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Complete Guide

The Complete Dumpster Rental Guide

Everything you need to know about renting a dumpster—from choosing the right size to loading tips and pickup procedures.

8 min read

1. When to Rent a Dumpster

A dumpster rental makes sense whenever you have more debris than your regular trash service can handle. Here are the most common scenarios:

  • Home cleanouts: Decluttering garages, basements, attics, or preparing for a move.
  • Renovation projects: Kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, flooring replacement.
  • Roofing: Shingle tear-offs and roof replacements.
  • Yard work: Landscaping debris, tree trimming, storm cleanup.
  • Demolition: Deck removal, shed teardown, interior gut-outs.

2. Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right dumpster size is crucial—too small and you'll need multiple rentals, too large and you're paying for space you don't use.

5 Yard Bin

Holds ~2 pickup loads

12' L × 6' W × 3' H

Great for: Yard debris, Apartment cleanouts, Material staging

$335.00

10 Yard Bin

Holds ~4 pickup loads

12' L × 8' W × 4' H

Great for: Small remodels, Roof tear-offs, Shed or deck demos

$389.00

15 Yard Bin

Holds ~6 pickup loads

14' L × 8' W × 5' H

Great for: Whole-home cleanouts, Light commercial, Storm response

$445.00

20 Yard Bin

Holds ~8 pickup loads

16' L × 8' W × 6' H

Great for: Medium construction, Multi-unit turnover, Estate cleanouts

$485.00

💡 Pro Tip

When in doubt, go one size up. It's better to have extra space than to need a second rental. Text us photos of your debris at 248-824-5585 and we'll help you choose.

3. What Can Go In a Dumpster

Most household and construction debris is acceptable. However, some items require special disposal.

✓ Acceptable

  • • Household junk & furniture
  • • Construction debris
  • • Roofing materials
  • • Yard waste & landscaping debris
  • • Drywall & plaster
  • • Flooring (carpet, tile, hardwood)
  • • Appliances (without Freon)

✗ Not Acceptable

  • • Hazardous materials
  • • Paints, oils, chemicals
  • • Appliances with Freon
  • • Tires
  • • Batteries
  • • Medical waste
  • • Electronics (in some areas)

View our complete guide to acceptable materials →

4. Placement & Delivery

Planning your dumpster placement ensures a smooth delivery and keeps your property protected.

Before Delivery

  • 1.Clear the delivery area of vehicles and obstacles
  • 2.Ensure the truck has clear access (at least 10' wide)
  • 3.Check for low-hanging wires or branches
  • 4.Note any underground utilities or sprinkler heads

Driveway Protection

Every Red-E-Bins delivery includes composite protection boards that keep our bins off your concrete or pavers. Our boards are cleaned and inspected between every drop.

5. Loading Tips

Proper loading maximizes your space and ensures safe transport.

  • 1Load flat items first. Lay plywood, drywall, and other flat materials on the bottom.
  • 2Break down large items. Disassemble furniture and break down boxes to save space.
  • 3Fill gaps. Use smaller items to fill spaces between larger pieces.
  • 4Don't overfill. Keep debris level with or below the rim for safe transport.
  • 5Distribute weight evenly. Avoid loading all heavy items on one side.

6. Pickup & Disposal

When you're done loading, simply text or call to schedule pickup. Our team will:

  • Confirm a pickup window that works for you
  • Remove the dumpster and clean up the area
  • Sort materials for recycling when possible
  • Provide digital tickets and weight data for your records

Ready to order?

Get your dumpster delivered as soon as today.