It’s estimated that the average American produces around 4.5 pounds of trash every day. While trash collection services take care of most of this, some circumstances require dealing with a huge amount of trash.
Home moves, construction projects, or business endeavors can quickly cause sites to become overwhelmed with trash. That’s why dumpster rentals are so important for these situations.
However, before you rent it’s vital that you first get a dumpster rental agreement in writing. But exactly what should be included in this agreement? And how do you find the right type of company for your needs?
This guide will walk you through the basics of understanding your dumpster rental agreement.
What Should Be Included In Your Dumpster Rental Agreement?
A rental agreement is an essential part of learning how to rent a dumpster. It ensures that your expectations surrounding the size, price, and rental terms are met.
It also helps the dumpster company ensure that you’re aware of any limitations or restrictions of what can or can’t go in the dumpster.
Unfortunately, many new renters are unaware of what they should look for in a dumpster rental agreement. Here are some essential components that should be found in any rental document.
The Size of the Dumpster
The first thing you should look for is the type of dumpster size you need for your project. Different companies will offer different-sized dumpsters. Here at LWS Dumpsters, we provide our renters with five different size options.
These include ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty, and forty cubic yard dumpsters. For small to medium-sized projects (like a garage clean-out or small renovation) you can’t go wrong with the ten to fifteen cubic yard dumpsters.
Larger residential and commercial renovation projects should upgrade to twenty or thirty cubic yard dumpsters. Large commercial jobs will be better off with the forty cubic yard dumpster.
Alternatively, if you have a massive job you might want to consider getting two or three medium-sized ones. The container size of the dumpster must be specifically mentioned in the rental agreement. That way, everyone is on the same page in terms of what will be delivered to the job site.
The Price of the Dumpster Rental
The price of your dumpster rental will ultimately depend on both the dumpster size and the number you get. The final price must be listed somewhere in the rental agreement.
Be careful around companies that conveniently leave this information out. These types of businesses will likely try to raise the price of the rental after the fact. Setting the price in the rental agreement will help you avoid this dishonest business practice.
The Length of the Dumpster Term
The last thing you want is your rental company taking away the dumpster right in the middle of a job. As such, you should make sure the length of time you require the dumpster is specifically spelled out in the rental agreement.
In some cases, you might not be sure how long you’ll require the dumpster. In these situations, you should make sure to discuss this with the rental company. They may be able to allow you to rent for an indefinite period. However, it’s something that needs to be clarified beforehand.
Whether or Not You Need a Permit
Different cities and counties will have different laws surrounding where a dumpster can be set up and how long it can be there. Most of the time, if a drop location is located on private property you won’t need a permit.
However, if you set up the dumpster on a street or similar public sphere, you’ll likely need to obtain a permit from the city. Make sure that you understand any permit requirements before you sign the dumpster rental agreement.
Otherwise, you’ll likely need to remove it early or face serious fines. If you want a resource for the permit requirements within our service areas in Delaware and Pennsylvania, check out this guide here.
Loading Levels
Most dumpster rental companies will have stipulations surrounding loading levels. Typically, you’ll need to make sure that the trash and debris are loaded evenly. The fillings of the dumpster also should extend past the side trails of the dumpster.
Many companies also require that heavy materials like concrete or rocks be placed toward the bottom of the dumpster. Make sure you’re clear on any loading level requirements before you sign your contract.
Restricted Dumpster Materials
There are clear federal and state requirements surrounding the disposal of hazardous, toxic, and infectious materials. Your rental agreement should spell out what is and isn’t allowed in the dumpster.
For example, here at LWS Dumpsters, we don’t allow any of the following:
- Appliances
- Flammable product
- Computers
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Box springs
- Mattresses
- Biomedical
- Paint
- Medications
- Televisions
- Spray cans
- Asbestos
- Liquids
- Corrosive materials
- Chemicals
- Explosives
- Radioactive material
- Tires
- Toxic materials
- Hazardous materials
- Fluorescent tubes
Your dumpster rental agreement should spell out what is and isn’t allowed in the dumpster.
How to Find a Quality Dumpster Rental Company
The first thing you should look at when searching for a dumpster rental company is online reviews. This will give you a better idea of what the average person’s experience has been with the company.
You also want a company that will give you a fairly accurate quote that they’re willing to stick by. If the company is constantly changing its price you should look elsewhere.
Lastly, make sure they answer all your questions and concerns regarding the right type of dumpster for your dumpster rental process. It can be hard to determine what size dumpster you need. So the rental company should help provide you with all the relevant information for your specific needs.
Ready to Make Dumpster Rentals Easy? Contact LWS Dumpsters
We hope this guide helped you know what to look for before signing your dumpster rental agreement. Here at LWS Dumpsters, we know that dealing with rental companies can be a hassle. That’s why we do everything in our power to make the experience as easy as possible for you.
From promised rates to on-time deliveries, we know you won’t be disappointed by our service. So if you’re ready to take advantage of our seven-plus years in the industry, then find your service area and contact us today.