Decoding Dumpster Rentals: Additional Fees for Special Items Explained

When it comes to renting a dumpster for your home cleanout, renovation, or construction project, proper loading can make all the difference. Many people underestimate how quickly a dumpster can fill up, often leaving them scrambling for extra space. The good news? With a few strategic tips, you can maximize the available space in your dumpster, preventing the need for an additional rental. Whether you’re dealing with bulky items or small debris, the way you load your dumpster can significantly impact how much you’re able to fit. From breaking down large objects to carefully stacking smaller items, smart packing can help you get the most out of your dumpster. Below are some essential tips to help you make the most of your rental. Bulky Items – Break these things down as much as you can. Say you have a big cabinet that’s made of wood. There is a lot of space being wasted in the cabinet itself when not broken down. A broken-down cabinet takes up much less space than one that’s still intact. Stack Items – Think of loading a dumpster like playing a game of Tetris. The neater you can stack the items in the dumpster, the more stuff you will fit. It might be faster to just throw everything in, but if you have a lot to fit, take your time and stack it neatly. Utilize the Door – When you rent a dumpster, we do our best to keep it positioned so that you can open the door and walk items in. You can save a lot of energy by walking items in rather than throwing them over the side. (Note: We are not responsible for any injuries that happen when you’re inside the dumpster.) Prohibited List – Don’t forget to check the list of prohibited items. Many of these items are declined by landfills. If they’re in a dumpster, a waste hauler may get fined or pay a third party for disposal, and these costs could be passed on to the client. A common example is televisions, which can cost anywhere from $2 to $8 per pound for disposal. Start with Flat Items First – Load large, flat items like boards, doors, or plywood first. These items can serve as a base layer, helping you make the most of the bottom of the dumpster. Compress Loose Items – For items like cardboard boxes or plastic, be sure to break them down or crush them. This maximizes space and prevents light, bulky items from taking up unnecessary room. Fill Gaps with Smaller Items – As you stack larger items, fill the gaps and voids with smaller ones. This ensures you’re using all available space and not wasting it. Avoid Overfilling – Piling items higher than the dumpster walls can lead to surcharges or fees if the dumpster exceeds weight limits or isn’t transportable. Keep everything below the top of the dumpster. Distribute Weight Evenly – Load heavy items first and distribute them evenly across the dumpster. This helps prevent tipping during pickup and ensures the weight limits are evenly spread. Bag Loose Debris – Bagging small loose items like dirt, debris, or trash keeps the space organized and prevents the mess from spilling over or blowing away. Recycle or Donate Before You Toss – Before loading the dumpster, consider sorting items that can be recycled or donated, like electronics, furniture, or appliances. This reduces waste and saves space for non-recyclable items. By following these tips, you’ll maximize the space in your dumpster rental and keep everything organized. Happy loading!

When renting a dumpster in Lancaster County, it's essential to know what items are prohibited from being disposed of in these containers. While dumpsters are incredibly convenient for a wide range of waste disposal needs, certain materials are considered hazardous or require special disposal methods. Here’s a guide outlining some key items you cannot throw in a dumpster in this region, but please note this is not a complete list and can change at anytime without notice: Electronic Waste: Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) : These are found in older, tube-style computer monitors and televisions. Modern Electronics : TVs, computer monitors, computer towers, laptops, and printers are not allowed. Other Electronics : Some items may be prohibited on a case-by-case basis. Automotive and Mechanical Items: Tires and Batteries are not suitable for dumpster disposal due to their hazardous components and recycling regulations. Hazardous Materials: Paint : Due to its potentially hazardous nature when not dry. Acetylene Cylinders : Often used in welding, these cylinders are dangerous if not properly emptied and decommissioned. Asbestos or Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) : This includes both fibrous and solid forms, which are health hazards. Closed Compressed Gas Cylinders : These include high-pressure cylinders with the valve intact. Combustible or Flammable Materials : Such as fuels, paints, degreasers, and unpunctured aerosol cans. Corrosive Materials : Highly acidic or caustic materials, like battery acid or caustic soda. Explosive Materials, Munitions, Shell Casings : Includes any military scrap or suspect materials. Free Flowing Liquids : This category includes water and other non-solid materials. Hazardous Waste : Toxic or poisonous materials or wastes that pose a threat to public health or the environment. Infectious Materials : Items soaked in blood or labeled as biohazardous. Liquids or Scrap Containing Free Flowing Liquids : Such as fuels, antifreeze, oils, hydraulic fluid, and paints. Mercury Containing Materials : Items like thermostats, switches, or fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury. Whole Tanks Uncut : These can be hazardous if not processed correctly. Radioactive Scrap : Any material exhibiting radiation levels above background is strictly prohibited. Chemicals : Various cleaning materials and other chemicals are not allowed. Oils : Due to their potential for contamination and environmental hazard. **Special Note on Disposal of Specific Bulk Items:** For certain materials, regular dumpster rentals are not suitable. These items require their own dedicated dumpster rental, often at a different rate and with specific weight restrictions. The list includes, but not limited to: Concrete, Blocks, Rocks, Dirt, Tile, Brick Roofing Material (Note: Shed roofs are typically fine in normal dumpster rentals) Manure Asphalt Yard Waste (for larger amounts more than half a dumpster load) Ash And other similar bulk items. Depending on the quantity and nature of these materials, you might need to opt for a different company specialized in handling such waste. It's essential to inquire about these specific needs when arranging your dumpster rental to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid any potential issues. Typically we will stay away from these items and refer you to another company. Proper disposal of these items is crucial for environmental safety and adhering to local regulations. Lancaster County residents should contact local waste management facilities or recycling centers for guidance on disposing of these prohibited items safely. By understanding and following these restrictions, you contribute to a safer and cleaner community. Next week we will go over things that have an additional cost