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If you’re a homeowner or contractor in Acadiana planning a renovation, cleanout, or construction project, this guide is for you. Whether you’re in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Scott, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, or any of the surrounding communities, renting a dumpster for the first time can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you understand how it works. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting a dumpster for your next project.

Why Rent a Dumpster?

A dumpster rental makes waste removal simple for projects that generate more debris than your regular trash service can handle. Home renovations, roof replacements, yard cleanouts, construction projects, and estate cleanouts all benefit from having a dedicated container on-site. Instead of making dozens of trips to the landfill, you toss everything into one container and let the rental company haul it away.

Step 1: Determine the Right Dumpster Size

Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, which refers to how much debris the container can hold. OGE’S Waste Services offers four sizes to match your project needs:

10-Yard Dumpster — Ideal for small cleanouts, single-room renovations, or garage decluttering projects. This compact size holds roughly 3 pickup truck loads of debris and fits easily in most driveways.

15-Yard Dumpster — A versatile mid-size option perfect for medium renovations, bathroom or kitchen remodels, and residential cleanouts. Holds approximately 4-5 pickup truck loads.

20-Yard Dumpster — Great for larger renovation projects, roofing jobs, whole-home cleanouts, or significant yard waste removal. Holds around 6 pickup truck loads.

30-Yard Dumpster — The largest option, best suited for major construction projects, large-scale cleanouts, or commercial jobs. Holds approximately 9 pickup truck loads.

Concrete Dumpsters — Specialized containers designed specifically for heavy materials like concrete, brick, asphalt, and masonry. These dumpsters are built to handle the extra weight that standard containers cannot accommodate.

When in doubt, size up. Overfilling a dumpster creates safety hazards and may result in additional fees, while having extra space costs nothing.

Step 2: Know What You Can and Cannot Throw Away

Most dumpster rentals accept general construction debris, household junk, furniture, appliances, yard waste, and roofing materials. However, certain items are prohibited due to environmental regulations or safety concerns.

Not Accepted:

  • Hazardous materials (paints, solvents, chemicals)
  • Flammable liquids
  • Batteries
  • Tires
  • Refrigerators and air conditioners containing freon
  • Medical waste
  • Asbestos-containing materials

Always confirm accepted materials with your rental provider before loading the dumpster. Disposing of prohibited items can result in additional fees or refusal of pickup.

Step 3: Prepare Your Delivery Location

Before your dumpster arrives, you need to designate a placement spot. Consider these factors:

Surface — Dumpsters are heavy, especially when loaded. A flat, solid surface like a concrete driveway works best. If placing on asphalt or grass, ask about protective boards to prevent surface damage.

Access — Delivery trucks need adequate clearance to drop off and pick up the container. Ensure there are no low-hanging branches, power lines, or other obstructions in the delivery path.

Permits — If you need to place the dumpster in the street or on public property, you may need a permit from your local municipality. Your rental company can often advise on local requirements.

Proximity — Place the dumpster as close to your work area as practical to minimize the distance you need to carry debris.

Step 4: Schedule Your Rental Period

Most dumpster rentals include a standard rental period, typically ranging from 3 to 14 days depending on the company and your needs. When scheduling, consider:

  • How long your project will realistically take
  • Whether you have flexibility if the project runs longer than expected
  • The cost of extending the rental if needed

Many companies offer flexible scheduling and can adjust pickup times if your project timeline changes. Communication is key—let your rental provider know as soon as you realize you need more time.

Step 5: Load the Dumpster Properly

Efficient loading maximizes your rental value and ensures safe transport. Follow these best practices:

Break down large items — Flatten cardboard boxes, disassemble furniture when possible, and break apart large debris to make the most of your space.

Load heavy items first — Place heavier materials at the bottom and lighter items on top for stability during transport.

Distribute weight evenly — Avoid loading all heavy materials on one side, which can make the container unstable.

Don’t overfill — Debris should not extend above the top edge of the container. Overfilled dumpsters cannot be legally transported and will require you to remove excess material before pickup.

Step 6: Schedule Pickup

Once your project is complete and the dumpster is loaded, contact your rental provider to schedule pickup. The company will send a truck to collect the container and transport the debris to an appropriate disposal facility.

Some providers offer same-day or next-day pickup, while others may require more advance notice. Plan accordingly, especially if you need the dumpster removed by a specific date.

Understanding Dumpster Rental Costs

Pricing for dumpster rentals typically includes:

  • Delivery and pickup fees
  • A set rental period
  • A weight allowance (tonnage included in the base price)
  • Disposal fees

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Exceeding the weight allowance
  • Extending the rental period
  • Disposing of special materials
  • Multiple pickups or relocations

Request a detailed quote upfront so you understand exactly what’s included and what might trigger additional fees.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Plan ahead — Don’t wait until debris is piling up to call. Book your dumpster at least a few days before you need it, especially during busy seasons like spring and summer.

Communicate clearly — Tell your rental provider exactly what type of debris you’ll be disposing of. This ensures you get the right container and avoids surprises at pickup.

Protect your property — Use plywood under the dumpster if placing it on a delicate surface. Move vehicles and clear the delivery area before the truck arrives.

Stay organized — Load debris as you work rather than letting it pile up. This makes the project more manageable and helps you gauge whether you need additional capacity.

When to Consider Multiple Dumpsters

Some large projects may require more than one dumpster, either simultaneously or sequentially. Consider multiple containers if:

  • Your project generates more debris than a single container can hold
  • You need to separate materials (such as keeping concrete separate from general debris for recycling)
  • Your project spans multiple phases with significant time gaps between them

Ready to Rent a Dumpster?

Now that you understand how the process works, renting a dumpster should feel much less intimidating. The key steps are simple: choose the right size, know what materials you’re disposing of, prepare your delivery location, and communicate clearly with your rental provider.

Whether you’re tackling a weekend cleanout or managing a major renovation, having a dumpster on-site keeps your project organized and your property clean.

OGE’S Waste Services makes dumpster rental easy for homeowners and contractors across Acadiana. Our local, family-owned team has been delivering reliable service since 2016, with flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees.

Book your dumpster online for fast, convenient scheduling, or contact us to discuss your project needs and get a free quote. Call 337-654-8951 to speak with our team directly.

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