Renting a 2 or 3-yard dumpster can be a lifesaver when tackling a home cleanout, organizing an office, or managing waste from a small business. Dumpster rentals are available through Mountain Disposal in Colorado City and we service much of Southern Colorado.

But how do you know what to look for when renting a dumpster? We have some tips to help you choose the perfect option for your needs.

Determine Your Waste Type

The first thing to do is figure out what items you’ll be dealing with. Some items have different disposal rules, and understanding this upfront will save you time and money.

Are you throwing out household items, yard rubbish, or office junk? Or electronics, large appliances, and hazardous items (like paints, chemicals, or pesticides)? Some items can’t go in a dumpster because they might be harmful to the environment and must be disposed of properly. If you’re unsure of what is allowed, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mountain Disposal. We’ll gladly guide you and help you determine what can safely be disposed of.

Finding the Perfect Dumpster Size for Your Needs

Now that you know what you’ll be tossing, it’s time to decide on the right size. A 2-yard container holds about 12 regular trash bags, making it a great option for a single room cleanout, small businesses, apartments, or small home cleanouts.

If your needs are a bit bigger—say, you’re doing a larger home project, renovating a kitchen, or clearing out multiple rooms—a 3-yard container might be your best bet. It holds about 18 trash bags and offers a little more space. Think about how much trash you’ll have and how many times you might have to empty the dumpster. Choosing the right size will save you time and money.

Please keep in mind that all construction projects require the rental of a roll-off dumpster, which is much larger than a 2 or 3-yard dumpster.

Consider Rental Duration: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

When renting a dumpster, one of the main things to figure out is how long you’ll need it. Are you tackling a one-time project, like a weekend cleanup, or do you need ongoing waste management for your business?

For a short-term project like cleaning out a garage or office space, you might only need the bin for a few days or weeks. However, if you’re running a business or working on a larger, long-term project, you should set up regular pickups with your provider to ensure you never run out of space. Many disposal services, like Mountain Disposal, offer flexible schedules to accommodate ongoing pickups and help prevent overflow.

Keeping Your Rental Budget-Friendly and Transparent

Be sure to ask about any extra charges before signing the agreement. A standard fee that catches people off guard is the overage fee. These happen if you go over the weight limit or overfill it. Dumpsters can only hold so much weight, so be mindful of what you toss in.

Another potential fee to watch out for is the cost of keeping the container longer than expected. Companies typically offer a set number of days or weeks. Any additional days or weeks may cost more than you anticipated.

Some companies include delivery and pickup fees in the rental price, but others may charge those separately. It’s always best to clarify this upfront.

Lastly, make sure you don’t toss in any prohibited items. Some services charge hefty fines for illegal dumping, so double-check with us at Mountain Disposal on what’s acceptable. Most services will be happy to clarify what can and can’t go in the dumpster.

Understanding What Can and Can’t Be Disposed

As convenient as dumpsters are, certain items can’t go in them. Due to safety and environmental concerns, most waste management companies won’t accept hazardous waste like paints, solvents, chemicals, pesticides, or batteries. Electronics, such as TVs, computers, or phones, also require special disposal, as they often contain toxic materials.

Big appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, or ovens often need special handling, as they can contain refrigerants that must be removed before disposal. If you’re unsure about a particular item, check with your provider before tossing it in. They’ll be able to guide you on properly disposing of these materials.

Ready for Your Dumpster Rental?

Now that you’ve got all the info you need, it’s time to rent your dumpster. Contact Mountain Disposal today, and we’ll help you determine your project’s best size and rental plan. We rent both 2 and 3-yard dumpsters.

Let us take the hassle out of waste management so you can focus on what matters. Let’s keep your space clean and clutter-free!