Whether you’re handling fall cleanup or a home renovation, renting one of our roll-off dumpsters is a great way to collect and haul off waste.
But there’s more to loading a dumpster than just throwing trash inside. It takes the right tips and tricks to maximize space and streamline the loading process.
That’s why we’re exploring the best practices for filling a roll-off dumpster rental from start to finish.
Select the Right Dumpster Size
Depending on the scale of your project, make sure you pick the right size for your anticipated needs. If your roll-off dumpster is too small, you’ll need to take more trips to the landfill or recycling center — or even rent another dumpster. If it’s too big, you’ll end up paying for more than you’ll need. A 14-yard dumpster is ideal for smaller residential projects, while bigger projects or construction jobs might require a 30-yard dumpster.
Choose a Proper Loading Spot
Once you have the right dumpster size, it’s time to choose a loading spot. Once the roll-off dumpster is placed, it’s going to be difficult — if not impossible — to move again.
Make sure the dumpster is in a convenient spot for quick and easy disposal. If it’s set too far away from your house during a remodeling project, for example, you’ll waste time and energy walking back and forth to throw away each waste item.
Break Down Big Parts
Before you even start the loading process, it helps to break down your most oversized waste items. Even with a sizeable 30-yard dumpster, you only have so much space to work with. Breaking down bulky items like cardboard boxes, furniture items, and more will help you maximize your space and fit more items.
Put Bulky Items On the Bottom
Even after you’ve broken everything down as much as possible, you may still be left with oversized, bulky items. Try loading these bulkier items on the bottom to make the loading process easier later on. Once the heaviest and bulkiest items are arranged at the bottom of the dumpster, you can fill the space that’s left with lighter and smaller materials.
Load Front to Back
Loading a dumpster might seem self-explanatory — you throw items over the side walls of the dumpster. But to load a dumpster the most effectively, you might need to approach things from another angle.
Instead, open the back doors of the rental bin to walk inside. Then, you can neatly arrange your items from front to back, filling up all of the space as you go.
Avoid Overfilling
One of the biggest things customers could improve is overfilling. Never stack any debris beyond the side walls. If something is sticking out from the top, it needs to be rearranged to fit inside the dumpster itself. The load must be level to be safely secured and transported to the landfill or recycling center.
Fill in the Gaps
Even if a dumpster looks full, there could be more space you haven’t utilized yet. Look for gaps between bulkier items like furniture or appliances. Any small spaces can be filled with smaller or more flexible items.
Loading Our Roll-Off Rental Dumpsters — The Right Way
It seems straightforward, but loading a roll-off rental dumpster the right way is more complicated than you might think. It takes the right loading strategies to get everything packed away efficiently — without taking dozens of trips to the landfill.
What’s more, there are specific rules you need to keep in mind. Hazardous materials, including certain appliances and flammable liquids, aren’t allowed in dumpster rentals. All your waste needs to be level at the top of your container. Based on the roll-off size, the waste also needs to stay within a specific weight limit.
With exemplary service, renting a dumpster doesn’t have to be complicated. At First Light Services, we’ll work with you to find the perfect solution for your waste management needs. Learn more about our rental options or contact us today to request an estimate.
