Updated February 23, 2023
It's a great idea to prep the spot you plan to have the dumpster placed, as it can save time and eliminate stress when the driver shows up for delivery.
This is not a difficult or time-consuming thing to do, and it will increase the likelihood that the entire process goes smoothly.
The dumpster rental preparation process is pretty simple, and it begins when first booking the dumpster over the phone or online.
Confirm Where Your Dumpster Will Go
If you know where you want your dumpster to go, like in your driveway or at a job site, explain the location to the dumpster rental providers you speak to and confirm your proposed placement is a viable option.
A flat, hard surface is the ideal location for a dumpster.
This would include a concrete or asphalt driveway, parking lot, street, or hard-packed dirt or gravel at a worksite.
Ideal conditions aren’t always possible, so it’s best to discuss your dumpster placement with your rental provider prior to delivery.
Some of the locations you may not be able to place a dumpster include:
- On a steep hill (The dumpster could shift or move.)
- On a soft or sandy surface (The dumpster truck could get stuck.)
- Side of a city street (A dumpster permit may be required first.)
Sometimes, placement on softer surfaces is possible if the proper prep work is done ahead of time.
This may include placing plywood on the ground, or other similar solutions, to compensate for the less-than-ideal dumpster placement conditions.
Remove Any Existing Obstructions
Ultimately, the best way to prepare for dumpster delivery is by making it as easy as possible for the truck driver to complete the drop-off.
Remove cars, bikes, kid’s toys, trash cans, or in some cases, fences that may be in the way of the drop-off zone.
A typical roll-off truck needs quite a bit of space to unload the dumpster, so keep that in mind when clearing off the driveway or drop-off location.
See the video below to get an idea of what the dumpster drop-off process looks like.
Prevent Property Damage
Clearing out obstructions, as previously mentioned, is one way to reduce the chance of damage to property caused by the roll-off truck or the dumpster itself.
The more maneuvering the driver must do, the greater the risk of damage.
Another effective way to reduce damage to the surface of the driveway, street, or parking lot is to place boards beneath the contact points where the dumpster meets the ground.
Placing plywood or boards beneath the dumpster can greatly reduce the risk of damage to concrete or asphalt caused by the weight of the load.
Many dumpster rental companies make efforts to protect your property from damage, but not all, so be sure to ask when booking your dumpster.
If the dumpster company doesn't provide the ground protection (uncommon), put down plywood at the dumpster placement area before the driver arrives to drop it off.
In most cases, dumpsters don't cause any damage, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
Be cautious when loading concrete, dirt, roofing shingles, or any other heavy debris into a dumpster, as heavier dumpsters are more likely to cause damage.
Keep the load below the stated weight limit of the dumpster to minimize risks.
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