4 Strategies For A Successful Dumpter Rental

If you are on the verge of tackling a big spring cleaning project, you're probably looking for ways to make it go as quickly and easily as possible. Although most people associate renting a dumpster with home improvement projects, they can also come in handy when you've decided to perform a major purge on your home. Following are four things that you need to know in order to have the best possible dumpster rental experience.

Certain Items Are Prohibited

Products containing pesticides, harsh cleaning agents, batteries, electronics, paints, solvents, and automotive fluids are examples of items that most dumpster rental companies will not allow you to put in their containers. State laws vary concerning proper disposal of electronic waste, but a representative from your local waste disposal company can provide you with local information on how you can recycle electronic waste as well as a list of items that are prohibited in area landfills. Your dumpster rental company may also offer recycling services for items that are not allowed in local landfills. Also, keep in mind that there is always the option of donating many used electronics items.

You Are Responsible for All Contents

The person who rents the dumpster bears the ultimate responsibility for its contents. For instance, if your neighbor sneaks in prohibited item such as an electronic device or battery, the rental company will charge you extra. If you live in an area with a dense population level or you have reason to believe that others in your area might be prone to taking advantage of an available dumpster, ask your dumpster rental company about renting a dumpster with a lock. If you are relatively certain that your neighbors won't take advantage of the situation, you can still hedge your bets by keeping your rental time period short. A locking dumpster will also prevent nocturnal urban wildlife such as raccoons from accessing the dumpster and leaving you with a huge mess to clean up in the morning.

Don't Mix Yard Waste With Household Waste

If you've decided to give your yard a good cleanup at the same time you're deep cleaning your home's interior, consider renting a separate dumpster for your yard waste. Many states have passed laws that prohibit yard waste from being placed in landfills. Vegetative materials are 100 percent recyclable, and your dumpster rental company may have reduced fees for containers that will hold only green material. Some dumpster rental services also offer yard debris removal on an ongoing basis, so be sure to ask if this is available in your area. It is also becoming increasingly common for waste management services to offer curbside composting along with regular trash pickup.

Check Your Local Codes Before Deciding on Dumpster Placement

Many city codes prohibit dumpsters from being placed at curbs, so be certain to check with your local code enforcement officer in order to ensure that you do not unknowingly commit a violation. County codes will apply if you live outside of the city limits. Depending on local laws, you may be able to obtain a special permit to place a dumpster on the street in front of your home for a limited period of time. In most cases, however, you will probably have to arrange for the dumpster to be placed on your property, which means that it will need a flat, level surface. If you decide to have it placed in your driveway, keep in mind that the weight of the dumpster may cause damage to the asphalt, so plan to lay down a level piece of plywood or a heavy tarp.