Can You Move a Dumpster Mid-Project If Plans Change? Insights from Economy Disposal — The Best Dumpster Rental Contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Construction and renovation projects rarely follow a perfectly predictable plan. It is common for job site conditions and timelines to change once work has already started. One question people often ask during these changes is whether a dumpster can be moved after it has already been delivered.
As the leading dumpster rental contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Economy Disposal is here to explain how dumpster relocation works — and we’ll also explain what you should expect if your project plans suddenly change.
Can you relocate the dumpster yourself?
Roll-off dumpsters are extremely heavy, even when they are empty. These containers are made only to be lifted and transported using specialized trucks and those trucks are operated by trained professionals.
Trying to move a dumpster on your own, even a short distance, is honestly a bad idea. It can cause serious injuries (pulled muscles, smashed fingers, crushed feet, back injuries… you name it) or major damage to your property (e.g., cracked driveways, messed-up pavement, dents in garage doors, damaged fences, ruined landscaping).
Can the dumpster even be moved after delivery?
Whether a dumpster can be relocated after delivery depends on a few different factors. One of the most important is your rental agreement. Most contracts approve a single placement location at the time of delivery. If you later need the dumpster relocated, you may have to schedule a service call with your rental company. A relocation fee can apply to cover the extra labor and truck time involved.
The dumpster’s current location also affects how easy (or complicated) it will be to relocate it. Dumpsters that are entirely on private property are generally easier to relocate. You can just coordinate with your dumpster rental company and move the container without the city’s approval. But if your dumpster is on a public street, sidewalk, alley or other public right-of-way, you need a Right-of-Way permit before you can move it.
Practical conditions can also limit relocation. An overloaded dumpster may not be safe to lift or transport. Partial unloading of waste may be necessary before the dumpster can be safely moved.
An experienced dumpster rental contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois will explain all these details before your rental starts.
Why would a dumpster need to be moved during a project?
Workflow efficiency is one of the most common reasons a dumpster needs to be relocated during a project. Productivity can take a hit if the dumpster is too far from where work is happening. Workers lose time carrying waste materials across the site. Moving the dumpster closer to where waste is generated improves efficiency and productivity.
Safety is another reason for relocating a dumpster. If a dumpster is dropped in the wrong spot, it can block important access points and emergency routes. Relocating the container keeps these paths clear and maintains a safer, more organized work environment.
How to prepare a site for a dumpster relocation?
The most important first step is communication. As soon as you know a relocation may be needed, it’s essential to contact your dumpster rental contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Early notice makes scheduling much easier.
Before you move the dumpster to the new location, you should also check the new location carefully. The surface needs to be solid and level.
The delivery truck also needs clear and unobstructed access to the new location, so check for that as well. Make sure that there is enough space for the truck to maneuver safely during pickup and placement. Overhead clearance must also be free from obstructions like power lines and tree branches that could interfere with the truck’s operation.
Looking for a dumpster rental contractor in Arlington Heights, Illinois?
If you want to keep your project moving smoothly, it’s best to partner with a trusted dumpster rental company in Arlington Heights, Illinois — like Economy Disposal Service. Family-owned and operating since 1998, we offer roll-off dumpster rentals in multiple sizes for residential and commercial projects. Our team will help you plan dumpster placement and handle relocations if your job site needs change. Contact us today to get started.
