Goin’ Green: Commercial Dumpster Rental Boosts Sustainability

A KEI dumpster rental truck delivers a commercial dumpster rental to a business in Butler. The green "sustainability" symbol appears over the image.

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices.

One often overlooked aspect of going green is waste management. Proper disposal of waste can significantly reduce a company’s environmental footprint, lower operating costs, and enhance brand reputation – making it a win-win for the businesses and the planet.

Partnering with a reputable commercial dumpster rental company allows businesses to streamline their disposal processes while ensuring waste is properly sorted, transported, and processed in an eco-friendly manner.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of green business practices that include waste disposal, answering questions such as:

Why opt for commercial dumpster rental?

Businesses generate significant amounts of waste. It can range from packing materials to obsolete equipment. Managing this waste responsibly is critical for minimizing its environmental impact.

Commercial dumpster rental provides a structured and efficient solution for businesses to handle their waste, ensuring proper disposal and recycling.

Beyond its environmental benefits, commercial dumpster rental is a cost-effective and convenient option for businesses that produce a lot of waste. Instead of dealing with individual waste pickups or managing on-site dumpsters, companies can rely on professional services to handle their waste efficiently and appropriately.

A hillside is pictured with a bunch of trash illegally dumped there.

How does commercial dumpster rental contribute to sustainability?

Improper waste disposal has severe consequences for the environment. Toxic materials can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating natural resources.

One of the key ways commercial dumpster rental services enhance sustainability is through effective waste segregation and recycling. Reputable dumpster rental companies prioritize separating recyclable materials from general waste, diverting items like paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals away from landfills.

Using commercial dumpster rental services helps businesses follow environmental regulations and guidelines. Proper waste disposal practices not only contribute to sustainability but also protect your company from potential legal issues related to improper waste management.

What types of businesses can benefit from commercial dumpster rental?

Whether you’re a restaurant, a retail outlet, an office space, or a manufacturing facility, businesses of all types and sizes benefit from efficient waste management.

Construction sites, with their unique waste challenges, can particularly benefit from commercial dumpster rental. These services can handle construction debris, helping to divert materials like concrete, metal, and wood away from landfills.

Using a commercial dumpster rental service provides several benefits for businesses looking to boost their sustainability efforts, including:

  • Reduced environmental impact. By properly sorting and disposing of waste, businesses can minimize their carbon footprint and prevent pollution.
  • Cost savings. Proper waste management leads to cost savings in the long run as businesses reduce their waste disposal fees and potentially earn revenue from recycling.
  • Compliance with regulations. Many cities and states have strict regulations regarding waste disposal. Commercial dumpster rental services can help businesses remain compliant and avoid costly fines.
  • Improved public image. Customers and stakeholders are increasingly aware of environmental issues. Businesses that adopt sustainable practices enhance their reputation and brand image.  
Two KEI dumpster rental service trucks delivery commercial dumpster rentals to a construction site in Butler.

How do you choose the right commercial dumpster rental service?

Incorporating commercial dumpster rental services into a business’s waste management strategies takes a significant step toward boosting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

When selecting a dumpster service, consider the following factors:

  • Waste streams handled. Verify the service provider can accommodate your business’s specific waste streams, including recyclables and compostable materials.
  • Service area and frequency. Choose a provider that services your area and picks up waste on a schedule that meets your needs.
  • Pricing and contract terms. Compare pricing and contract terms among different providers to find the most cost-effective solution.
  • Environmental certifications. Look for providers with certifications or accreditations that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.

KEI – your partner in sustainable waste management

Sustainable waste management drives cost savings, improves regulatory compliance, and boosts brand reputation. Choosing a commercial dumpster rental service that shares your commitment to eco-friendly waste disposal is just one component of green business practices.

Whether you’re a small retail shop, large manufacturing facility, or commercial office building, KEI can help you achieve your environmentally friendly waste management goals. Give us a call today to discuss dumpster rental options.

Navigating Local Regulations: A Guide to Commercial Dumpster Rental Permits

A KEI truck delivers a commercial dumpster rental to a local construction site in Butler.

A commercial dumpster rental for your business is a convenient and cost-effective way to handle waste disposal. Whether you need it for day-to-day operations or to accommodate the debris and other extra waste generated during a renovation project, you’ll want to pay close attention to local municipal regulations.

Failing to get the proper permits or follow other local guidelines could get your business fined or slapped with other financial penalties.

Our latest guide walks you through the key regulations and permit requirements for renting a dumpster in some of our local service areas.

A KEI truck delivers a dumpster to a City of Butler business. The dumpster will occupy an on-stree parking space, which may require a permit in some municipalities.

Reasons why you might need a dumpster rental permit

Commercial dumpster rentals might need to occupy a space for a longer period than a residential dumpster. Oftentimes, businesses need them to safely dispose of debris and other waste during construction or renovation projects, which can take more than a few days or weeks to complete.

Depending on where a commercial site is located, the dumpster may require placement in the right of way such as on sidewalks or blocking public access roads.

Even if the roll-off dumpster is situated on privately owned commercial property, the municipality still may require a permit for its use. A good rule of thumb is to always check with the government body responsible for issuing permits to verify whether you need one.

Types of commercial dumpster rental permits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has two types of permits for commercial dumpster rentals.

  • Dumpster permits. Most cities and municipalities in Pennsylvania require permits when placing a dumpster in public streets or alleys and on sidewalks. The permit application may ask for information such as dumpster size, placement location, length of rental, and the type of waste intended for disposal. Fees can range between $25 to $150 depending on your municipality.
  • Waste hauler permits. Companies that offer commercial dumpster rentals may need a waste hauler permit that regulates the transport and disposal of waste. Fees can range from $50 to $500 annually. These permits are obtained by the dumpster rental company.
A KEI commercial dumpster rental sits on a street in Butler Township. It's taking up some parking spaces, which may require a permit.

How dumpster regulations impact rental costs

Commercial dumpster rental companies can pass along the cost of dumpster and waste hauler permits to customers. Other regulations that can impact the amount you pay for a dumpster include:

  • Strict waste type rules. Many municipalities prohibit the disposal of certain types of waste in dumpsters, which requires added labor and disposal costs. Always review with your dumpster rental company how you plan to use the dumpster to verify whether you require special permitting.
  • Location restrictions. Smaller dumpsters with more frequent pick-up and drop-off service may be required if you’re limited to where you can place a commercial dumpster because of the size of the property.
  • Landfill fees. Some cities impose waste fees at municipal landfills, increasing the cost to dump commercial waste.

Regulations aim to improve safety and cleanliness. However, they can make commercial dumpster rentals more expensive for commercial property owners. Make sure all service fees are included in the contract before you agree to rent from a dumpster company to avoid surprise charges when you receive the final bill.

Allegheny County commercial dumpster rental rules

K.E.I. Dumpster Rental provides commercial dumpster rentals to customers in Northern Allegheny County. Service areas include Bakerstown, Gibsonia, and Pine Township.

Customers in these municipalities must check with the local government planning authority to determine whether they need a permit or must be other regulations before renting a roll-off dumpster.

Bakerstown and Gibsonia commercial dumpster requirements

Bakerstown and Gibsonia fall under the umbrella of the municipality of Richland Township. According to the township’s zoning office, commercial dumpster rentals require a permit if they block public access or if they will be on-site for more than a few days.

Commercial customers in these areas must contact the building and zoning offices to request a permit before renting a dumpster.

Pine Township commercial dumpster requirements

Pine Township does not require permits for renting roll-off dumpsters. However, the municipality prefers commercial property owners place the dumpsters on their property and not in the right-of-way.

According to Pam Alikhani, the township’s code support assistant, if placing a dumpster on your property isn’t possible due to space constraints, you must call the building, planning, and zoning offices to discuss options.

Blocking a street or sidewalk with a dumpster without authorization from the township isn’t acceptable and can result in consequences.

A KEI commercial dumpster rental arrives on a construction site in Butler Township.

Butler County Commercial dumpster rental rules

K.E.I. serves over 39 cities and municipalities in Butler County for all their residential and commercial dumpster rental needs. Some of our busiest areas may or may not require permits before you rent from us. Here’s a look at a few of those municipalities and their guidelines.

Butler City commercial dumpster requirements

Butler City doesn’t require permits for dumpster rentals. However, there are some rules they ask commercial and residential property owners to follow to make the process safe and convenient for everyone.

According to JoAnn Snyder, all dumpsters must be in a legal parking space and not block public access to intersections or sidewalks. The building and zoning department also asks for the placement of safety cones around the dumpster to alert pedestrians and other vehicles to its presence.

Lastly, they ask that dumpsters not occupy parking spaces for any longer than necessary. Contact the offices if you have any situations that may require a long-term placement of a roll-off dumpster rental to ensure you’re still meeting these requirements.

Mars Borough and Slippery Rock Borough commercial dumpster requirements

Neither Mars Borough nor Slippery Rock Borough require property owners to obtain a permit before renting a commercial dumpster.

Zelienople Borough commercial dumpster requirements

Zelienople Borough doesn’t require a permit for roll-off dumpster rentals. However, they do have some safety guidelines they ask all property owners to follow before having a dumpster delivered to their site. Those instructions are available from the local police department, which can be reached at 724-452-3003.

If the dumpster is fully on your property, there is no need to notify the police. For dumpster placement on a local street or that otherwise might interfere with the public right of way, code enforcement officer Jason Sarver said you must reach out to the borough police before renting.

Precautions are like those required by the City of Butler and include placing orange construction cones to make sure the dumpster is visible to the public to ensure their safety.

Consequences of not following dumpster rental rules

Full compliance with any city or municipal ordinances about commercial dumpster rentals protects your business from penalties.

Some of the most common consequences for failing to follow dumpster rental rules for your community include:

  • Fines. Local governments can issue citations for unpermitted dumpsters that levy a financial penalty against your business.
  • Liability for injuries or damages. An improperly permitted dumpster that causes injuries or damage to public property creates a financial liability for your business.
  • Revoked service. Dumpster companies can halt service or refuse service if they discover you’ve failed to secure the proper permits when required.

To avoid these and other headaches, K.E.I.’s team recommends checking permit requirements and other regulations before reserving a commercial dumpster rental with us.

Your Big Guide to Commercial Dumpster Rental

KEI trucks deliver a commercial dumpster rental to clients in Butler.

Running a successful commercial business often means dealing with large amounts of debris, trash, and other waste. A commercial dumpster rental is an efficient, cost-effective way to handle the constant stream of garbage generated by your company’s operations.

Unlike residential dumpster rentals – which are typically just for occasional clean-ups or other small projects – commercial dumpster rental provides an ongoing waste management system for businesses. You can use roll-off dumpsters to dispose of routine waste and heavier debris from renovations, equipment upgrades, and other industrial processes.

Figuring out how – and what size – bin you need can feel overwhelming if you’ve never rented a dumpster before. This big guide to commercial dumpster rental answers questions such as:

Four different sized KEI commercial dumpster rental options are pictured: 10, 15, 20, and 25-yard containers.

What size commercial dumpster rental do you need?

Figuring out what size dumpster you need is the first step in the process. Consider how much debris or other waste you must dispose of and choose a dumpster that matches the volume.

KEI offers four container sizes suitable for most commercial jobs.

  • 10-yard containers are 12 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They can hold up to 2 tons of material.
  • 15-yard containers are 14 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold up to 2.5 tons of material. 
  • 20-yard containers are 16 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold up to 3 tons of material.
  • 25-yard containers are 16 feet long, 6.16 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold up to 3.5 tons of material.

As a rule, it’s better to get a slightly larger dumpster than you think you’ll need rather than one that’s too small. Underestimating the size can leave you in a pickle, and you might end up spending more to get a second dumpster to accommodate the leftovers.

How do you choose a dumpster rental company?

Most dumpster rental companies offer similar-sized containers for roughly the same prices. What differentiates them is their customer service.

Look for an established local commercial dumpster rental company with excellent customer service. You can check customer reviews on Google and other review sites and visit the Better Business Bureau to see how previous customers have rated their experience (and whether there are any ongoing disputes).

Important characteristics that define customer service excellence include:

  • Affordable pricing. Reputable companies that prioritize the customer experience are upfront about their pricing. Be sure to ask if the quoted price includes everything before you sign a rental contract.
  • Flexible terms. Choose a commercial dumpster rental company that offers customized rental terms that suit your individual needs.
  • Reliability. Find a roll-off dumpster rental service with a proven track record of prompt dumpster deliveries and pickups.

What does a commercial dumpster cost?

Several factors go into determining the cost of a dumpster rental. Dumpster size, rental duration, and fuel surcharges are among the things dumpster rental companies consider when preparing an estimate.

Typically, the larger the dumpster, the higher the rental fee. National averages for roll-off dumpster rentals are between $325 and $375 for 10-yard containers and $375 to $425 for 20-yard containers.

Other components that go into determining rental costs include:

  • Delivery and pickup fees that pay for the labor and transportation costs of placing and later hauling away the dumpster.
  • Disposal and landfill fees are estimated by the ton and can vary by region.
  • Overweight fees become an issue if you overfill your dumpster and exceed the weight limit, which means the landfill will charge a higher rate for disposal.

Ask if your quote includes all fees before signing the contract.

A KEI commercial dumpster rental is loaded at a construction site using a crane.

When should you schedule a dumpster rental?

Most commercial dumpster rental services can accommodate you within 2 to 3 days of your requested delivery date. Demand is always highest on the weekends, so make sure you book by mid-week if you need a weekend rental.

The typical rental period is 7 days. If you’re done sooner and want the dumpster off your property, give the rental company a call and let them know you’re finished. Most accommodate early pickups.

Summer and fall are the peak seasons for commercial dumpster rentals. If you need one during these times, be sure to reserve it one to two weeks in advance.

What can go in a commercial dumpster?

Commercial dumpster rental customers have different needs than their residential counterparts. They may have large volumes of non-hazardous construction debris or excessive packaging materials that can’t be recycled.

Those items are generally acceptable for disposal in your roll-off dumpster rental, along with furniture, appliances (non-freon-containing), and landscaping waste.

Prohibited items usually include:

  • Biohazards such as medical waste
  • Electronics like computer monitors
  • Hazardous materials such as batteries, chemicals, and paint
  • Liquids such as oil and gas
  • Tires

If in doubt, check with the commercial dumpster rental company for their specific policies. Extra charges may apply if prohibited items are found in your dumpster.

Do you need a permit to rent a dumpster?

Commercial dumpsters placed on private property and out of the right-of-way typically don’t require a permit. However, some cities and municipalities may demand a permit if the dumpster’s placement blocks a public street or sidewalk, even temporarily.

Check with your local permitting office to ask if any regulations apply to a commercial dumpster rental in your area. The dumpster rental company also can advise you on necessary permits.

Work with the commercial dumpster rental pros

Renting a commercial dumpster disposes of large volumes of debris and other waste from your business efficiently and affordably.  

Don’t let waste pile up. Now that you know what to consider when choosing a commercial dumpster size, rental company, and schedule, you can book a roll-off dumpster with confidence.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 724-996-6713 and our team will be happy to assist.