posted on 16-05-2022 by Amy Saunders

    Hey there! It brings me so much relief the moment you reiterated that we can actually utilize the same dumpster multiple times too as long as we empty it periodically. The community hall in my neighborhood is currently undergoing a massive renovation process which creates lots of construction waste sometimes. I’ll ask those in-charge with the project to consider this choice and reach out to the right company quickly.

  • Posted on 03-05-2022 by Shammy Peterson

    It made sense to me when you said that it will be best to review the list of the items not allowed in a dumpster when you rent one. My mother mentioned that she is planning to declutter the basement on Sunday, so she is planning to hire a front-load bin. I will ask her to consider your tips so she can properly segregate items that can be disposed of.

  • Posted on 19-04-2022 by Mats Wolff

    It’s reassuring to be informed that hazardous garbage is not permitted in your bin rental. I’d like to rent a household dumpster to get rid of the trash in my home. Thanks for the dumpster rental advice. I’m hoping to obtain some for my house shortly!

  • Posted on 13-04-2022 by Amy Saunders

    There’s going to be a massive Halloween party in my neighborhood this weekend but my major concern right now is thinking about all the trashes created by the event. Fortunately, you were here to explain that renting a dumpster is so much easier nowadays because it can be done virtually as well. Well then, I’ll reach out to the organizers right away so they’ll opt for a responsible waste management soon.

  • Posted on 11-02-2022 by Scarborough Disposal

    I’m glad you enjoyed it Carl!

  • Posted on 08-02-2022 by Carl Effing

    I completely agree with the content of this article. It is difficult to make an article about renting a dumpster interesting, but you nailed it. Credits for that! Apart from being entertaining, it was also helpful, so thank you for that.

  • Posted on 08-02-2022 by Scarborough Disposal

    It’s always good to check what can and cannot go into a bin before renting one.

  • Posted on 03-02-2022 by Mats Wolff

    Its good when you reminded that hazardous waste is not allowed to be disposed of in your bin rental. I want to get a residential dumpster to dispose the garbage in my house. Thanks for the tips when renting dumpsters and I hope that I can get some for my house soon!

  • Posted on 09-12-2021 by Scarborough Disposal

    I’m glad our article was helpful!

  • Posted on 08-12-2021 by Amy Saunders

    Hi there! I found it intriguing when you said that it’s smart to plan out when you need a dumpster and for what kind of job. My husband wants to rent a dumpster to help clean up our yard next month. I think it would be smart for him to talk to a professional about which kind would work best for him later.

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