If you’ve decided you’re going to give dumpster rental a try, there are a few things you might not realize the first time around. Since bin rental isn’t something you do every day, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process. Starting with some basic research, you can find a service to suit your needs. In general, though, there tend to be 11 things most people don’t know when they choose to rent a dumpster:
1. You have several sizes to choose from
You have probably seen dumpsters on the front lawns of Toronto homes for years, so you might think they are a one-size kind of deal. However, dumpsters come in several sizes allowing you to choose them either based on the space available on your property, or one that can meet your needs.
Renting a dumpster that is too large can lead to space issues, and also cost a bit more, while renting the right size allows you to complete your work and fill your load so you can take everything away in one trip. If your space is smaller, however, you might have to settle on the smallest size and arrange for a few trips.
Therefore, there’s a size sure to suit your needs for any job.
2. You have two types of delivery trucks for the bins
There are two options available for your bin delivery based on bin size:
- Hook lift bins. These are delivered using an arm extending out from the truck at 90 degrees. The arm hooks under a bar on the bin to lift it and place it on the ground. This is used to deliver bins 20 yards or smaller.
- Roll-off bins. These are delivered with wheels attached to a winch and cable system allowing the bin to easily roll off the truck onto its spot. The roll-off is used for larger bins.
3. Sometimes you need a permit for bin rentals
You’ll have to check with your local municipality to find out if you need a permit. In Toronto, you won’t need a permit for bin rentals placed in your yard or driveway. However, you do need a permit if you have to place the bin on the street.
4. Bin rentals can be filled more than once
As mentioned in point #1, if space is limited on your property, you will have to rent a smaller bin size. However, you can arrange to have the bin picked up and taken to the dump a few times as required.
5. Bin rentals have restrictions on some rubbish
Hazardous waste is not allowed to be disposed of in your bin rental. This includes:
- Paint
- Oils
- Chemicals
- Solvents
- Asbestos
- Oil drums
- Oil tanks
- Gas tanks
- Toxins
- Explosives
If you think you can get away with tossing stuff in the bin that is considered hazardous waste, don’t bother. Because laws on hazardous materials must be followed, bin rental companies have to check the contents before they haul it away. You will then have to remove the waste, which is just a pain, so it’s best to review the list before you begin filling your bin.
6. Your bin will have weight limits
This is a challenge because it can be hard to determine how much all that rubbish you’re tossing in the bin weighs. However, weight limits are there for a reason. First, it can be unsafe to try to use equipment to hoist or load too heavy a bin. Second, disposal companies are charged at the dump for weight. Therefore, they have to impose weight limits on you, so they don’t end up footing the bill for overages. A good example of something that will add a lot of extra weight would be concrete blocks such as old steps, or a lot of paver stones.
7. Online tools help you choose and book your bin rental
You can use the online order form to order your dumpster by answering a few simple questions. Of course, if this is your first time and you aren’t sure what you need, you can also speak to someone by phone before scheduling your delivery.
8. Your bin rental can be delivered or picked up even if you aren’t home
Unlike a lot of deliveries, you don’t have to take time off work to be home for the delivery or pickup of your bin rental. You provide special instructions when you book, so we know exactly where to place it and can follow any other steps required.
9. Bin rentals are insured to protect your property
If you are worried your property could be damaged during delivery or pick up of your rental bin, rest assured that our employees, trucks, and equipment are fully licensed and insured. We can present our liability insurance and WSIB Clearance Certificates upon request.
10. There’s a right way and a wrong way to load your bin rental
Loading a bin requires a little planning to make sure the weight is evenly distributed. You want to level out the rubbish, and be extra careful not to go above the disposal bin’s walls. Ideally, your rubbish is below the wall’s top and your waste is level to make pickup and transport safer and easier.
11. Bin rentals can only take clean fills
Although we’ve provided a list of restricted and banned materials we can’t take on every bin rental page, when it comes to what is called a fill, it has to be clean fill. Clean fill refers to soil and rock, which is usually disposed of for major landscaping projects. For soil, we can only haul away clay, silt, and/or sand, and for rock, it can only be naturally occurring materials.
