Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Renting a Dumpster (and How to Avoid Them)

• Always check your dumpster rental company to see what materials are restricted.

• Your city or HOA may control where you can place rented dumpsters.

• Remember: debris and clutter get bigger after removal, so pick a bigger dumpster than you think you need.

McGree Trucking is a leading local provider of convenient dumpster rentals, waste management, and trash removal across the Butte-Silver Bow region. Whether you're clearing land, renovating your home, or emptying out a rental unit, getting your dumpster rental squared away will make your project easier. You can avoid expensive dumpster placement errors and cut out overage fees from dumpster mistakes. Read this quick guide to dumpster rental mistakes so you can avoid dumpster rental errors and choose the right dumpster size right from the start.

#1: Choosing the Wrong Container Size for Your Project

How much trash will you be throwing away? It's hard to eyeball volume, and you have to step up your prediction because trash, yard waste, and demolition debris expand. But if you underestimate your size requirements, you'll have to delay the project or rent a second dumpster. At McGree, we offer a wide range of dumpster options so you don't have to feel restricted or guess too small. Our units range from 4 to 30 yards, and our team can help you zero in on the right size so you avoid this common dumpster rental problem.

#2 and #3: Ignoring Weight Limits and Material Restrictions

Here's another rental dumpster planning tip: what you put in your rented dumpster matters just as much as the volume you plan on removing. Extremely heavy loads pose logistical problems, including materials such as rocks, concrete, or bricks. If you plan to load the dumpster with heavy, dense items, one of the best dumpster misuse tips is to talk to your company to learn their rules and how they can safely serve you.

Additionally, require companies to implement material restrictions on hazardous materials, including solvents, waste, reactive compounds, and extremely flammable goods. Every company must maintain safety and compliance in accordance with state and regional requirements, and each may have unique restrictions. As you reach out about renting a dumpster, discuss any materials you think might be too heavy or restricted to get clear answers.

#4 and #5: Poor Placement Planning and Permitting Errors

There are a couple of logistical dumpster rental mistakes that can be just as problematic. First, be careful about where you place the dumpster. The bottom can be finished or stained concrete, and it'll often be too heavy for landscaped yards. If it blocks easements, sidewalks, or accessible pathways, that can lead to citations from the city and challenges for your neighbors. Reach out to Butte municipal teams or check online regulations to pick a spot that won't result in fines.

Dumpster placement errors can also make the unit harder to use. If it's too far from the waste you'll be removing, or if you place it on a slanted surface, it will be very hard to use. It can even be hard to secure if the surface is at too steep of an angle.

Partner With McGree Trucking for a Stress-Free Rental Experience

If you're renting a dumpster and you're worried about dumpster rental mistakes, McGree Trucking is here to help with more tips for first-time dumpster renters. We offer a variety of dumpsters in different sizes, along with planning support and guidance so that cleanup goes more smoothly, and you can move on to the next phase of your project. What's the next step? Check out our rental dumpster FAQs, or contact us today to ask about our available dumpsters and how we can work together to schedule your rental delivery and pickup.

Image credit: // Shutterstck // Michael Dechev