Recent statistics reveal the typical American disposes of 4.4 pounds of trash daily. Under five pounds is a relatively manageable amount of waste to place in your average garbage can. When you have a large-scale project or cleanup, you may need more space than the garbage can in your kitchen.

When you have a lot to throw out, a dumpster rental is a much more economical way to take care of more significant amounts of trash. Also, renting a dumpster is a safe way to dispose of debris. They are convenient too.

If it’s time to think big, you must understand what is available and, more specifically, what you need for your unique cleanup. Every detail is in this comprehensive guide to rental dumpsters. Keep reading for a full scoop!

Commercial Dumpster

There are three main types of dumpsters. First is a commercial dumpster. These you typically see outside a gas station, restaurant, or the parking lot of a retail business.

Often, businesses will rent these on permanently and include a regular schedule for when a dump truck arrives to pick it up and haul it away. Usually, a commercial dumpster has a lid. This keeps out pests and helps to reduce odor.

Commercial dumpsters have two categories. First is a front-load dumpster. As the name suggests, these load onto a truck from its front, and the trash will drop in from a downward slant.

The other category is the rear load dumpster. It has extended poles and a slanted back. A hinge and winch system is used to dump out its contents.

The rear load dumpster can be more challenging to dump waste. However, they hold more trash.

Construction Dumpster

For a construction job site, this is the most common type you see. They are large and open-topped. A construction dumpster can serve multiple purposes too.

This is an ideal solution when you need something temporarily. They have wheels on the bottom, sometimes called “roll-off dumpsters.” It works well for roof tear-offs, yard waste, demolitions, and building remodeling, as they come in many sizes.

There are construction dumpsters, too, specifically designed to handle dirt and soil compound. Another type is designed to haul away brick, concrete, and asphalt.

Residential Dumpster

They are a lot like construction dumpsters. The difference is that you use these for your home projects.

This includes interior and exterior renovations, flooring removal, junk removal, and decluttering. Dumpsters are large and safe to locate on your driveway. You can also rent a backyard cleaning dumpster, which could come in a 10-yard small “low boy” style.

The residential dumpster is temporary, like the construction dumpster. It gets hauled away when it is complete.

Choosing the Right One

While it can be easy to select the right category, you also want to choose the right size. There’s a wide range of dumpster sizes that have various capacities. Choosing the correct size for your project will depend mainly on the number of anticipated debris.

Although, the category of the dumpster could determine the size you get. Commercial dumpsters, for example, often come in two to eight-cubic-yard storage capacities. Construction dumpsters, however, can hold up to 40 cubic yards of storage.

Dumpster sizes typically are measured in yards. A good rule of thumb is this. One cubic yard of waste in a dumpster equals about five or six 13-gallon garbage bags.

Generally, small projects can use a 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster. Larger projects should likely opt for a 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster.

What Can’t You Put in a Dumpster Rental?

Any waste that is not flammable, toxic, or hazardous is okay to throw in a regular dumpster rental. Here are items you should not include unless you work with a company that can haul away “hazardous” waste materials. 

  • Aerosol cans
  • Appliances
  • Batteries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Computers
  • Garden chemicals
  • Hair
  • Home electronics
  • Light bulbs
  • Halogen/incandescent bulbs
  • Fluorescent lights
  • LED lights

Further, you cannot exceed the height of the dumpster. Therefore, if you have large pieces of furniture, ensure your waste does not appear higher than the dumpster’s walls.

Other Considerations For Dumpster Rental Services

There are many businesses where you can rent a dumpster, but not all will serve you the same way. First, consider their proximity to the project site, whether it is a business or your home. The further they are, you may risk untimely services when it is time to haul your trash away.

Plus, a service with a longer distance to travel could cost more.

Next, you want the company to use proper disposal methods. This includes hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, and recycling. Experienced dumpster rental services will have a clear answer on how they can handle all of this.

If you are leaning toward one service provider, ask that they have a size that works for you. It would help if you had an estimate for what you need and if the provider could accommodate it. Ensure that what they have is not too big or too small but just right.

Finally, the provider should have the right equipment to haul it away. Before you sign off, sort out all the minor details. This includes the space where the dumpster will be left.

They must be able to explain all their delivery and pickup processes.

Dumpster Rental Guide

If you are ready to start cleaning up at scale, consider a dumpster rental from A Sani-Can with over 30 of industry experience. They help businesses and individuals eliminate debris from special events, commercial, construction, and backyard waste.

Get the customer service you deserve. A Sani-Can is committed to you! That’s why they have a reputation for reliability and affordability.

In one simple call, you will get it all! Contact A Sani-Can today.