Dumpster Rental FAQ

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FAQs can be customized for your business. For example, we have left areas for you to input your phone number.

Before Ordering Your Dumpster Rental


Dumpster Specifications

Will my dumpster have a door that swings open?

Yes, your dumpster will have a hinged back door that will swing open.

What is the weight of an empty dumpster?

An empty dumpster weighs between 3,500 lbs. (10 yard dumpster) and 6,500 lbs. (40 yard dumpster). The weight of the dumpster itself does not affect pricing. Rather, ONLY THE WEIGHT OF THE MATERIALS PLACED IN THE DUMPSTER AFFECTS PRICING.

Does the dumpster have a cover or lid?

No, our roll-off dumpster rentals do not include any type of cover or lid. We highly recommend using a tarp secured with bungee cords to cover the dumpster to help keep out unnecessary weight from precipitation and unwanted debris from nearby residents.

What are the dumpster dimensions?

Please see our dumpster size guide.

How is the weight of my debris determined?

The truck drives onto a scale at the disposal facility where an initial weight is recorded (gross weight). The truck then empties the contents of the dumpster. Next, the truck drives onto a second scale that records the weight of the truck and the empty dumpster (tare weight). The difference between the first and second weights (gross – tare) is the weight of the debris in the dumpster. The scales are regulated by state bureaus of weights and measures.

What materials may incur extra costs?

Mattresses, large/bulky electronic waste items, tires, and items containing freon may incur a per-item fee at the disposal facility. Any per-item fee(s) will be passed on to the customer.

What materials are prohibited?

Hazardous waste, dirt, industrial waste, chemical products, oil filters, herbicides, pesticides, radioactive material, solvents, paint (except completely dried latex paint cans, no liquids), other flammable liquids, aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission oil, lubricating/hydraulic oil, oil filters, contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.), antifreeze, appliances, petroleum contaminated soil/lead paint chips, tires, batteries, computers, monitors, televisions, microwaves, fluorescent tubes, railroad ties, medical waste, asbestos, animals, barrels, all liquids.

Nothing can be sticking out of the top of the roll off dumpster.

Additional requirements may apply based upon locality. Liability for appropriate waste remains with the customer.

Will the dumpster cause driveway damage?

Although driveway damage is unlikely, please be aware of the possibility of damage caused by the weight of the dumpster and the contents placed in the dumpster.

Watch the process of a dumpster delivery below, and find out our tips for keeping your driveway protected.

Prevent Scratching & Cracks

We recommend that you place 4′ x 8′ sheets or 2″ x 4″ plywood on your driveway where the dumpster will be placed. The wood will prevent the dumpster from scratching or cracking the driveway. Please take the proper precautions to protect your driveway!

Do I need a dumpster permit?

Dumpster permits are typically only required when placing a dumpster on public property such as a street, easement, or sidewalk.

Please contact your local township office or public works department to determine exact permit requirements for your specific situation. Permit requirements can vary within the same town based on placement specifics!

Can I put the roll off dumpster on the street?

Please check with your local municipality. Permits are often required for dumpsters.

How large of a space do I need for delivery of the roll off dumpster?

It is recommended to allow 4’ of clearance on all sides of the dumpster to assure adequate clearance.  Please refer to our Dumpster Selection Guide for dumpster dimensions.


Ordering / Scheduling Your Dumpster Rental


Is emergency dumpster delivery available?

Emergency services are based upon location and availability.

How far in advance do I need to order a dumpster rental?

We recommend ordering at least 24 hours in advance to ensure we have a dumpster available. Please note there is no guaranteed delivery time, so if a roll off dumpster is needed first thing in the morning, delivery should be scheduled for the day prior.

Is it necessary for someone to be there at the time of delivery/removal?

It is preferred, but not necessary, to have someone onsite for delivery or removal of the roll off dumpster. The driver will use his best judgment and place the roll off dumpster in the safest accessible area. You will be responsible for all charges involved with relocation of the dumpster should it be necessary. For removal, the customer agrees to provide unobstructed access to the roll off dumpster on the scheduled pick-up day. If the roll off dumpster is inaccessible, you will be subject to a wasted trip charge.

What if I need to change or cancel my roll off dumpster rental order?

You may cancel or change an order by calling us at XXX-XXX-XXXX Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm or contacting us via email at [email protected]. Please have your order confirmation number available when cancelling or making changes. A trip fee may apply if the driver is already en route.


Once You’ve Ordered Your Dumpster Rental


How do I open my dumpster’s door?

Handle Style Door Lock

  • Unhook any safety chains from the dumpster
  • Remove any safety latches, hooks, or pins from their holders
  • Pull “up” on the door handle / lever to release the door

Ratchet Style Door Lock

  • Unhook any safety chains from the dumpster
  • Remove any safety latches, hooks, or pins from their holders
  • Push the ratch switch “in” such that the ratchet catches the gear
  • Turn the ratchet repeatedly until the dumpster latches release and the door opens

What if I schedule service but it turns out I am not ready upon the driver’s arrival?

If service (delivery, removal, switch out, dump & return, relocate, etc.) is scheduled but not performed due to a customer’s onsite or last-minute change request, a wasted trip fee (based on location) is typically charged.  All service change requests must be made prior to the driver heading to your location in order to avoid wasted trip fees.

What if my dumpster is full and I need another dumpster?

Please call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX if you need your dumpster emptied and returned to you.

How long may I keep the roll off dumpster?

Our standard rental period is X days. Extended rental fees may apply when keeping your dumpster longer than the included rental period. The included rental period and applicable extended rental fee is always disclosed in our quotes. Be sure to ask about the included rental time and extended rental fees when pricing a dumpster rental!

Do I need to schedule removal of my dumpster?

Yes, you need to let us know when to remove the dumpster.  We do not automatically remove the dumpster at the end of the included rental period.  You can schedule removal online or via telephone (XXX-XXX-XXXX).

What if I need to keep my roll off dumpster longer or have it removed sooner?

If you want to modify the date your roll off dumpster rental is picked up, please call XXX-XXX-XXXX. Please have your order confirmation number available when making changes.

Provided by Roll-Off Dumpster Direct