Dumpsters Aren’t Just for Spring and Summer Cleanouts: Experience the Year-Round Benefits

A roofing contractor repairs a problem with a gutter on a roof. Roofing projects require local dumpster rentals during all seasons of the year.

When most people envision renting a roll-off dumpster, they imagine using it for big spring cleanouts or summer renovation projects that generate a lot of waste. While local dumpster rentals are most popular in the spring and summer months, they can be helpful year-round if you know how to think outside the bin.

Consider roll-off dumpsters as more than temporary trash bins for home decluttering. Yes, they’re handy for curbside tossing unwanted items without the hassle of making multiple trips to the local dump.

However, the benefits extend to all four seasons when you start to list the many ways that they make the removal of unwanted trash and other debris convenient and safe.

Let’s explore some of the seasonal joys of local dumpster rentals to give you an idea of how to get the most bang for your buck.  

Winter Benefits of Local Dumpster Rentals

You never know what kind of weather you’re going to get in Western Pennsylvania during the winter months.

The region might be blessed with mild temperatures that make it ideal for some outside projects that normally must wait until spring.

Other times, it might be cold and snowy, making you dread leaving the house.

No matter which scenario happens, you can find creative ways to use local dumpster rentals to get things done around your home or office.

Home or office remodeling projects

Wintertime is the perfect opportunity for home or office remodeling or renovation projects. For starters, there’s less competition for contractors during these times of the year. Another perk is you’re not spending time inside working on improvements when you’d prefer to be outside enjoying the warmer temperatures of the spring and summer.

It’s a win-win situation.

Roll-off dumpsters are a convenient way to dispose of debris and other waste from remodeling and renovating. Just make sure you choose the correct size to accommodate your disposal needs.

Wintertime yard maintenance

Milder winters mean more of an opportunity for outside improvement projects around your home. From cleaning up fallen branches and other debris left over from the fall to building a retaining wall alongside your driveway, plenty of outdoor winter projects benefit from having a dumpster on-site.

If you plan to use your roll-off dumpster for disposing of concrete or other heavy construction materials, be sure to alert the rental service so they can match you with an appropriately sized dumpster with a reinforced floor to accommodate the extra weight.

A man and woman clean out their garage during the spring, disposing of items through local dumpster rentals.

Spring Benefits of Local Dumpster Rentals

Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for dumpster rentals. People emerge from their winter cocoons, eager to shed their homes and offices of clutter and embark on improvement projects that generate significant waste.

Because dumpsters are in such high demand, you might have to wait to get access to the size or number of dumpsters required to accommodate your needs (which is one more reason to consider a wintertime rental instead).

Home and office cleanouts are among the most popular uses for local dumpster rentals in the spring.

Some of the other ways residential and commercial property owners use roll-off dumpsters in the spring include:

  • Disposal of junk and debris from basement, garage, and shed cleanouts that can’t be repurposed or donated.
  • Removal of old playground equipment and other outdoor furniture and features that are no longer useful or in working order.
  • Tossing bulky waste items like appliances, furniture, and mattresses that some curbside trash collectors won’t accept.
  • Yard trimmings and other lawn debris that collected during the winter months.

Summer Benefits of Local Dumpster Rentals

Next to spring, summer is one of the busiest seasons for local dumpster rentals.

Summertime is prime for yard cleanups, remodeling projects, and estate sales that require cleanouts before inviting bidders onto the property.

Buying and selling homes – which requires relocating – is also popular during the summer months when school-aged children are on break. Roll-off dumpsters accommodate the disposal of unwanted items before a big move.

Outdoor festivals and events require an efficient cleanup solution that can handle the volume of waste large crowds produce.

Let’s not forget commercial cleanouts. Businesses often use the summer months to conduct deep cleaning, renovations, and reorganizations that produce plenty of debris and other waste.

A man wearing a glove cleans leaves out of a gutter and disposes of them in local dumpster rentals.

Fall Benefits of Local Dumpster Rentals

Local dumpster rentals help with many projects around your home or office during the fall. Fallen leaves, tree branches, and other yard debris aren’t always collected by curbside trash collectors, leaving you holding the bag.

Roll-off dumpsters provide an alternative for disposal, with the added convenience of curbside pickup once it’s full.

Weatherproofing and repairs in preparation for the winter can also generate quite a bit of debris. Gutters need cleaning out, and you’ll want to have a handy place to dispose of the gunk you find trapped inside them.

Experience the year-round convenience of local dumpster rentals

Local dumpster rentals deliver valuable benefits in every season. With the variety of cleanup, maintenance, and remodeling tasks that pop up throughout the year for both home and business owners, it pays to know you can conveniently dispose of debris and other unwanted items with a roll-off dumpster when needed.

Give KEI a call today to schedule your next roll-off dumpster rental.

5 Things to Ask About Local Dumpster Rentals for Home Projects

A red KEI roll-off dumpster sits in front of a home that needed local dumpster rentals for a home project.

Local dumpster rentals make just about any home project easier. From DIY bathroom remodeling to roof replacements, a dumpster is a necessity for the convenient and efficient removal of debris and other construction waste.

Asking the right questions before you reserve a roll-off dumpster rental helps you have a better experience. You’ll want to choose a waste management service that meets your specific project needs and budget.

Not sure what to ask? No problem! Our latest article guides you through the process with the 5 most important things to know, including:

What size dumpster do I need for my project?

Choosing the correct size for local dumpster rentals prevents problems down the road. If it’s your first time using a roll-off dumpster, you might be confused about how to decide whether you need a 10-yard or 25-yard container.

Follow these 3 tips to get sizing right:

  • Estimate the amount of debris your project might generate. Take some measurements of the area of your home you’ll be working on. Then, make an informed decision about the amount of waste you’re likely to produce. For example, a 15-foot by 10-foot room with 8-foot ceilings that are being fully gutted may generate between 20 and 30 cubic yards of debris.
  • Match up your anticipated waste with the correct dumpster size. With your estimated debris calculations, you can now determine what size dumpster best accommodates your needs. It’s better to overestimate slightly than to find yourself with a dumpster that’s too small for your entire load.
  • Avoid the pitfalls of over or under-filling your dumpster. Overfilling your dumpster creates safety hazards for dumpster delivery drivers and other motorists on the roadways. Likewise, choosing a container that’s too large and then underfilling it costs you money.

Don’t be afraid to ask the dumpster rental company for assistance if you’re truly confused and don’t want to make the mistake of requesting the appropriate size container. Consider it a red flag if the roll-off dumpster rental service won’t help with this request.

Local dumpster rentals are specific to the type and amount of debris you plan to dispose of. This construction dumpster is full of drywall, boards with nails, and insulation.

Do you offer different types of roll-off dumpsters?

Not all containers are created equally. Reputable local dumpster rental services should have various sizes and types to accommodate a variety of home projects and other waste disposal needs.

Ordering the container best suited for your project prevents contamination, avoids extra fees, and makes proper disposal of your debris and other waste easier.

Consider these types of dumpsters for specific home projects:

  • Concrete dumpsters are ideal for brick rubble and concrete blocks because they accommodate the extra weight.
  • Roofing dumpsters have reinforced floors and are best suited for old roofing shingles, which can contain nails and tabs that might damage regular dumpsters.
  • General construction dumpsters come in a variety of sizes and can handle typical construction debris from DIY home projects like bathroom remodels or floor replacements.
  • Yard waste dumpsters

Waste materials not suited for local dumpster rentals

Not all materials are suited for local dumpster rentals. Most local dumps won’t accept these items because they have the potential to pollute the environment.

  • Hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, gasoline, lubricants, and electronics are prohibited.
  • Regulated materials such as vehicle tires, car batteries, and appliances containing freon or other refrigerants.
  • Problematic materials such as flammable items (propane tanks, gas cylinders) and biohazards like medical waste.

If you’re not sure whether the items you plan to dispose of during your home project are suitable for local dumpster rentals, ask the company before placing your order. You’ll save yourself a huge headache later if you dump materials that are toxic and not accepted by the local dump.

What is included in your roll-off dumpster rental fee?

When budgeting and planning for a roll-off dumpster, it’s important to understand what your rental payment does and doesn’t cover.

Typically, the base fee includes the following:

  • Dumpster container. The roll-off dumpster for the duration of your rental period is included in the main rental fee. The amount you pay depends on the dumpster size you select.
  • Delivery and pickup. Transport fees for your roll-off dumpster are bundled into your standard rental rates. KEI’s delivery trucks can handle every size of dumpster they rent.
  • Disposal and dumping. Tipping fees to dispose of waste at the local municipal solid waste landfill, recycling center, or transfer station are built into rental costs. Taxes and government environmental fees also may be included.

Combining these expenses into one rental price simplifies the rental process for all parties. Be sure to clarify any extra charges for things like extended rental periods, overloading weight fees, and limitations on materials.

A KEI dumpster rental truck picks up a full dumpster and replaces it with an empty one.

How long can you keep a roll-off dumpster rental?

Most local dumpster rental companies have standard rental terms of between 5 to 7 days. The timeframe compromises between giving customers enough time to finish their projects and not having a dumpster blocking a driveway, street, or sidewalk for longer than necessary.

KEI offers standard 7-day rentals for all its roll-off dumpsters. However, for more extensive home projects generating high volumes of waste over longer periods, you can request an extended rental agreement. In this scenario, KEI recommends a pickup-and-replace option.

A KEI delivery driver collects your full dumpster and replaces it with an empty one. This cycle is repeated for the duration of your project. Inquire during the rental request call if this is a benefit you may need to use.

What steps should you take to prepare for your dumpster delivery?

After ordering your dumpster, taking a few quick preparation steps can help with a smooth delivery. The first thing you should do is confirm access requirements with the rental company.

Measure the width of access routes like gates and alleyways. Check for low-hanging tree limbs or wires. Dumpsters typically require 12 feet wide and 15 feet high clearance.

Some municipalities require permits for local dumpster rentals. Check with yours to secure the appropriate permissions to avoid hefty fines and other repercussions. Some dumpster rental services won’t deliver if they know you need a permit for your area, and you’ve not provided one.

Lastly, clear plenty of space for your dumpster. As a general guideline, it’s best to leave between 40 and 50 feet of empty area for the delivery truck to maneuver. Avoid placing the dumpster by utility meters, lines, and AC units. If you need to place your dumpster on a city street, traffic cones are useful for reserving the space.

Get local dumpster rentals for every home project

KEI offers local dumpster rentals for every home project. Asking our team important questions upfront ensures you select the right method for waste management.

We’re committed to making the experience a positive one, so don’t be afraid to ask us any questions you have to help you feel more secure in your rental decision. We’ll help you carefully estimate your needs, review our rates and fees, and provide tips for preparing your site for our dumpsters.

Your Helpful Guide to Local Dumpster Rentals

KEI truck delivers local dumpster rentals to a customer's preferred site.

Local dumpster rentals are your go-to resource for seasonal decluttering and efficient disposal of debris and other waste from construction projects.

Choosing a roll-off dumpster rental service doesn’t have to be complicated when you understand how the process works. In this helpful guide, we explore some of the most common questions about local dumpster rentals to help make the process smoother.

Whether you’re a homeowner trying to declutter before overnight guests arrive or a business owner renovating your retail space to improve the user experience for customers, you likely have some or all of these questions:

What are local dumpster rentals?

Local dumpster rentals are a service provided by waste management companies. They offer temporary access to roll-off dumpsters of all sizes to help you conveniently and efficiently manage waste disposal.

You can reserve dumpsters to accommodate home or business renovations, construction, decluttering, and other activities that generate too much waste for curbside pickup with your regular trash hauler.

Some of the key features of local dumpster rentals include:

  • Convenience for disposing of large amounts of debris and other waste in one central location.
  • Cost-effective compared to making multiple trips to the dump using your vehicles.
  • Flexible pickup and drop-off delivery options that coordinate with your project timeline.
A KEI delivery truck leaves local dumpster rentals on site for a client.

Why choose local dumpster rentals over other options?

Choosing local dumpster rentals over other waste disposal options depends on the specific needs of your project, the volume of waste generated, and other considerations like cost and convenience.

Let’s compare the benefits and best uses of roll-off dumpster rentals with some of the alternatives to help you make the best decision.

Local dumpster rentals

Local dumpster rentals are convenient, cost-effective, and versatile, making them one of the best options for everything from construction projects and renovations to cleanouts.

  • Convenient – roll-off dumpsters are delivered to your location and retrieved by the dumpster rental service when your agreed-upon rental period ends.
  • Cost-effective – most local dumpster rental companies charge reasonable fees for using their services compared with what you could expect by making trips to the local dump yourself.
  • Versatile – roll-off dumpsters are a convenient and safe way to dispose of debris and other waste from a variety of projects.

Bagster removal systems

Some home and tractor supply retailers offer Bagster removal systems. Consumers buy a “bag” of a predetermined size and then fill it with debris and other waste.

While this might seem convenient and affordable, there are some drawbacks to using this kind of service.

First, they have limited capacity, making them an unsuitable choice for big cleanouts or small construction projects. Most hold up to 3,300 pounds (the equivalent of roughly one cubic yard of heavy materials).

Second, these types of systems are limited to certain areas of your property for convenient pickup. These restrictions might make trips to the Bagster carrying heavy debris awkward.

Traditional curbside pickup

Traditional curbside pickup has many restrictions on the types of materials it accepts. Weight restrictions also can be an issue when trying to dispose of materials from even the smallest renovation projects.

Additionally, your regular weekly trash day may not align with your project timeline, leaving you storing unwanted waste on your property for longer than you’d prefer.

Hauling to the landfill

Hauling debris and other waste to the landfill yourself is an option. However, you can rack up a lot of miles handling disposal in this manner. Not to mention you may need to rent a pickup or box truck to move larger items that don’t easily fit into a passenger vehicle.

Another issue with this method is it’s very time-consuming.

By the time you add up all these factors, it’s likely cheaper to rent a roll-off dumpster from a local dumpster rental company.

Professional Junk Removal Services

Professional junk removal services are convenient if you prefer to have someone else handle all the hard work of removing and disposing of clutter and other waste from your home or business.

However, you’re going to pay for the convenience. Professional junk removal specialists are more expensive than dumpster rentals, which can be a costly mistake for smaller projects you could easily handle yourself.

A Bagster disposal system sits at the curb loaded with black garbage bags full of debris.

How do you choose the right-sized dumpster for your project?

Most dumpster services offer several sizes to accommodate your needs. The smallest unit KEI offers is 10 yards, which is ideal for cleanouts, concrete disposal, and light demolition projects.

You don’t have to guess to find the right-sized dumpster when you consider the following factors:

  • Available space – evaluate how much space you have on-site for a dumpster, then choose from the options offered by the dumpster rental service that are ideal for your space limitations. Make sure you leave enough room for the delivery truck to load and unload the dumpster safely.
  • Amount and type of waste – estimate the volume of waste you expect to produce with your project to ensure you choose a dumpster sturdy enough to handle it.
  • Project timeline – for smaller projects that take a few days to complete, you can probably get away with the smallest sized dumpster available.
  • Weight restrictions – roll-off dumpsters include weight restrictions. Overloading them can pose safety hazards for you and for the dumpster delivery driver.

If you’re stuck, local dumpster rental companies can help you choose the best-sized roll-off dumpster for your project. Just provide some details about how you intend to use it and they can recommend the best option.

What items are prohibited in local dumpster rentals?

Roll-off dumpster rentals aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to your waste disposal needs. There are restrictions on the types of debris and other materials you can toss into them.

Most local dumpster rentals prohibit the following items:

  • Batteries
  • E-waste items (computers, monitors, printers)
  • Freon-containing appliances
  • Gasoline, oil, and other hazardous liquids
  • Paint
  • Televisions
  • Tires

Never toss items with corrosive or explosive components into a roll-off dumpster. If you have items of this nature that need disposal, ask for recommendations from the dumpster rental service on the best way to handle those needs.

A KEI local dumpster rentals bin that's overfilled with construction debris.

What are some tips for a smooth dumpster rental experience?

Scheduling your roll-off dumpster delivery well ahead of time is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure a smooth dumpster rental experience. This is especially important during peak rental times (spring and summer).

Some other tips for achieving local dumpster rental satisfaction include:

  • Avoiding prohibited items to prevent problems at pickup or disposal.
  • Loading materials in a way that evenly distributes the weight and avoids overloading.
  • Monitoring weight limits to avoid additional fees or other issues at pickup time.
  • Securing permits, if necessary, for the placement of your dumpster on your property.

Local dumpster rentals for all your projects

Tackling home renovations, decluttering the basement, or other ambitious construction projects don’t have to be a hassle when you choose local dumpster rentals for your waste disposal.

KEI has the right-sized dumpster to fit every project. Give us a call today to schedule your next roll-off dumpster rental.