Dumpster Rental FAQs Asked and Answered

A KEI dumpster rental sits in the street in Butler.

Roll-off dumpster rentals are a convenient solution for homeowners, contractors, and businesses that need to dispose of large amounts of debris or waste. Having questions about the dumpster rental process isn’t uncommon.

From how much it costs to suitable delivery locations, we dive into your most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision before renting a roll-off dumpster for your next project.

What is a roll-off dumpster?

A roll-off dumpster is a large, open-top container designed for the temporary storage and removal of waste. Construction debris, household junk, and landscaping trimmings are all suitable for this method of disposal.

Unlike standard dumpsters from your local garbage collection service, roll-off dumpster rentals have a rectangular shape, include wheels for easy movement, and come with open tops for easy – and safe – disposal of items.

Roll-off dumpsters are delivered on-site and retrieved once full or when the rental period expires (whichever comes first).

Four red KEI dumpsters sit next to one another. The dumpsters are labeled by size.

What are the typical dumpster rental sizes?

Roll-off dumpster rentals come in various sizes. Most range between 10 and 40 cubic yards. KEI offers the following dumpster sizes to its customers:

  • 10-yard containers are 12 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold up to 2 tons of material and are ideal for attic or basement cleanouts, small remodeling projects, and landscape debris.
  • 15-yard containers are 14 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold 2.5 tons of material and are ideal for decluttering, apartment cleanouts, small remodeling or construction projects, and yard debris.
  • 20-yard containers are 16 feet long, 4 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold 3 tons of material and are ideal for new construction, large residential remodeling projects, and industrial sites.
  • 25-yard containers are 16 feet long, 6.16 feet high, and 8 feet wide. They hold 3.5 tons of material and work well for large construction sites, large house remodeling projects, and industrial sites.

If you’re not sure what size you need, talk to one of the team members at KEI when ordering. They can recommend the perfect dumpster size to meet your needs.

How much does it cost to rent a roll-off dumpster?

The cost of renting a roll-off dumpster varies depending on its size, rental duration, location, and the type of debris or waste you need to dispose of.

Requesting a quote from KEI is the best way to estimate how much you should budget for a dumpster for your next project. The larger the dumpster, the more expensive it is to rent.

A pile of old tires

Are there any restrictions on dumpster rentals?

Yes, there are several restrictions on what you can dispose of in your dumpster rental. Roll-off dumpster rentals in Pennsylvania are subject to statewide regulations that prohibit KEI from collecting specific materials.

The following items are banned or restricted for collection in our dumpster rentals:

  • Batteries
  • E-waste items (computers, monitors, printers)
  • Freon-containing appliances (air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators)
  • Gasoline, oil, and other liquids
  • Hazardous waste
  • Paints
  • Televisions
  • Tires

Items containing corrosive or explosive components also are prohibited. If you’re not sure whether the materials you want to throw out can go into one of our dumpsters, ask one of our team members before scheduling delivery.

How long can you keep a dumpster rental?

The length of dumpster rentals ranges between 7 and 14 days depending on which company you use. KEI’s rental agreements provide a standard 7-day rental period unless other arrangements are made.

If you need to keep your dumpster longer or need drop-off and pick-up services to accommodate a large construction project, let a KEI team member know when you call to reserve your dumpsters. Additional fees apply to rentals that extend beyond the typical 7 day period.

Do I need a permit to rent a roll-off dumpster?

The short answer to whether you need a permit to rent a roll-off dumpster is it depends on where you live. Most communities in Butler County do not require permits if the dumpsters are on private property.

If you must place a dumpster in the street or in a location that is blocking public access, check with your local municipality about permitting requirements for those situations. Failing to obtain a permit if your local government agency requires one can lead to fines and other punitive actions.

A red KEI dumpster rental sits in the driveway of a home.

What’s the best place to put a roll-off dumpster?

The best place to put a roll-off dumpster rental is on a flat, solid surface where it isn’t blocking public access to roadways or other amenities. KEI recommends driveways if you have one available on your property.

In a pinch, we can place our dumpsters at the curb in the public street. However, you may need a permit from your local municipality before doing so.

You’ll also want to check that there is enough clearance over and around the space where the dumpster will go. Dumpster delivery trucks need ample space to maneuver during delivery and pick-up to prevent damaging your property or the dumpster.

What happens if you exceed the dumpster rental weight limit?

Roll-off dumpsters have weight limits for a reason. If you exceed yours, you may be subject to additional fees from KEI to cover the costs of disposing of the additional debris or waste. Garbage dumps charge dumpster rental companies for disposal based on the total weight of items placed in the bin.

Overfilled dumpsters also pose a safety risk to our drivers and the general public because the excess weight can cause the bin to tip during loading.

If you’re unsure whether you’re overloading your dumpster, give the rental company a call before you fill it up.

Can recyclables go into dumpster rentals?

As a rule, you shouldn’t put materials that can be recycled into a regular roll-off dumpster. Items like cardboard, glass, and plastic can be repurposed and reused instead of tossed into the bin with other items headed to the local garbage dump.

Some rental companies offer options for recycling certain materials such as wood, metal, and concrete. Check with your local dumpster rental company before you dispose of recyclable materials to see if they have any recycling programs or guidelines for separating recyclable materials.

Dumpster Rental Etiquette 101: How to Be a Good Neighbor During Your Project

A red KEI roll-off dumpster sits curbside in a residential neighborhood. The dumpster is in the street, sandwiched between two driveways.

Homeowners can find all sorts of reasons to need a dumpster rental. Spring cleanouts, landscaping overhauls, and major renovation projects require a convenient and safe way to dispose of large volumes of debris and other waste.

Considerations must be made when planning your project and requesting a roll-off dumpster from a local dumpster rental company. Among them is taking precautions to prevent disrupting your community.

Dumpster rental etiquette calls for simple precautions such as carefully placing your dumpster so it’s not blocking access, maintaining a tidy worksite, and scheduling drop-offs and pick-ups at times that don’t disturb the peace.

Follow these etiquette tips to prevent conflicts and maintain positive community relationships.

1 – Get dumpster rental approval first

Some communities require property owners to secure a permit before getting a dumpster rental delivery. Check with your local municipality or Homeowner Association (HOA) to ensure you follow all ordinances and rules before you call a dumpster rental company.

HOAs can be particularly problematic because most have stringent policies. Some common limitations can include:

  • Location restrictions. Many HOAs dictate where you can place a dumpster rental on your property. Some may even prohibit dumpsters from front driveways, on streets, or anywhere that blocks access or visibility.
  • Time limits. HOAs frequently enforce time limits on how many consecutive days a dumpster rental can remain on your property. Exceeding the rental period may require paying additional HOA fees or obtaining extension approval.
  • Size constraints. Some HOAs restrict the maximum dumpster size that homeowners can rent based on the dimensions of the nearby properties and any potential obstruction issues.
  • Aesthetic requirements. To maintain a uniform look, HOAs may mandate dumpster rentals be a certain color to blend in. Most dumpster rental companies have bins in their brand colors, which might make finding a local company with the right color of dumpster challenging.
A white KEI truck delivers a large red KEI roll off dumpster to a residential neighborhood.

2 – Choose the right location

Where you place your dumpster can mean the difference between angry neighbors and ones who tolerate the inconvenience.

Dumpster rental companies prefer a flat, solid surface on the renter’s property away from obstacles that can make delivery and pickup difficult. Driveways often fit the bill. However, not all property owners have driveways. In that situation, street placement may be necessary (and may require a permit).

Other tips for placement include:

  • Avoid obstructing your neighbors’ view from windows or doorways or placement that can obstruct the path of vehicles entering and exiting driveways.
  • Steer clear of utility lines including overhead wires, underground pipes, and cables to prevent damage from the dumpster.
  • Keep away from high foot traffic areas to avoid inconveniencing passersby and reduce the possibility of injury from debris.  

You may have to get creative with a neighbor if you truly have no spots on your property that work for a dumpster rental. The key is to ask for cooperation and to be as considerate as possible if they agree to place a dumpster on their property for your convenience.

Once you pick the ideal spot, determine whether the dumpster delivery truck has ample room to maneuver during drop-off and pickup.

3 – Be mindful of choosing a dumpster rental schedule

Depending on the dumpster rental size, the delivery truck may block access to public streets and other amenities during drop-off and pickup times.

To be considerate of your neighbors, stay away from times when traffic is the heaviest in your neighborhood. Morning and evening rush hour for commuters and peak school bus transportation times should be avoided.

Some communities have noise ordinances, so it’s also recommended to check with your local municipality to prevent disturbing your neighbor’s peace and reduce the likelihood of getting fined for a violation.

A red KEI roll off dumpster rental sits in a parking lot behind a building. The dumpster is overflowing with constrution debris.

4 – Keep debris and waste contained

Overfilling your dumpster increases the risk of debris and other waste spilling into the street – or worse yet – onto your neighbor’s property.

Not only are scattered items unsightly, but they also pose a liability issue because they risk injuring others. Loose construction materials such as nails, broken glass, and other items create serious safety hazards for neighbors, especially children.

Loose debris can lead to code violations with your local municipality or HOA. Depending on the rules and regulations, you might get a hefty fine for failing to contain your waste.

5 – Notify your neighbors

As a courtesy, consider notifying your closest neighbors about your dumpster rental delivery date, including how long you plan to have one on-site. For placement in shared areas like streets, issuing a warning gives your neighbors a chance to voice any concerns.

If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, giving your neighbors advance notice may be required in your HOA covenant.

Even if not technically required, giving your neighbors a heads-up builds goodwill and prevents misunderstandings. A little proactive communication can go a long way toward a smoother, conflict-free experience.

Reduce tensions over dumpster rentals

Following dumpster rental etiquette is about more than being a good neighbor. Following best practices prevents unnecessary headaches and conflicts that could derail the progress of your project.

Mindfulness about noise levels, safety, and maintaining accessibility allows you to complete the task at hand while keeping your neighbors happy.