Keeping Your Home Clean and Tidy

Posted on: 2 May 2017

While most people tend to rent dumpsters during the summer or spring for spring cleaning or for removing yard trimmings, it's also not unusual to get a head start with the cleaning during the winter. The average cost of renting a dumpster is around $420, and there's a higher demand for them during spring and summer months. As a result, you might find better deals during winter months. With that said, dumpster require extra maintenance and care when rented during winter months. Here are 3 tips you should be aware of.  

Keep the Area Around the Dumpster Plowed and Deiced

Most homeowners tend to avoid renting dumpsters during the winter due to poor weather conditions. In particular, you'll need to prepare for snowy weather and all of the troubles that come with it. When renting a dumpster during winter months, you'll have to put in the extra effort of plowing snow from around the dumpster regularly.

You want to avoid having the snow pile up. The dumpster rental company needs to be able to access the areas around the dumpster when removing the waste. Shoveling the snow away will also make it a lot easier for you to gain access to the dumpster to toss waste in.

After shoveling the area around the dumpster, make sure to deice it by sprinkling some salt on the ground. This prevents ice from forming and creating a slippery and dangerous surface that increases your chances of slipping and falling. .

Place a Tarp or a Cover on Top of the Dumpster at All Times

Regardless of how the weather each day might be, it's wise to either rent a dumpster that comes with a cover or to cover your dumpster with a tarp each and every day. This is to not only prevent your neighbors from accessing your dumpster, but also to prevent snow from accumulating within the dumpster. The added weight of the snow will only make your final bill much more expensive, as most dumpster rental services charge based on the weight of garbage that they remove.

Snow can also take up room in the dumpster and prevent you from getting as much use as possible from it. When the snow melts, the water might also end up corroding or damaging the inside of the dumpster. In most cases, you'll be held responsible for the costs involved with repairing these damages. In worst case scenarios, you might even be held responsible for replacing the dumpster if it is damaged beyond repair.

Wear Gloves When Handling the Dumpster

If you don't know already, metal is an excellent conductor of heat. During winter months, it's not unusual for the metal of the dumpster to become rather cold. You want to avoid touching the metal directly with your hands, as the metal will transfer and absorb heat from your body upon contact. This is particularly true if the dumpster has been left out in the cold for prolonged periods of time. Prolonged direct contact with the cold metal of the dumpster can result in frostbite and can cause other types of injuries.

It's a good idea to wear gloves when handling the dumpster during winter months. If possible, keep the rental dumpster inside your home or some place away from the elements.

Conclusion

When renting a dumpster during winter months, you might be able to negotiate better terms, conditions and rental rates; however, you'll need to put in more effort into caring and maintaining the dumpster due to added challenges that come with the elements and weather. With proper maintenance, the dumpster will be returned in its original condition, and you won't be charged any extra fees.