Tips for Renting a Dumpster During a Yard Cleanup

When tackling a yard cleanup after a storm, landscaping project, or seasonal cleaning, dumpster rentals can make the job easier. A dumpster can help dispose of bulk waste more efficiently, including branches, soil, refuse wood, outdoor furniture, and more. However, Virginia Beach, like most cities, has rules governing the use of dumpster rentals in the disposal of yard waste.

This article goes over everything that property owners should know during a yard cleanup, including the rules for disposal in Virginia Beach. Renting a dumpster can potentially make a yard cleanup project more efficient, but missing rules and regulations, disposing of the wrong materials, and failing to properly schedule the pickup are just some of the challenges presented to property owners.

1. Choose the Right Size

“What dumpster size should I get?” may be the number one question when renting a dumpster. The right size for each yard cleanup project depends on several factors, including the size, weight, and type of waste. Typically, dumpsters come in sizes of 10, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yards. This equates to around 1, 3, 5, and 6 tons of waste, respectively. To help clarify this, save this chart when estimating a project’s total yield:

Source: Full Strut Disposal

For general yard waste like branches and soil, a 10-yard dumpster is usually sufficient, up to 20 yards for a project spanning multiple areas on a large estate.

2. Consider the Material Type

Since dumpster sizes have both a size and a weight capacity, both need to be considered when matching a project to the right dumpster rental. Depending on the scope of the project and the types of materials being disposed of, larger dumpsters may be needed, and the space required increases much faster than many homeowners realize.

For example, a yard cleanup may only yield 20 cubic yards of waste, but if it weighs 4 tons due to heavier debris like large tree limbs, a 30-cubic-yard dumpster would be necessary. Conversely, yard waste consisting mostly of leaves, grass clippings, and small branches may seem like 30 cubic yards until layered properly in the dumpster, where it can compress into a smaller space.

Remember that the dumpster needs to be larger than the space and weight needed to handle the total cleanup waste. A waste management crew can assess the cleanup scope and choose the dumpster with the best value for the project’s needs.

3. Prepare the Drop-Off Location

The dumpster needs to have enough horizontal and vertical clearance for drop off and pickup. Watch for utilities, tree limbs, fences, and power lines, aiming for at least 60 feet of ground clearance and 25 feet of vertical clearance. Otherwise, the dumpster delivery could be delayed.

Be sure to make the property accessible to the delivery personnel by leaving access gates open or by clearing the driveway. If the dumpster needs to go on the street, Virginia Beach’s city ordinances determine how to prepare, place, and schedule a dumpster for pickup. The right local waste management provider will know and adhere to these rules to prevent unnecessary pickup delays and fines.

4. Maximize Storage Space

Efficiently loading the dumpster means grouping materials by type and size, breaking down larger pieces when possible, stacking them evenly, and filling any gaps with the smaller debris. 

Load the dumpster strategically, creating a solid foundation to avoid having the load become unbalanced or shift during transport. For dirt and stump removal, check with the provider to confirm they are allowed and in what quantities. Dumpsters have a fill line that shows how high the debris can be stacked. This is to help guide renters to the correct weight limit, but even debris within the guidelines for storage space can exceed the weight limit, especially in yard projects.

5. Sort Out Hazardous Materials

Unlike home cleanups, yard waste usually does not include liquid or gaseous chemicals. However, yard projects can still produce materials that Virginia Beach law prohibits from being thrown away in a dumpster or landfill, such as tires, vehicle parts, and hazardous chemicals.

The City of Virginia Beach provides a list of procedures for disposing of hazardous materials using city curbside services. Renting a dumpster can prevent the need for some of these procedures, but rental rules about hazardous substances still apply.

Work with an Experienced Dumpster Rental Company in Virginia Beach, VA

Experienced local teams know the rules of bulk trash disposal in Virginia Beach and help property owners rent dumpsters to manage their yard debris. At Full Strut Disposal, our team can help you find the ideal dumpster size for your yard cleanup project. We are committed to empowering property owners to efficiently clean up their projects without surprise fees or cleanup delays.

Contact our team today to learn how we make bulk trash disposal seamless and eco-friendly with dumpster rental services personalized for your needs.