FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why use Hometown Waste (HWS)?

Hometown Waste & Recycling Services Inc. is an NJ-DEP licensed and approved (#35925) company, while most brokers (third party) are not. Here at Hometown Waste, we save you money, provide exceptional service and make the dumpster rental process as easy as possible. Dealing with a direct source eliminates third-party headaches.

What areas do you service?

We service Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Union, Somerset, Mercer, Essex, Hudson and Hunterdon counties.

How do dumpster rentals work?

Things we need to know to generate a price for a dumpster rental:

1. Where are you located?
2. What size dumpster are you interested in?
3. What kind of project are you about to start?

From here, our on-site professional staff can:

1. Get a better understanding of your needs.
2. Help guide you into the correct rental if any confusion exists.
3. Provide you with an industry-competitive rate.

What dumpster sizes can I rent?

We offer four dumpster sizes:

• 10-yard dumpsters
• 20-yard dumpsters
• 30-yard dumpsters
• 40-yard dumpsters

How do I choose the right dumpster size for my needs?

Consider the following when selecting a dumpster:

• Materials: What do you plan to put in the dumpster? Concrete or furniture would need a larger dumpster than landscaping debris. The material types also impact the disposal price. Remember, you must avoid placing certain hazardous materials in dumpsters.
• Project type: A large-scale home renovation requires a bigger unit compared to a smaller dirt removal project. For example, our 10-yard dumpsters suit basement clearing, while our 40-yard dumpsters are ideal for large remodeling projects.
• Property size: The dumpster should sit comfortably on your driveway or property without blocking access. Check the dimensions of our dumpsters to ensure your chosen unit fits the space.
• Budget: While a 30-yard dumpster costs more to rent, it can cost less than renting multiple smaller dumpsters. It also means fewer trips to the dump.

What is the weight allowed for dumpster rental?

The weight allowance when renting a dumpster depends on the size of the unit. Here are the weight allowances for each dumpster size:

• 10-yard dumpsters: 1.5 tons of waste
• 20-yard dumpsters: 2.5 tons of waste
• 30-yard dumpsters: 3.5 tons of waste
• 40-yard dumpsters: 4.5 tons of waste

What can and can’t I put in a dumpster?

For safety concerns, flammable, toxic or hazardous material such as asbestos is not allowed in the dumpster. The dumpster is provided to dispose of your items. We ask that you keep your weight limit in mind to avoid any additional overweight costs.

What is an overage charge?

An overage charge is an additional fee for exceeding the dumpster’s weight allowance. You incur an extra fee per ton of weight over the agreed limit. To avoid overage charges, follow these tips:

• Try to be as accurate as possible when estimating the weight and volume of your waste.
• Select the right dumpster size for your project. Speak to us if you’re unsure, and we can help!
• Avoid filling the dumpster to the top.
• Consider the weight of the disposed materials, especially heavy items.
• Follow proper loading practices and avoid blocking dumpster access.

How does payment work?

Dumpster rentals are to be paid one day prior to the delivery date in full. Upon completion of the rental, HWS will authorize a security hold in the amount of $300.00. We use this authorization as security to verify that the credit card on file is valid and has enough funds for potential overage fees. For transparency, we provide you with a copy of the dump ticket from a state-certified scale at the disposal facility. If the dumpster is within the weight allowance, the authorization falls away automatically.

What type of payments do we accept?

We accept COD as well as all major credit cards. Sorry, we do not accept checks.

Do I need a permit for a dumpster?

As a general rule of thumb, you require a permit if you intend to position the dumpster in the street. Generally, if you place the dumpster within your property lines, you won’t need a permit. Dumpster permit requirements vary by municipality. Before renting a dumpster, check with your local municipality if they require a permit for placing it in the street or on your driveway. You can obtain one from your local building department. The permit cost and rental duration depend on the local regulations.

Can the dumpster be placed on wood?

Dealing directly with HWS instead of a third-party broker has its perks. Many customers worry about dumpsters damaging their driveways. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can place the dumpster on wood to help prevent sinkholes or property damage. We supply these wood planks on request.

Do I have to be there when my dumpster is delivered?

We recommend having someone present to ensure we place the dumpster in the right location, but it’s not mandatory. Please give us specific instructions on dumpster placement. If you can’t be there, you will need to sign a customer authorization form giving us permission to charge your credit card and drop the dumpster. HWS will not be held responsible for any dumpster placed in the wrong location if the customer is not on-site.

Do I have to be there for dumpster collection?

No. Please make sure the dumpster is properly loaded and access is available to the dumpster for pickup.

How long can you keep a rented dumpster?

We rent our dumpsters out to match the needs of your project. The average stay of a dumpster in a driveway is about three and a half days, and our standard rental includes up to seven days. If this doesn’t accommodate your needs and you have a longer project, please call us at 732-561-5524 to discuss your unique needs with one of our customer service representatives so we can accommodate you as best as we can.

What is the proper way of loading a dumpster?

Try to distribute the weight across the dumpster. Avoid overloading the container or creating walls for additional space using debris. The customer is liable for offloading overloaded dumpsters and may need to rent a second dumpster. We charge an additional trip fee of $150.00 (price subject to change according to service area) for a second collection attempt.

Please note that when loading heavy materials like dirt, concrete or asphalt, you must keep the material at least 12″ below the top rail. We cannot legally or safely transport overweight dumpster containers.

Does water weight count toward dumpster charges?

Yes, water weight does add to dumpster charges. When items absorb water from rain or snow, they become heavier, increasing the total weight. The added weight could cause your dumpster to exceed the allowance. Dump facilities don’t differentiate between the weight of the water and dry materials. The client must pay for the final dumpster weight. If your dumpster exceeds the weight limit because of water, you may have to pay overage fees.

Cover your dumpster with a waterproof tarp to avoid dumpster water weight restrictions. You can buy a painter’s tarp from Home Depot or a hardware store. Remember to remove the tarp when we collect the dumpster!

Can I fill my dumpster to the top and stay within the allowed weight?

No, we advise against filling your dumpster to the top. Overloading can cause debris to fall out. These items can damage your property or cause safety hazards during transport. The weight allowance depends on the material. A dumpster filled to the brim with feathers weighs less than one loaded with household items. Likewise, a dumpster filled halfway with concrete could exceed the weight allowance. Exceeding the dumpster’s weight limit or capacity can result in an overage charge.

Our team can help guide you and recommend the best, most cost-effective option for your needs.

Can you deliver the dumpster the same day?

If you call early enough, many times HWS can accommodate your delivery needs, including same-day service. However, dumpster availability depends on supply and demand. We appreciate one to two days’ notice if possible.

How much does it cost to rent a dumpster for a day?

HWS handles this on a case-by-case basis. From an operational perspective, the delivery, removal and disposal costs remain the same.

Dumpster vs. Dumpster Bag: Does the bag make sense?

The price of dumpster rental may appear higher than a dumpster or a Bagster^® bag. However, bag sizes can be deceiving, and the cost of multiple individual bags can add up to more than renting a dumpster.

Do you offer coupons for dumpster rentals?

Yes! Please see our dumpster deals here.