Renting a dumpster should not be complicated. This guide walks homeowners and small contractors through the whole process with Joey's Dumpster Rental, from picking a size to pickup day, so you can book with confidence anywhere in Elmira and the Southern Tier.
Is a Dumpster the Right Fit for Your Project?
If your project means more debris than a few trips to the transfer station can handle, a roll-off dumpster usually saves a lot of time and effort. We deliver it, you load it at your own pace, and we haul it away when you are done. No more piles in the garage, no more loading up the truck again and again, and no debris scattered around your property.
It works for all kinds of jobs: a garage or basement cleanout, a single-room remodel, new flooring, a deck tear-out, a roof replacement, a whole-house cleanout or a small construction job. Looking for ideas? Check out the top home renovation projects that benefit from a dumpster rental.
Choosing the Right Size: 12, 15 or 20 Yard
Our roll-off dumpsters are all roughly 14 feet long and 7.5 feet wide. What changes from one size to the next is the height of the walls. The measurements below are approximate.
- 12 yard (about 14' x 7.5' x 3.5'): The compact choice for a garage or basement cleanout, a single-room remodel or a small bathroom update. The lower walls make it easy to toss things in, and it fits comfortably in most driveways. See the 12 yard dumpster page.
- 15 yard (about 14' x 7.5' x 4.5'): The all-rounder. It suits multi-room renovations, bigger cleanouts, flooring replacement and deck removal. See the 15 yard dumpster page.
- 20 yard (about 14' x 7.5' x 6'): Built for whole-home cleanouts, major renovations, roofing and new construction. The walls are about six feet tall, so plan on a helper for lifting bulky items over the side. See the 20 yard dumpster page.
How to Pick Between Two Sizes
Start by walking through the project and picturing everything that will end up in the dumpster: old cabinets, carpet, drywall, furniture, boxes. Most people underestimate. If you are torn between two sizes, go with the bigger one. It is much easier to have a little extra room than to arrange a second haul halfway through the job.
Keep in mind that heavy materials add up quickly even when the dumpster does not look full. For what is included with each size, see the size pages linked above, and feel free to contact us and describe your project if you want a second opinion.
Booking Your Dumpster Online
Booking is done online on our website, and it only takes a few minutes of your time. Here is how it goes:
- Choose your size. Use the guide above or the size pages if you want to compare.
- Book on our website. Enter your delivery address and the date you are aiming for.
- Tell us about the project. Let us know what you are clearing out and where you would like the dumpster placed.
- Plan for an adult at delivery. An adult needs to be present when the dumpster arrives so we can confirm placement with you.
Before Delivery: Pick the Right Spot
A little planning here prevents most day-of headaches.
- Choose a flat, hard surface. A driveway is ideal. If you are worried about scratches or cracks, lay down plywood boards under the spot where the dumpster will sit.
- Look up. Power lines, low branches and overhangs can get in the way when the dumpster is set down.
- Leave room for the truck. The truck needs space to back in and set the dumpster down. Move cars, trailers and basketball hoops out of the way beforehand.
- Keep it close to the work. The shorter the walk from your door to the dumpster, the easier loading will be.
- Check before using a public street. If the dumpster needs to go on the street rather than your driveway, check with your local municipality about permits first.
- Give your neighbors a heads up. A quick note that a dumpster is coming (and for roughly how long) goes a long way.
Delivery Day
When we arrive, an adult should be on site to point out exactly where the dumpster should go. This is also a good time to ask about anything you are unsure of, such as a specific item you are not sure can go in. Once it is set, it is yours to fill whenever you are ready.
Loading Tips That Make Everything Easier
- Put the heavy, flat items in first. Drywall, plywood and flooring make a solid base. Spread the weight out evenly instead of piling it in one corner.
- Break things down. Take apart furniture, flatten boxes and cut up large items. Pieces that lie flat leave far less wasted space.
- Fill the gaps. Tuck smaller items in around the large ones so you are not hauling air.
- Stay below the top edge. Do not load debris above the rim of the dumpster. Anything sticking out can be a safety problem and may keep us from hauling it away.
- Keep the area tidy. Put debris in the dumpster rather than stacking it beside it. A tarp can help keep lightweight material from blowing out between work sessions.
- Load as you go. Toss debris in during the project instead of building a pile in the house that you have to move twice.
What Can't Go in the Dumpster
The items we prohibit are hazardous materials, oil, liquids, paint and asbestos. Those need to be handled separately and never go in the dumpster. For other regulated or specialty items, such as tires, batteries, propane tanks, electronics or appliances that contain refrigerant, ask us before loading. We cannot accept yard waste or brush (grass, leaves, branches).
When you are not sure about something, just ask. A quick question beforehand is much easier than a problem on pickup day. Our dumpster rental rules page has more detail on what can go in.
Pickup
When you are done loading, contact us to arrange pickup. Before we arrive, make sure of a few things:
- The load sits level with or below the top edge, with nothing sticking out.
- Nothing prohibited has made its way in.
- The path to the dumpster is clear of cars, trailers and anything else in the way.
After pickup, do a quick walkthrough of the spot. If you used plywood, pick it up, and sweep up any stray debris around the area.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing a size that is too small. When in doubt, size up.
- Forgetting about the hidden stuff. The old shed contents, the basement shelves and the attic boxes all count. Think through every corner of the project.
- Overfilling. Debris above the rim is a safety problem. Break items down and fill the gaps instead.
- Blocking access. A parked car in the wrong spot can make delivery or pickup difficult.
- Loading items you are not sure about. Ask us before loading anything regulated or unusual.
- Skipping the permit question. If the dumpster needs to go on a public street, check with your local municipality first.
Want more? We have a longer list in our post on dumpster rental mistakes Elmira homeowners make.
Where We Deliver
We serve Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Tioga counties in New York, along with Bradford and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania. That includes Elmira, Elmira Heights, Horseheads, Big Flats, Corning, Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Odessa, Burdett, Beaver Dams, Millerton, Lindley, Campbell, Caton, Spencer, Van Etten, Ridgebury, Pine City, Waverly, Athens, Sayre and Gillett. See our service area page for the full picture.
Ready to Book?
Whether you are cleaning out a garage or running a small job site, we are here to help you get the right dumpster for the project. Contact us with any questions, or head to our website to book your dumpster online.
