Before You Rent A Dumpster, Make Sure You Have A Sturdy Location For It

When renting a dumpster, one thing that you need to consider is where it's going to go. That means more than just what will be the most convenient spot for you, however. Dumpsters are heavy when they arrive empty, and they only get heavier as they fill up; if you don't take care where your dumpster rental is placed, you may end up with damage to the surface beneath it.

Place On Concrete If Possible

Concrete is incredibly strong, so if you've got an area where the dumpster can be placed on concrete, it will be the easiest location to use. You don't have to worry about putting down protective plywood; the concrete will bear the weight just fine.

There's one exception to this: if your concrete is already cracked, then it's structurally compromised. You'll need to either have it repaired or find somewhere else to place the dumpster. Otherwise, the weight of the dumpster will likely cause the concrete to fracture further.

Place On Coolest Area Of Asphalt

Asphalt is very durable, but it is also softer than concrete. It also gets softer when it heats up, and since it's usually black or very dark, it absorbs a lot of heat from the sun. The hotter the temperature is predicted to be during your rental, the more important this is. If you're going to place your dumpster on asphalt – especially in the summer – you should try to choose an area that will be protected from the sun.

Putting it in the shade of a building or even trees can ensure you're putting it on the sturdiest asphalt. If you don't have a shaded area, consider putting up a temporary canopy to create one. You'll want to put up the canopy at least a day before the dumpster is due to arrive so that the asphalt will already be cooler when the dumpster is placed. Alternatively, consider using plywood to protect your asphalt.

Put Down Protective Plywood

You can help protect the surface underneath a dumpster by putting down plywood under the wheels of the dumpster. For concrete, this isn't necessary; for asphalt, it can help if you expect high temperatures; for dirt or unpaved areas, it's absolutely crucial.

Since plywood is used frequently for this purpose, ask a dumpster rental company, such as Parks & Sons of Sun City, Inc., whether they do temporary plywood placement. Many do; if they don't, they should be able to recommend the right thickness of plywood based on your expected dumpster weight and location.

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