If you’re planning a big cleanout or construction project, chances are you’ve considered renting a dumpster. Whether you’re looking for dumpster options, one common question comes up: does dumpster rental include disposal? The short answer is yes, but with some important details you’ll want to understand before booking.
What’s Typically Included in a Dumpster Rental?
The majority of dumpster rental companies offer a flat rate that includes the delivery of the dumpster to your location, pickup once your rental period has expired, and disposal of the trash you fill it with. This combo package simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprise costs, provided you follow a few simple rules.
With that level, payment is a definite amount of weight, often quoted in tons. An illustration of this is if a 20-yard dumpster includes an allowance for disposal of between 2 and 4 tons of waste. The weight limitation comes from an estimate of normal usage for the sort of job that the dumpster is designed to cover, including household remodeling, yard cleanup, or light construction work.
Once the dumpster is picked up, it will be taken to a local landfill or transfer station where the contents are weighed. As long as you don’t go over your weight quota and follow your provider’s guidelines regarding what you can and cannot place in the dumpster, your disposal costs are already covered.
Disposal Fees and Extra Charges
While disposal is included, there are certain instances when there will be additional charges. The most common is exceeding the weight limit. For every ton over the limit, there usually is an overage charge that varies with the provider and local landfill rates. For example, if your dumpster is 3 tons and you put in 4.5 tons, you’ll have an additional charge for that 1.5-ton overage.
You will also be charged an additional fee if you are getting rid of hazardous or prohibited items. Examples of these items are paint, solvents, tires, batteries, and certain electronics. These items have special disposal protocols and cannot simply be thrown in a standard dumpster. Most rental companies have a list of prohibited items in the rental agreement, so it is advisable to go through it before you fill your dumpster.
A second reason for surprise fees is dumpster overfilling. Although you may not exceed the weight restriction, if things stick up past the roof or the doors are not going to close, the dumpster can’t be moved in a safe manner. When this happens, the driver is able to deny the pickup, and you will have to pay for a round-trip visit or additional days of rental.
Understanding Dumpster Sizes and Weight Limits
Different dumpster sizes are designed to handle different types of debris. A 10-yard dumpster might include a 1–2 ton weight limit and is perfect for smaller projects like attic cleanouts or garage cleanups. A 20-yard dumpster in Roswell is one of the most popular choices for mid-sized home renovations and usually includes a 2–4 ton weight limit. For heavier materials or larger cleanouts, 30-dumpsters offer higher capacities but also come with stricter weight limits.
How to Avoid Extra Fees
To avoid disposal-related fees, plan ahead and discuss your project with your dumpster rental provider. Let them know what kind of materials you’ll be throwing away and get a recommendation on the right dumpster size for your needs. It’s often cheaper to rent a slightly larger dumpster than to deal with overage charges or the hassle of ordering a second one.
Keep prohibited materials out of your dumpster and do not overcrowd it. When disposing of heavy materials like concrete, asphalt, or bricks, notify your vendor in advance. These types of materials may require a specialty dumpster with a larger weight capacity or a reduced rental period.
A useful tip is to strategically load your dumpster. Wherever it’s possible, break up big items and spread out the weight so that one side isn’t more compacted than the other.
Disposal for Special Items
Not everything is tossed into a dumpster. There is Freon in freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioners, and it must be disposed of accordingly. TVs and computers are typically banned from landfills and must be recycled. Household chemicals, paint cans, and oil are toxic waste and must be brought to a special disposal plant.
If you are unsure about an item, just ask. A reputable company will help you to a legal and safe solution to your disposal needs.
What You’re Really Paying For
When you rent a dumpster, you don’t only pay for the container itself. You pay for the service of having it delivered to you, the time you have to fill it up, and the hauling and disposal of the trash. Disposal is generally included in the package, but the key is keeping it within range and within regulations.
Dumpster rental is a convenient, smart means of handling big cleanups, remodels, and construction trash. Just make sure you know what’s covered, ask the right questions, and plan accordingly to avoid surprise charges.
Need a dumpster you can count on? Whether you’re looking for a 20-yard dumpster or a Buford, GA, construction dumpster rental, Speedy Dumps Inc. offers transparent pricing, flexible scheduling, and reliable service. Contact us today to get started on your next cleanup or project!
