Do you need to rent a dumpster for a construction site, remodel, roof or window replacement? [caption id="attachment_194797" align="alignright" width="234"] Steve Masterson | Founder, Waste Masters Solutions[/caption] Most of us need to rent a dumpster a few times in a lifetime and haven't a clue about how to pick the right dumpster for the job. I've rented a dumpster twice; one to dump all the stuff I should have years earlier right before a move and the second dumpster at our new home construction site. Knowing the different dumpster options and right questions to ask can make the rental process a little less intimidating and might save you money. Why spend $600 when you can get away with $300? When I rented my dumpsters, I didn't really ask many questions. I called, I ordered, I paid. And boy did I pay too much! I ordered two 20 yard dumpsters - which ended up being way more that I needed for the cleanout and way less than I needed for the construction site! Do a little homework before you decide on what dumpster to rent. Here are a suggestions for your next dumpster rental.  

5 Great Tips on How to Pick the Right Dumpster

1. Size Matters The first thing you need to do before renting a dumpster is to determine what size you'll need. One of the biggest mistakes people make is ordering the wrong size. As I shared before, the 20-yard dumpster I rented for cleanout was way too big for my purposes. Paying for a dumpster that is only half-filled makes no sense. Most dumpster rental companies offer a variety of dumpster sizes:

• 10 yard dumpsters are good for those small remodeling projects or medium-sized cleanouts such as a deck under 300 square feet or shingle roof removal under 1,500 square feet. They hold 10 cubic yards of material which translates into around 3 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 20 yard dumpsters are for those medium-sized remodeling projects or for major cleanouts such as carpet removal for a large home, shingle roof removal over 1,500 square feet or deck removal over 300 square feet. They hold 20 cubic yards of material which translates into around 6 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 30 yard dumpsters are generally used more for commercial purposes or for a major home addition or new construction. They hold 30 cubic yards of material which translates into around 9 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 40 yard dumpsters are also usually more for commercial or industrial purposes, however, if you are doing a complete window or siding replacement, this might just be the size for you. They hold 40 cubic yards of material which translates into around 12 pickup trucks full of debris.

2. What Are You Tossing Out? Another consideration is the type of waste you will be generating. Many dumpster companies don't allow a mixture of materials. For examples gravel and fill most likely cannot be combined with other materials. Also, depending on what you will be dumping, the weight just might be a factor. Heavier items will cost more to dump. The best way to determine your cost would be to consult with the dumpster company as to the exact nature of materials you will be disposing of. 3. Know the Law It is against the law to dispose of hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes include chemical products, oil filters, herbicides & pesticides, radioactive material, solvents, paint (except completely dried latex paint cans, no liquids), other flammable liquids, partially filled aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission oil/lubricating/hydraulic oil/, contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.), antifreeze, refrigerators, petroleum contaminated soil/lead paint chips, tires, batteries, fluorescent tubes, railroad ties, medical waste, asbestos, dead animals, sealed barrels or cylinders, and all liquids. 4. Comparison Shop Renting a dumpster can be a big expense and prices can greatly vary from one supplier to the next, so do your homework and get at least two quotes from dumpster rental companies. It's wise to inquire about added expenses such as; overage charges, tipping fees, late fees and fuel surcharges, so that you can have a true comparison. 5. Negotiate I can't emphasize enough the importance of negotiating the price. Commercial contractors do it all the time, why shouldn't you? Also, don't be too embarrassed to ask about special discount pricing. Some dumpster rental companies offer discounts of 10% or more to military personnel, seniors, veterans or members of certain organizations. More than likely you won't hear about them unless you ask! Click these links for more material and suggestions. Waste Masters Solutions rents dumpsters to all of Delaware and the surrounding area. If you liked this article, give us a shout out on Facebook and fill out the form below if you would like a quote for your next dumpster rental needs. [caption id="attachment_221103" align="aligncenter" width="343"] Waste Masters Solutions[/caption]