According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Americans spend $500 billion per year on residential refurbishments. These activities generate a considerable amount of solid waste per project.
If you’re one of those homeowners planning a renovation in 2023, taking care of any waste generated during your project should be a top consideration.
An affordable dumpster rental is an excellent option to ensure an efficient clean-up procedure during and after your home renovation. It’s a great refuse solution for de-cluttering your home, too.
Keep reading for our best tips on how to keep costs within your budget when you rent a dumpster.
Dumpster Costs and Fees
Understanding the costs that apply to dumpster rentals is the first step toward getting a great price on dumpster rentals. Some common charges levied for this service include:
A Base Rate
This charge is a fixed cost based on the size dumpster you rent. Different types of dumpsters will attract different fees, although most people opt for a roll-off dumpster for their projects.
Most dumpster rental companies will have these charges listed on their websites. If not, you can call them for a price list.
Tonnage Fee
Every dumpster has a weight limit. The tonnage fee refers to any extra weight you load into the dumpster above this amount.
For instance, if the maximum weight for the dumpster you rent is two tons, you’ll pay an extra fee if you load more than two tons into it.
Tipping Fee
Local landfills charge dumpster rental companies to deposit waste at their sites.
The fees vary depending on the location of the landfill. In Pennsylvania, dumpster rental companies pay $6.25 per ton to deposit solid waste at landfills.
Hazardous Waste Fee
Hazardous waste requires special handling and attracts high extra charges.
Examples of hazardous substances include:
- Paints and solvents
- Motor oil
- Antifreeze
- Electronics
- Pesticides
- Cleaning agents
- Batteries
Don’t place these items among the other waste in the dumpster. When in doubt, ask the dumpster rental company how best to get rid of these materials.
Late Return Fee
If your project drags on longer than expected, you’ll need to rent the dumpster for longer than expected. The company may charge late fees per week or day, depending on the original terms of your agreement.
Choose the Right Size Dumpster
When you rent a dumpster, choosing the correct size for your needs is the best way to save money. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying for unused dumpster space.
Dumpster volumes are normally shown in cubic yards, while the external dimensions are usually measured in feet. It’s easy to conceptualize the cubic volume of a dumpster by multiplying each of its dimensions by each other, i.e., height x width x length.
The answer to this calculation is in cubic feet. To convert this to cubic feet, simply divide it by 27.
Each dumpster size has a weight limit based on its volume. When renting a dumpster, don’t assume that one with twice the volume of another holds twice the weight.
For instance, a 10 cubic-yard dumpster holds a maximum of two tons, while a 20 cubic-yard dumpster can carry three tons of waste.
While it’s almost impossible to tell how much waste you’ll generate during your project, you can use the below explanations to help you figure out what size dumpster you need.
These are the most common dumpster sizes available for rent:
10 Cubic-Yard Dumpsters
These dumpsters can hold around 3 pickup trucks worth of waste. They’re well suited to minor excavations, small renovations, and light cleanups.
Most residential yards can accommodate this size dumpster, making them a good match for decluttering, driveway refurbishments, flooring removal, and renovations.
15 Cubic-Yard Dumpsters
With a capacity to accommodate up to 4.5 truckloads of waste, 15 cubic-yard dumpsters are a good choice for mid-size projects.
These jobs include community cleanups, basement cleanouts, and bedroom remodels.
20 Cubic-Yard Dumpsters
If you’re planning a medium-sized excavation, furniture cleanout, or building project, a 20 cubic-yard dumpster might work best for you.
These roll-off dumpsters can carry up to three tons of waste and suit both residential and commercial projects, including landscaping endeavors.
30 Cubic-Yard
These large dumpsters can accommodate five tons of waste, which equals eight pickup truck loads.
They’re well-suited to large landscaping projects, roof removals, new home construction, and mid-range commercial builds.
40 Yard
This is usually the largest dumpster available for rent. They easily contain up to six tons of waste, and suit building demolitions, expansive landscaping jobs, major earthmoving projects, and commercial construction projects.
Finally, you must think about where you’ll keep the dumpster during your project.
If you choose a dumpster that’s too large for your site, you’ll need to ask the rental company to exchange it for a new one. This is bound to result in extra charges for transport.
Your Location Affects Affordable Dumpster Rental
Some dumpster rental companies charge per mile to deliver your dumpster and pick it up when you’re finished with it. So it makes sense to get in touch with local businesses while researching your options.
Depending on where you live, you might need to pay permitting fees for placing the dumpster in a public place, such as a street or sidewalk. Some HOAs might have restrictions on where you can place a dumpster, too.
Get Help Choosing a Cost-Effective Dumpster
The best way to find dumpster rental fees that suit your pocket is as simple as calling local dumpster rental companies. If you explain your needs to them, they can advise you on the best dumpster options for your needs.
Get in touch with LWS Dumpsters for affordable dumpster rental services in Pennsylvania.