Dumpster Rental Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Neighbours and Communities
Every once in a while, there is a need for dumpster rentals to get rid of debris from renovations, estate cleanouts, and other similar projects.
While it can be as simple as picking up the phone or making a “dumpster rental near me” search, then calling a company and arranging the delivery, there is an etiquette that should be considered.
In this article, we will discuss some dumpster rental dos and don’ts to help to keep the neighbours happy, while following local by-laws.
The Importance of Communication
As with any large job, communication is key. This goes beyond the people involved directly in the project and needs to include the dumpster rental company and the surrounding residents or commercial neighbours.
Let your neighbours and homeowners association know that you need to have a bin on your property for garbage removal. Then, give them the time frame that the bin will be there, and let them know that there will be minimal disruption.
You should also call your local by-law authorities to ensure any rules and guidelines are followed. For example, there may be restrictions on where you can place the bin on the road, delivery times, and other hurdles you may not be aware of.
The Right Size Bin
Don’t simply rent the first bin you find. Bins come in different sizes. If your bin is too small, you may have to use multiple bins, causing unnecessary disruptions to the rest of the community.
If your bin is too large, it may not fit within the allotted space, especially if it is being placed on a public street. This will result in angry neighbours and penalties.
By discussing your needs with the dumpster rental company when scheduling the drop-off, you can avoid potential upsets and financial loss.
Safe Bin Placement
Safety is paramount when it comes to the placement of the bin. This is important not just for you and the junk removal workers, but also for others around you.
When placing the bin on or near your property, a flat and stable surface is ideal. This will prevent the bin from slipping. Any sudden movements of the bin could result in injury to anyone nearby.
If your driveway is slanted, you may need to place the bin on the street. However, if the bin ends up blocking the roadway or other private driveways, this can affect your neighbours. Therefore, check with your local by-laws to make sure you are following the rules.
Many dumpsters will have a door that you can enter through. This type of dumpster is recommended for larger items. This way, you can carry the items in instead of trying to lift them up and over top of the bin. As a result, you need to be able to access the door and open it safely without the risk of it swinging back and causing injury.
The Debris
Many junk removal companies claim to take everything and anything when it comes to your items and waste in general. While this could be true, there are certain dos and don’ts regarding what can and cannot go into the bins. This is for health and safety, hauling, and other disposal reasons.
The bins will have a maximum weight and a line that you should stay within when filling them. You should always refrain from filling the bin above this line, as there are both legal and safety requirements.
Before you begin, you should clarify with the company the exact items you need to dispose of and whether they will take them. If they won’t, they can advise you on what to do with the specific items.
Items That Can Go into a Dumpster
Being careful about what you throw into the dumpster sounds limiting, but there are actually many items you can dispose of. For instance, general household debris, yard waste, furniture, and some appliances are okay to toss into the bins. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Dining tables and chairs
- Sofas
- Recliners
- Patio furniture
- Bed frames
- Washers
- Dryers
- Air conditioning units
If your project includes construction, then the waste produced can also go in the dumpster, as long as it doesn’t involve any hazardous materials.
Items That Cannot Go into a Dumpster
There are many items that do require special handling, and, therefore, should not be placed in the dumpster. The rule of thumb is if it is toxic or explosive, then it needs to be specially disposed of. The junk removal company will be able to advise you on where to take these things.
These items will include, but again are not limited to, the following:
- Paint thinners and paint
- Batteries (including car batteries)
- Propane tanks
- Tires
- Oils
- Cleaning solutions
- Pesticides
If you are unsure of an item, don’t just throw it in. Speak to your rental company and get confirmation. This way, you can make sure you are disposing of it properly.
Grey Area Items
When it comes to disposing of electronics, this is a grey area. Some rental companies will take them as they can correctly get rid of them and have the ability to do so. Others won’t and will redirect you to the local eco-station where you can take items in yourself.
Electronics include anything that requires a power source. Therefore, computers, televisions, laptops, and stereo systems all fall under this heading. E-waste requires special disposal and cannot just be thrown into a landfill. So, it is always best to check what you have and confirm where it goes before throwing it out.
Contact the Junk Removal Experts
Scarborough Disposal Ltd. has been removing and hauling junk in Toronto and the GTA for decades. We have the knowledge to handle all types of waste and debris and are the experts to help “dumpster rental near me” searchers decide what goes where.
We carry the right bins for your project and have the utmost courtesy and respect for your community. We can help you remove your junk while keeping the surrounding residents happy.
Our list of what we don’t take is much shorter than what we can and do remove. Call us at 416-265-7979 or go online for an estimate, and let’s get rid of your junk today.