If you and your neighbor are both planning a home project, you may want to know if sharing a dumpster is a good idea. It might seem easier and cheaper to rent one dumpster together instead of each getting your own. But before you agree to do that, there are some important things you should consider.

As the leading dumpster rental company in River Forest, Illinois, Economy Disposal is sharing some tips to keep in mind while renting a dumpster with a neighbor.

Planning is key.

Sharing a dumpster with your neighbor can work well if you both take some time to get on the same page. Do neither of you need a full dumpster, or do you both just want to split the rental cost? Either way, it can be a good idea, but only if you both plan it from the start.

You should discuss the details before renting anything. Decide who will be calling the rental company, where the dumpster will be placed, and what will happen if it fills up before the projects are complete.

Your local dumpster rental company in River Forest, Illinois can help you figure out the right dumpster size and rental duration. But you and your neighbor still need to be clear with each other first.

Not everything belongs in the dumpster.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Just because an item fits inside the dumpster does not mean you are allowed to throw it inside. Some items, like old cans of paint or batteries, require special handling and should not be thrown in the dumpster.

It’s important to check with your dumpster rental company in River Forest, Illinois to learn what can go in and what can’t. Most companies will give you a clear list of what is allowed in the dumpster.

Location is key.

You need to find a spot that is easy for both of you to access, but that does not cause any problems for anyone else. If you both share a driveway, that will work. But if you live across the street from each other or even a few houses apart, that gets complicated.

You will want to make sure it does not block anything important, like the sidewalk or your mailbox. And you will want to be able to throw away your trash easily.

You might also need a permit depending on where you live. Some towns or HOAs require a permit if you plan to keep it on the street. Others might only let you keep a dumpster out for a certain number of days. In River Forest, Illinois, you must obtain a permit to place a dumpster in a public way from the Building Department.

A local dumpster rental company will inform you of what you need and help you sort it out ahead of time.

Set some ground rules.

Even if you and your neighbor are on good terms, you will want to discuss how everything is going to work. Talk about how much space each of you will use, who is checking the fill level, and what happens if you need a second dumpster. 

For example, if one of you throws in a big couch without saying anything, that could take up more than half the dumpster. That is the kind of thing that can cause tension. But when you have discussed your plans beforehand, you can avoid that.

If you are not sure how much space each of you will need, your dumpster rental company can help with that. They can give you a rough idea based on what kind of work you are doing.

Looking for a Dumpster Rental Company in River Forest, Illinois?

Are you considering a shared dumpster rental and want to make sure everything runs smoothly? If so, and if you are looking for a professional dumpster rental company in River Forest, Illinois that can make it possible, Economy Disposal Service is just a call away. Our team can answer any questions you may have about dumpster size, placement, approved materials or local guidelines. Contact us today at (800) 263-6060 to book your dumpster or to learn more about our options.