If you’re getting ready to embark on a big construction or home renovation project, you need to plan ahead for success. Part of your planning needs to include waste removal solutions.
If you create a lot of waste during your project, it’s unlikely that your regular garbage removal service can handle the volume and materials. Even if you set the extra waste out by the bin on garbage day, they probably won’t pick it up.
Your best option is to hire a dumpster rental service. This will make your project cleanup (and your life) much easier. The only question is how to choose a dumpster rental company.
We can help. Keep reading for the top nine questions to ask before dumpster rental.
1. What Are Your Size Options and Prices?
First, think about the scope of your project. How much waste and debris do you expect to create? You need to take this question seriously, as it will affect how big of a dumpster you’ll need.
Ask the rental company what sizes of dumpsters they offer, and for what price. However, don’t simply go with the cheapest competitor. They may have less experience, inadequate insurance, poor customer reviews, etc.
2. What Areas Do You Service?
Next, make sure the dumpster rental service you’re considering caters to people in your area. Don’t complete your vetting process only to end up choosing a company that won’t deliver a dumpster to your home.
If you’re unsure of the areas they service, look for more information on their website. Otherwise, contact them directly by phone, email, or on social media to find out.
3. Can I Schedule an Exact Time for Drop Off and Pickup?
Before hiring a dumpster rental company or signing any contracts, iron out the details of the dumpster drop off. It may be important for you to be present so you can make sure they drop it off in the right space. If you’re having it delivered on a workday, find out if they can deliver it once you get home or during a lunch break.
This also applies to the pickup time. Once again, you may want to be present when the company comes to collect the dumpster.
Most companies are more than comfortable dropping off and picking up when the homeowner is not present. Ultimately, it comes down to your preferences.
4. What If I Run Out of Room in the Dumpster or Need More Time?
Learning how to choose a dumpster rental service perfect for your needs means asking about contingencies. For example, what happens if you end up needing more time than the agreed-upon rental period? Most companies will charge an extra daily fee, but you need to find out what that is.
Additionally, what happens if you run out of room in the dumpster midway through the project? Will they do an early pick up and drop the dumpster back off in a timely manner? How much extra will that cost?
5. Is There a Maximum Weight Limit?
Most dumpster rental companies have a maximum weight capacity for each size of dumpster they offer. Make sure you know what that maximum capacity is. Furthermore, if you exceed the weight limit, find out what the overage charges will be.
6. Where Can You Drop the Dumpster Off?
Learning how to find a dumpster rental service for your needs may come down to the logistics of the drop-off. For example, if you’re tearing down an old shed in your back yard, will the company be able to drop the dumpster off as close as possible?
Some dumpster services stick to drop-offs in driveways and streets, which may not be good enough for your needs.
7. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Obviously, whatever dumpster rental service you hire needs to be legitimate. They need to be licensed through the city and conform to safe and environmentally friendly waste disposal standards. Furthermore, each of their drivers needs to be qualified to operate the vehicles, which require CDLs.
Finally, make sure the company is insured and bonded. At the very least, they need to carry liability insurance. In the event that they accidentally cause damage to your property during drop-off or pick up, liability insurance will cover the cost of repairs.
8. Do You Have Customer Reviews I Can See?
Next, before signing a contract with any dumpster rental service, you need to make sure they have a solid reputation in the community. Find out what other homeowners who have worked with them have to say about their services.
Did they have a positive experience? Was the company on point with communication? How did the drop-off and dumpster pick up go?
Using customer reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to gauge a business’s credibility. Check their website to see if they have any published. They may also post them on their social media pages.
Lastly, use Google to search the company name and “reviews.” If you can’t find any customer reviews on your own, ask the company if they can provide them.
9. Are There Any Materials I am Not Allowed to Put in the Dumpster?
Finally, you need to make sure you’re not violating the dumpster rental service company’s rules or any environmental laws when disposing of your waste. Ask the company what hazardous materials are not allowed to be tossed in their dumpsters. If you violate these rules, expect to pay extra fees for each violation.
Typically, you can find a list of prohibited items on their website. If you know you have hazardous waste or prohibited items that need to be taken care of, you may need to look into specialty services that handle those types of materials.
Looking Into a Dumpster Rental Service
Are you still wondering what to ask before renting a dumpster? Check out some of our other frequently asked questions from customers just like you for more information.
And if you’re ready to hire our dumpster rental service, contact us today to request a free quote. If you have any more questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to working with you!