When renting a roll-off dumpster for a project, you might not think about the weather. However, the truth is that bad weather conditions like rain, snow, and strong winds can end up causing major problems during the rental process. If you are not prepared, you could face extra difficulties, delays, or unexpected costs.

As one of the most experienced dumpster rental contractors in Highland Park, Illinois, our team at Economy Disposal fully understands how different weather conditions can impact your dumpster rental experience. We are going to discuss some of the key things you should know about renting a dumpster during a time of inclement weather.

Leaving the dumpster uncovered during a heavy rainstorm is a bad idea.

What happens during a heavy rainstorm if the dumpster you have outside is completely uncovered? In that case, rainwater can soak into materials like wood, drywall, and cardboard and make them much heavier than they were before. This extra weight can push your dumpster over its weight limit, which means you could have to pay an overage fee when it is picked up. 

Rain can also make it much more difficult to handle and dispose of your waste. When materials like cardboard or drywall get wet, they can break apart or become too heavy to lift easily. This can make it difficult to load your dumpster properly and leave your work area muddy and cluttered.

As one of the most experienced dumpster rental contractors in Highland Park, Illinois, we advise our customers to avoid rain-related issues by advising them to cover the dumpster with a tarp. A tarp will keep rain from collecting inside and prevent excess weight and wet, hard-to-handle waste.

Snow and ice can make it harder to reach and use your dumpster.

If too much snow builds up around your dumpster, it can make it harder for you to access the dumpster. You may find it very difficult to throw your waste inside the dumpster, and that will slow down your entire project. Regularly clearing snow away from the area around your dumpster will make sure it stays accessible and easy to use.

Ice can also create dangerous conditions around your dumpster. If ice builds up near your dumpster, anyone walking around it could slip and fall, and the last thing you want is an injury on your hands. A good way to prevent this is by de-icing the area with salt or sand, which improves traction and makes sure the space around your dumpster stays safe to walk on.

We should also point out that snow and ice will make it more difficult to deliver or pick up your dumpster. If the roads are covered with ice or buried under deep snow, your dumpster might not arrive on time — and in some cases, we might not even be able to pick it up when your rental period is over. This is one of the reasons why you should always keep your dumpster in a stable, cleared-out area so it can be safely dropped off and removed when needed.

High winds can make it difficult to keep waste contained inside your dumpster.

Strong winds can easily blow lightweight waste like paper, plastic, and insulation out of your dumpster. When this happens, the waste can fly all over your yard or even into your neighbor’s property or the street. If you want to keep everything where it belongs, you should keep your dumpster covered and avoid filling it too high.

You can also place heavier materials on top of lighter ones to anchor everything down and minimize the risk of waste flying away in the wind. Placing your dumpster on stable, level ground will also prevent any movement or tipping during high winds.

If you have no idea where to keep your dumpster or how to keep it safe against high winds, you can always ask for some guidance. As the premier dumpster rental contractor in Highland Park, Illinois, our team at Economy Disposal can help you determine the safest and most effective placement for the dumpster on your property.

Looking for a Dumpster Rental Contractor in Highland Park, Illinois?

Do you need to rent a dumpster for an upcoming project? Looking to partner with the leading dumpster rental contractor in Highland Park, Illinois? If so, you’ve come to the right place — look no further than Economy Disposal. Contact us today at (800) 263-6060 to learn how we can assist you.