Preparing for Dumpster Delivery and Pickup

You have decided to move forward with your home project or clean out, the dumpster is ordered and it is going to be delivered tomorrow. There are still a few more things you need to do before that dumpster shows up at your door.

First you need to pick out your staging area. This is the area where your dumpster will be placed, so it needs to be convenient to whatever project you are doing. You don’t want to have to walk a long distance with all of your debris and junk that you are trying to throw out. The staging area should also be hard, flat and level because soft areas, like grass, can be damaged by the weight of the full dumpster. The truck may also have to partially drive on to the staging area, so make sure there is nothing that can be damaged by the truck.

Second, you need to check the clearance around your home. This includes power lines, low hanging branches, and anything else that may be hanging around your home. You need to have a minimum of 16 feet of clearance because of the way the delivery truck delivers and pickups the dumpster. On the day of delivery you should move all cars, materials and equipment that may be in the delivery area as well.

The third thing you need to check out is access to the staging area for the delivery trunk. Remember, the truck is bigger then the dumpster and you don’t want it to get stuck. The trucks are designed for driveways and staging areas that are at least 12 feet wide. However, during delivery and pickup the truck needs a minimum of 18 feet width in order to properly maneuver. If you need to send the truck through an alleyway, head out there before it arrives and measure the width.

The final thing you might need to take care of before your dumpster arrives is permitting. In the majority of communities if you are placing the dumpster on private property you do not need to get a permit for the dumpster. However, if you are having the dumpster placed on street or public right of way, a permit may be required where you live. You should contact your local municipality to find out if a permit is needed for your dumpster.

Once you make it through this list you are officially ready for your dumpster to arrive. Then, after it is filled up and your project is complete, give you dumpster company a call and tell them you are ready for a pickup. Just remember to keep the area around the dumpster area clear so when they truck arrives, the driver will be able to easily pick your dumpster up.