You can avoid four dumpster rental mistakes by picking the size by the debris, putting heavy material in the 7-yard, planning the spot and booking once the start date is set. Each one has a simple fix before delivery day. Family Trash is a family-owned dumpster service in Charleston, SC, based on James Island, and these are the fixes to go over before any project.
How do you pick the size by the kind of debris?
The size you need depends on what kind of debris you have as much as how much. A big pile of furniture and a small pile of broken concrete need very different dumpsters.
For a bathroom tear-out, one or two rooms, a small kitchen or a garage cleanout, the 13-yard is the usual starting size. It includes 1 ton and 5 days, and it fits a tight James Island driveway more easily than a bigger size. A full kitchen remodel goes in the 17-yard, with 1.5 tons and 5 days. A full-house cleanout goes in the 17 or the 22, depending on the house. The 22-yard, with 2 tons and 7 days, is for full renovations and new builds.
If you can't tell, call or text and describe the job. Tony will help you pick a size before delivery. Tell Tony the rooms and the materials, and he'll match the size.
Where does heavy material go?
Concrete, dirt and brick are dense, and they go in the 7-yard, the size for heavy clean loads. Keep the concrete and dirt clean: a load of only concrete or dirt goes to a recycle plant with no overweight charge, and you can fill it to the rim. Wood or trash mixed in sends it to the landfill, where it's charged by weight. Tony tells customers this at drop-off.
So before you start breaking up a slab, plan two piles. Household junk, furniture, wood, drywall and yard brush go in the 13, 17 or 22. Concrete, dirt and brick go in the 7.
Shingles are heavy, and they go in the 13-yard for a small roof, or the 17 or 22 for a bigger roof. Tile adds weight too, so tell us the job when you book.
What weight comes with each size?
Each size includes a set amount of weight: 1 ton in the 7-yard and 13-yard, 1.5 tons in the 17-yard and 2 tons in the 22-yard. Your booking terms cover weight over the included tons. Household junk usually fills the space before the weight. Wet drywall, plaster, shingles and tile add weight quickly, so mention them when you book.
How do you plan the placement and the path in?
A dumpster needs a firm spot and a clear path for the truck. The delivery truck is large, and it needs room to set the dumpster down and lift it back up. Low branches, narrow gates, soft grass after a Lowcountry rain and parked cars all affect where it goes.
Walk the path before delivery day. Know where you want the dumpster, and tell us when you book. Downtown, where lots are tight, Tony angles the dumpster or sets it out front. Street placement inside the City of Charleston takes a city permit, and you pull it. The dumpster permit page covers how that works. A dumpster on your own driveway needs none.
When should you book?
Book as soon as you know your start date. Line up the contractor, the weekend and the friends who are helping, then book the dumpster for the first day of work. Call and Tony will tell you when he can be out.
If you tell us the start date and how long the job will run when you book, the drop-off and pickup can be planned around your schedule. On bigger projects, ask about a swap-out: Tony takes the full dumpster and sets an empty one in the same spot.
What other habits keep a rental on track?
Break furniture down. A couch, a dresser or a bed frame loaded in one piece leaves empty space around it. Take the legs off, pull the drawers and unscrew the frames, and the pieces lie flat.
Keep the load level with the top. Debris piled over the sides can fall off when the dumpster is lifted onto the truck. Keep it inside the walls and level so it travels safely.
Load the dry material first. Rain adds weight to carpet, drywall and cardboard. Keep open bags and cardboard under cover until they go in.
Clear the path on pickup day. Keep cars, trailers and the trash carts clear of the dumpster so Tony can reach it.
Keep it for your job. Load your own debris as you go, and save the space for the job you booked it for.
Check your HOA rules. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, read its rules on dumpsters and driveways before delivery.
Work safely. Wear gloves, boots and eye protection when you load demo debris. Lift with your legs and get a second person for heavy pieces. Keep children and pets away from the dumpster.
What should you ask about the quote?
A quote is easier to compare when you know what's in it. Family Trash includes delivery, pickup and disposal, and you see the price in the online booking or get it by call or text. Ask how many days and how many tons come with the size. The dumpster rental cost page covers what sets the price.
Questions before you book
How do I tell if a job is too big for one dumpster?
Describe the job when you book. If it's going to need more than one load, plan a swap-out from the start.
Should I make dump runs myself instead?
For one or two small loads of light material, your own truck may be enough. For a remodel or a full cleanout, a dumpster in the driveway means you load once at home.
Why does a level load matter at pickup?
A level load travels safely when the dumpster is lifted onto the truck. Keep the load inside the walls of the dumpster.
What if I booked a size too small before delivery?
Call or text before delivery and Tony will change it. If it's already in the driveway and filling fast, ask for a swap-out early.
Can I mix concrete into a regular cleanout dumpster?
You can, but the concrete then adds weight to that load. A separate 7-yard for clean concrete keeps it off the weight count.
If you've got a project coming up and you're not sure where to start, call or text (843) 800-0689. Tell Tony what you're working on, and he'll help you pick the right dumpster.
Need a dumpster in Charleston? Call or text Tony at (843) 800-0689, or order online.
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