How to Rent a Dumpster for a DIY Remodeling Project
You’re finally getting around to creating that dream kitchen you wanted. And you’re determined to save money by DIY-ing the whole remodel. You’ve picked out the flooring, backsplash tile, and paint. You’ve chosen the cabinets you want. And you’ve ordered the perfect dining table and chairs.
Now all you have to do is tear out all the old stuff to make room for the new design. Sledge hammer in hand, you start knocking those cabinets off the wall—and suddenly realize something you hadn’t put on your project to-do list: order a roll-off dumpster. Because all that debris? It won’t fit in the garbage can you roll out to the curb each week.
Whatever DIY remodeling project you’ve got going on, you’re going to need a roll-off dumpster to handle the demo mess. But where do you get one? What does one cost? How long can you keep it? What can you put in one? Do you need a special permit for one?
Space Makers Junk Removal, your local junk removal and dumpster rental specialists in the San Antonio Area, offers all the answers to your questions about how to rent a dumpster for a DIY project.
WHAT IS A ROLL-OFF DUMPSTER, ANYWAY?
A roll-off dumpster is a large, rectangular metal container delivered by a truck that’s specially designed to “roll off” the dumpster right onto a driveway, yard, or street. They’re open on the top, designed so you can throw items in, and most of them also hinge to allow you to carry things inside, too. Space Makers Junk Removal, for example, offers dumpsters that are open but that also hinge for loading big stuff into.
HOW DO I GET A DUMPSTER?
Most junk removal companies also rent dumpsters in addition to their junk haul-away services. Google “best dumpster rentals in my area” and you’ll find websites and contact information for those companies. You’ll find out the sizes of dumpsters available, the cost to rent them, the amount of time you can keep them, etc. Space Makers Junk Removal, for example, makes it easy to rent a dumpster in San Antonio, Kerrville, Boerne, or Bandera straight from their website, or you can text, call, or email them.
WHAT SIZE DUMPSTER SHOULD I GET?
The size of dumpster that you need depends on your project. Roll-off dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, not feet, based on the volume of stuff they can hold. Smaller dumpsters (10-yard or 15-yard) are perfect for a minor DIY remodel, yard debris, a garage cleanout, or decluttering a room or two. “A 10-yard dumpster translates to about three to four pickup truck beds,” says Space Makers Junk Removal owner Jared Moring. “A 15-yard dumpster contains about as much as you’d put in six to seven pickup beds.” Larger dumpsters (20-yard to 30-yard) are better for major remodeling projects that generate a lot of construction debris. When you call a dumpster rental company, a representative can advise you on the size you need depending on your project.
HOW MUCH DOES A DUMPSTER RENTAL COST?
Dumpster costs mainly depend on size and on how long you need to keep the dumpster. The weight you put in one can also affect the pricing. Because the junk removal service you choose has to be able to lift the dumpster back onto its truck, there are weight limits; if you exceed the weight limits, the junk company may require you to break up your project into multiple loads rather than one big load. A reliable junk removal company like Space Makers Junk Removal should be able to give you an accurate quote depending on your project, the size of dumpster, and the length of time you need it.
DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR A DUMPSTER?
Before you order a dumpster, it’s a good idea to check with your city or your HOA about any restrictions or any permits you might need. In general, you won’t need a permit for a dumpster that’s placed on your property for a short period. If you need one placed in the street or you plan to keep a dumpster for a long time, you may need a special permit for that.
WHAT CAN I PUT IN A DUMPSTER?
Before you book a dumpster rental, be sure to tell the dumpster rental company what you plan to put in it. There are some restrictions on what can and can’t go in one. For example, you can’t put hazardous materials (oil, paint, chemicals) in a dumpster, and you can’t put in tires or appliances like fridges or freezers. If you’re renting a smaller-sized dumpster, you may also be limited on types of yard debris. Smaller dumpsters can’t accommodate the weight of rocks, dirt, or concrete, but they are great for tree branches, small limbs, bushes, and other general landscaping materials. Be sure to ask about restrictions when you request a quote.
WHERE CAN I PUT A DUMPSTER?
You want the dumpster as near to your project as possible. However, A dumpster rental company needs to be able to access your yard, driveway, or street with its truck in order to roll off the dumpster. Think about any low-hanging branches in the way or how narrow your driveway is. Are there power lines in the way? You’ll also need to let the company know which side of the driveway you want the dumpster on, or where in your yard you’d like it. If they can’t access that spot, they’ll work with you on finding a better one.
WILL A DUMPSTER DAMAGE MY DRIVEWAY OR YARD?
Dumpsters are heavy, but companies should put down plywood or other protections to keep the rollers from seriously damaging your driveway or yard. Space Makers Junk Removal, for example, uses protection materials from RolliSkate when it delivers a dumpster.
HOW DO I GET THE MOST OUT OF A DUMPSTER
Sure, it might be fast to just toss items in a dumpster willy-nilly, but that’s not the most efficient way to do it. To make the most of your dumpster rental, Space Makers advises you to load the big stuff first—furniture, for example—and finish with the small stuff or oddly shaped stuff, packing it in so you don’t have empty spaces between big items. “It’s sort of like a game of Tetris,” says Jared. And be sure you heed the fill line; you can’t go above the top of the dumpster.
RENT A SPACE MAKERS JUNK REMOVAL DUMPSTER TODAY!
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Who knew there was so much to consider when renting a dumpster for a DIY project? We hope Space Makers has answered all of your questions, and we’d be happy to answer any others you have. If you live in the San Antonio area or Kerrville, Boerne, Bandera, and other areas west of San Antonio, we have dumpsters available for fast delivery and rental in those areas. Just contact us today!