How to Find Quality Industrial EquipmentHow to Find Quality Industrial Equipment

Choosing a dumpster for a business can be challenging if you have never rented one previously. However, it can be done with fewer frustrations and more rewarding experience if you take time to plan for your dumpster; in fact, below are two particularly important variables that can maximize the usage of your dumpster. Keep reading to learn more about choosing dumpster size and location:

Dumpster size

Choosing an appropriate size is one of the first decisions you will need to make when renting a dumpster. Dumpster capacity is measured in cubic yards, commonly just called yards; for example, a dumpster that holds 10 cubic yards of material would be designated as a "10 yard" unit. It's important to note that dumpster capacity is measured to a level flush with the top of the unit. An overflowing dumpster may hold more than its rated capacity, but that is not used in the calculation.

Calculating needed dumpster capacity will require some planning and forethought upon your part. If you have used another dumpster service in the past, then you can probably gauge what you will need based on that experience. However, if you are new to renting dumpsters, then you may need to conduct a few informal tests of your waste disposal patterns.

One means of estimating needed capacity is by constructing a temporary disposal container at your site. You can easily and quickly build a bare-bones wooden structure from old pallets, for example, that can house waste for a week or two. Use your container to collect your dumpster-appropriate waste for a period of time equal to that of the collection window of your chosen provider. Then, simply measure the remaining space in container to determine how much excess capacity exists.

Below are a few additional hints that can help you choose an appropriately-sized dumpster:

• Get inspiration from other similar businesses – if you have a competitor locally, or if you know of similar businesses in your area, evaluate their dumpster usage by taking a quick drive to their site. You can tell a lot by simply looking at what they do to dispose of their wastes.
• Consult with providers – the dumpster providers in your area are experts in container sizing, and they can give you much-needed advice regarding what size is best for your business.
• Plan for expansion – don't assume that what you will need today is sufficient for tomorrow. Hopefully, your business needs will grow, and you want to be prepared to handle more waste than expected. It is to your advantage to get a slightly larger-than-needed size when you first rent.

Dumpster location

Along with your planning regarding dumpster capacity, you will need to consider the planned location of your container. Below are several considerations to keep in mind when deciding where you want the dumpster to be placed:

• Convenient to employees – any dumpster that is utilized in a business environment should be easily accessed by employees. Inaccessibility will possibly cause employees to "temporarily" store waste materials in unsuitable locations such as production areas or in other work spaces. Be sure that all employees understand where the dumpster is located and how to access it.
• Accessibility to provider – just as important as employee access is access to the dumpster for pick-up by the provider. That's why dumpsters should be placed on flat, hard ground that allows for a fast entry and fast withdrawal by the collection vehicle. The site should not be in an area where people are likely to park by the dumpster and block access.
• Interference with other objects – another site-planning consideration is preventing interference with other objects. Power lines, trees, vehicles and building overhangs are a few possible obstructions that make an initially-suitable site inappropriate after further inspection takes place.
• Legal considerations – if your dumpster is to be situated near or on public property, be sure you obtain the necessary permits to place one in such a location. In addition, if you need to position a dumpster near someone else's property, you should consider the ramifications of placing a potentially-malodorous object within their smell range.
• Security factors – security concerns are another possible problem, particularly with waste products that are perceived to have value. Locations in well-lit areas near guard shacks and trafficked locations are excellent. If those measures aren't possible, then consider obtaining a lock designed for dumpster use as well or renting a self-locking dumpster.

For more information, contact a local waste removal company that offers dumpster rentals.