Dumpster Rental FAQS & Terms
Renting a dumpster should be simple. At Shields Outdoor, we make the process straightforward from delivery to pickup.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our dumpster rentals, including rental periods, what you can put in the dumpster, loading requirements, driveway protection, pickup, and other important rental terms.
If you don’t see your question answered below, contact us before booking and we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I rent a dumpster?
Our standard rental periods. 1, 3, 5, or 7 days
Need the dumpster longer? Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll let you know if an extension is available.
What size dumpster do I need?
The right dumpster depends on the size and type of your project.
Our dumpsters are commonly used for:
- Home cleanouts
- Garage, basement and attic cleanouts
- Moving and decluttering
- Estate cleanouts
- Remodeling projects
- Roofing projects
- Construction and demolition debris
- Furniture and household junk
- Yard and outdoor projects
If you’re unsure which size you need, tell us what you’re cleaning out and we’ll help you choose.
What can I put in a Shields Outdoor dumpster?
Most common household, renovation and construction debris is accepted.
Examples include:
- Furniture
- Household junk
- Cardboard
- Wood and lumber
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Roofing shingles
- Siding
- Cabinets
- Construction debris
- General remodeling debris
If you’re unsure about a specific item, ask before putting it in the dumpster.
What can’t go in the dumpster?
Certain materials cannot be accepted because of disposal regulations, safety requirements or landfill restrictions.
Prohibited materials may include:
- Hazardous chemicals
- Paint and liquids
- Gasoline, oil or other fuels
- Propane tanks
- Batteries
- Tires
- Asbestos
- Explosives or ammunition
- Medical or infectious waste
- Freon-containing appliances
- Other hazardous or regulated materials
Not sure about something? Contact us before loading it.
Can I put concrete, brick or dirt in the dumpster?
Heavy materials such as concrete, brick, dirt, stone and similar materials can quickly exceed the weight capacity of a dumpster.
Always contact us before ordering a dumpster for heavy debris so we can make sure you have the appropriate container for your project.
How full can I load the dumpster?
Keep all materials below the top of the dumpster.
Nothing should stick out above the sides or hang over the edge.
Overfilled dumpsters may not be able to be safely transported and may require material to be removed before pickup.
Do the dumpsters have a back door?
Yes. Our dumpsters have a convenient rear door that makes loading easier.
The back door allows you to walk material directly into the dumpster rather than having to lift everything over the side.
This can make loading large, heavy or bulky items much easier and less stressful.
Will you protect my driveway during delivery and pickup?
We take precautions to help protect your driveway during delivery and pickup.
Our dumpsters are placed with wood blocking underneath the container to help prevent direct contact with the driveway and reduce the risk of damage.
However, no dumpster placement system can guarantee that a driveway will not be damaged. Existing cracks, weakened pavement, steep grades and other property conditions can affect the surface.
Where can the dumpster be placed?
Dumpsters are generally placed on a driveway or another suitable, accessible surface.
The placement area should:
- Be accessible to our delivery truck
- Have adequate overhead clearance
- Be free of vehicles and other obstacles
- Provide enough room for safe delivery and pickup
- Not block sidewalks, roads or other required access
If you’re unsure where to place your dumpster, we can help you determine the best location.
Do I need to be home when the dumpster is delivered?
Not necessarily.
As long as we have clear access to the agreed-upon placement location and the area is ready for delivery, you may not need to be home.
Make sure vehicles, trailers and other obstacles are moved before delivery.
What happens if I finish early?
If you finish your project before your scheduled pickup date, contact us to see if an earlier pickup can be arranged.
We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
What if I need to extend my dumpster rental period?
Contact us before your scheduled pickup date.
Extensions are subject to availability and may result in additional rental charges.
The sooner you let us know, the better we can accommodate your request.
What happens when I need the dumpster picked up?
When you’re finished, make sure the dumpster is accessible and that nothing is blocking the truck from reaching it.
If you have a scheduled pickup, please make sure:
- The dumpster is not overfilled
- Nothing is leaning against or hanging out of the dumpster
- Vehicles are moved
- Gates are unlocked when necessary
- The access path is clear
Can I move the dumpster after it is delivered?
No. Do not attempt to move the dumpster yourself.
Our dumpsters should only be moved by the appropriate equipment and personnel.
If you need the dumpster repositioned, contact us and we’ll determine whether we can safely move it.
Can I burn anything in the dumpster?
No. Never burn anything in a Shields Outdoor dumpster.
Burning materials can damage the dumpster, create a fire hazard and result in additional charges.
Can I load the dumpster with heavy equipment?
If you plan to use machinery or heavy equipment to load the dumpster, contact us first.
Improper loading can damage the container and may create a safety hazard.
Rental Terms & Conditions
1. Customer Responsibility
The customer is responsible for the contents of the dumpster and for following all applicable loading, material and safety requirements.
By renting a dumpster from Shields Outdoor, you agree to these rental terms and conditions.
2. Prohibited Materials
Customers may not place prohibited, hazardous or regulated materials in the dumpster.
If prohibited materials are discovered, the customer may be responsible for any disposal fees, fines, transportation costs, cleanup costs or other charges resulting from the material.
If you’re unsure whether something is permitted, ask us before putting it in the dumpster.
3. Maximum Fill Level
All materials must remain below the top of the dumpster.
Nothing may extend above the sides, hang over the edges or create an unsafe load.
For everyone’s safety, an overfilled dumpster may require material to be removed before transportation.
4. Weight Restrictions
Every dumpster has a maximum safe hauling capacity.
Heavy materials such as concrete, brick, dirt, stone and roofing materials can create significant weight concerns even when the dumpster is not full.
Customers are responsible for informing Shields Outdoor about unusually heavy materials before delivery.
Additional charges may apply when a load exceeds the applicable weight limit.
5. Dumpster Damage
Customers are responsible for damage caused by misuse of the dumpster.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Burning or fires
- Intentional damage
- Improper loading
- Attempting to move the dumpster
- Using equipment in a way that damages the container
- Placing prohibited materials inside the dumpster
6. Property and Driveway Protection
Shields Outdoor takes reasonable precautions when placing dumpsters, including using wood blocking beneath the container to help protect driveways.
However, customers understand that dumpster delivery and pickup involve heavy equipment and that existing or hidden damage to pavement, concrete, asphalt, lawns or other surfaces may not be visible before placement.
Shields Outdoor is not responsible for pre-existing damage or damage resulting from conditions outside our reasonable control.
7. Access for Delivery and Pickup
Customers are responsible for providing safe and unobstructed access to the dumpster.
If our driver cannot safely deliver or retrieve the dumpster because of blocked access, vehicles, gates, debris, low-hanging obstacles or other conditions, additional charges may apply and pickup or delivery may need to be rescheduled.
8. Rental Extensions
Additional rental days may be available depending on scheduling and availability.
Customers should request an extension before the scheduled pickup date.
Additional rental charges may apply.
9. Cancellation
Cancellation policies and any applicable fees are determined by the rental agreement and booking terms provided at the time of reservation.
10. Payment
Payment is due on delivery. Accept cash, check, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Cash APP, and credit card.
Any applicable additional charges, including charges for prohibited materials, excess weight, additional rental days or damage, may be billed separately.
11. Agreement to Terms
By booking a dumpster with Shields Outdoor, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Dumpster Rental Terms & Conditions.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. If you’re unsure about dumpster size, what you can throw away, where to place the dumpster, or any of our rental terms, give us a call before booking.