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4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Dumpster

Posted By On December 12 2022
4 common mistakes to avoid when renting a dumpster

The time has almost come, and you can no longer put it off. The date has been circled in red on the kitchen calendar for what seems like a lifetime now, and the day is finally arriving. 

That large renovation is looming. You have your supplies picked out and ordered, and the time booked off from any and all other commitments, but something is still missing: your dumpster. 

This is the one thing that will make life easier during the renovation or clear out, or whatever else your project might be.

Now is the time to make the call and book the dumpster for delivery on the day. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when they do this, so let’s examine the four most common ones and help you to avoid them.

1. Size does matter

When it comes to renting a dumpster, you should make sure that you get the right size. Dumpsters are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but there are options depending on your needs and the project.

Getting one that is too small will result in overfilling. This can lead to additional fees being added when the dumpster is taken away. There’s also the safety aspect, where things can potentially fall out and injure someone walking past. 

If the dumpster is too large, then that’s just a waste of money. The dumpster needs to be able to accommodate your project and be kind to your wallet. 

You must also be able to cover it, should it start to rain. Wet and soaked materials may become heavier, which can affect safety when it comes time to move the dumpster. 

This can be avoided with a large tarp placed over the top when not in use unless the dumpster is already in a covered area.

2. Beware of hazardous materials

It is a misconception that anything can be thrown into a dumpster is fine be disposed of that way. 

There are certain materials that can be put in the dumpster, but still result in fines if not disposed of properly.

You should discuss any potentially dangerous materials with your rental company at the time of booking, as they can advise you on how best to deal with them. They are the experts, after all. 

Some potentially hazardous materials to be aware of include:

  • Asbestos
  • Chemicals
  • Paint
  • Pesticides
  • Propane tanks
  • Tires

Some companies are happy to take these materials if they are made aware ahead of time.

This way, they can then sort them and determine if they are safe to go to the regular landfill, or if they need to be disposed of another way. 

3. Consider location and placement

The location and placement of the dumpster need to be thought about carefully. 

If you are selling the house, and the neat and colourful flower beds that grace the sides of the footpath or driveway are a selling point, then placing the dumpster on  or next to them would not be a good idea. 

If you need access to the garage, to either park your car or take equipment out, then placing a dumpster in your driveway is not a great idea. 

You will need to safely access your dumpster to put things within and be able to walk around it. The company that is delivering and subsequently removing the dumpster will also need to be able to do so without being impeded. 

Another thing to consider is how far away from the job site you will place the dumpster. Is it going to take longer to move the items to it, thus adding more time to complete the project? Or, can you easily throw things out the window and straight into it?

When working out the location, ask yourself a few simple questions:

  1. How often will you be walking to and from the dumpster?
  2. How much access do you need to the garage?
  3. Are you blocking any doors and fire routes?
  4. Are you blocking the neighbours if you place the dumpster on the street or shared space?

Make sure your neighbours, neighbourhood association if applicable, and local police know what you are doing to avoid fines.

4. Know your dumpster company

The most important thing you could do, though, is to get to know the company you are choosing. 

We don’t mean that you need to buy them dinner first. However, make sure that the company you choose understands your needs, and is upfront and clear about how they can help you.

Go over all fees and make sure you are aware of everything so that there are no hidden surprises when it comes to settling the invoice. Ask to read the policies before you sign any contract if they are not available to review online. 

The last thing you want to do is breach something in the rental agreement that you were not aware of.

For dumpster rental in Ajax, reach out to Scarborough Disposal Ltd. Serving the Toronto area for over 30 years, we are experts in ensuring you get the dumpster you need and within your budget. 

Our trained experts will ensure you get the right size dumpster, discuss your disposal needs, and advise on the type of materials you have, including hazardous items, e-waste, and general household products, and the proper ways to deal with them.

We can work with your schedule and ensure that your dumpster is located in the safest, most accessible location on the site.

Let Us Take Away Your Worries and Debris

When you are ready to book your dumpster, reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team at Scarborough Disposal Ltd. You can contact us online here or call us at 1-416-265-7979.

Our professional customer support can guide you through the sizes and help you book your delivery and removal dates. From mini-bins to 40-yard bins, we’ve got you covered!

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