How Long Can I Keep My Dumpster? Understanding Rental Periods and Extensions

Table of Contents

Introduction

When renting a dumpster, one of the most common questions is, “How long can I keep my dumpster?” The answer depends on the specific
rental terms, the type of project, and whether you need additional time to complete your work. Understanding the standard rental periods, as
well as the options available for extensions, can help you plan your project more efficiently and avoid unexpected fees. In this guide, we’ll
break down typical rental periods, the factors that may influence how long you can keep your dumpster, and how to request an extension if
needed.

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Standard Dumpster Rental Periods

Typically, dumpster rentals are offered with standard time frames, ranging from 1 to 30 days, but different projects may require more or less
time depending on the scope of the work. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the standard rental periods at Major Dumpsters, including 1
day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days.

1-Day Dumpster Rental Projects

Perfect for short-term projects that generate a manageable amount of waste and can be completed within a single day. In most cases, a 1-day
rental allows you to have the dumpster dropped off in the morning and picked up at the end of the day. Few examples of 1-day rental projects
include:

  • Cleanouts: A garage, attic, or basement cleanout where you’re decluttering and disposing of unwanted items.
  • Small Home Renovations: Minor renovations like kitchen or bathroom updates, where the debris can be cleared within a day.
  • Yard Cleanup: A quick landscaping project, such as tree trimming, leaf removal, or a garden overhaul.
  • Moving or Decluttering: A quick disposal of items during a move or home cleanout.
 
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3-Day Dumpster Rental Projects

This is ideal for projects that need more time than a single day but don’t require an entire week. It offers a flexible timeframe for tasks that
take a few days to complete, giving you enough time to manage waste and complete your project without worrying about rushing through it.
Common Examples of 3-Day Rental Projects:

  • Home Improvement: Small renovations, such as updating a kitchen, replacing flooring, or making bathroom repairs, where debris and
    materials accumulate over a few days.
  • Yard Work: Projects like tree trimming, hedge removal, or lawn cleanup that require more than a single day to complete.
    Garage or Basement Cleanouts: Organizing and decluttering larger areas, which may take a few days to sort through and dispose of
    unwanted items.
  • Small Demolition Projects: Removing cabinets, countertops, or small structures, which produce moderate debris over the course of a few
    days.
 
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7-Day Dumpster Rental Projects

Suitable for projects that require a little more time to complete but don’t extend into long-term, ongoing work. A 7-day rental is a great option
for projects covering medium to large areas. Best examples of 7-day rental projects are:

  • Home Renovations: Larger home improvement projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, flooring replacements, or painting that
    generate substantial debris over the course of the week.
  • Construction or Demolition: Medium-sized demolition work like tearing down walls, removing old roofing, or clearing out a portion of a
    building, which produces a steady amount of waste throughout the week.
  • Yard and Landscaping Projects: Major landscaping tasks such as large tree removals, patio demolitions, or extensive yard cleanups that
    can take multiple days to complete.
  • Estate or Garage Cleanouts: Cleaning out an entire house, attic, or garage where you need time to sort through and dispose of unwanted
    items without feeling rushed.
  • Moving or Decluttering: If you’re moving into a new home or decluttering a large space, a 7-day rental provides enough time to go through
    items, pack, and dispose of things efficiently.
 
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14-Day Dumpster Rental Projects

A perfect solution for projects that require more time and space to complete, the 14-day rental is ideal for tasks that take several days, such
as remodeling your home, a large-scale cleanout, or an extensive construction project. This gives you the flexibility to focus on your work
without the pressure of a deadline. Common projects for a 14-day dumpster rental:

  • Office or Commercial Cleanouts: Clearing out office spaces, commercial buildings, or warehouses, where large amounts of furniture,
    equipment, and materials need to be removed over time.
  • Roofing Projects: Replacing an entire roof or multiple roofs, which produces a lot of debris and often requires a couple of weeks to
    complete.
  • Foreclosure or Estate Sales Cleanup: Managing and clearing out large amounts of furniture, appliances, and other household items from
    foreclosed or inherited properties that require several days to sort and dispose of.
  • Flood or Fire Damage Cleanup: Handling debris and ruined materials from extensive water or fire damage, where extensive demolition or
    cleanup work takes place over a couple of weeks.
 
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30-Day Dumpster Rental Projects

Highly recommended for extended, large-scale, or ongoing projects that require plenty of time to complete. It’s perfect for jobs that unfold
over several weeks and generate a high volume of waste. A 30-day rental provides ample time to complete complex, long-term projects at
your own pace. Some examples for a 30-day rental include:

  • Hoarding Situations: Handling extreme cleanouts or hoarding cases, where a lot of time and effort are required to go through and clear out
    the property.
  • Construction and Demolition: Large construction projects, including new home builds, commercial construction, or major demolitions,
    which generate significant amounts of debris over the course of a month.
  • Apartment Complex Renovations: Renovating a large apartment complex or multi-unit building, where different units are being updated
    simultaneously, creating large amounts of waste over time.
  • Event Venue Overhaul: Renovating a large event venue, such as a conference center, wedding hall, or theater, where debris from previous
    events and renovation work accumulate over time
 

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The examples provided above are just a few common scenarios and may not directly apply to every project. It’s important to remember that
the appropriate rental duration depends on the specific needs of your project, including the volume of waste it will generate. Estimating the
right rental period is your responsibility, and it’s crucial to carefully assess the scope and scale of your work to determine how much time
you’ll need. If you’re uncertain about the appropriate rental period for your project, it’s highly recommended that you consult with your labor
provider or contractors. They can offer valuable insights based on their experience with similar projects, helping you choose the right
dumpster size and rental duration to ensure everything runs smoothly.

 

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If you need help picking the right size as well, check out our dumpster sizes here.

 

What Happens if I Need to Keep the Dumpster Longer Than Expected?

Keep in mind that dumpster rental pricing not only depends on the type of waste and the size of the dumpster but also on the rental duration.
If you exceed the contracted rental period, additional rental fees may apply. In some cities, this can be as much as $35 per day for each day
over the agreed duration. At Major Dumpsters, our goal is not only to ensure you’re aware of your rental period, but also to help you avoid
incurring extra charges. In this section, we’ll guide you on how to prevent overage fees.
In some cases, a project might take longer than anticipated—especially with larger cleanouts or renovations. If that happens, don’t worry! We
won’t just show up and take your dumpster away if you’re not ready. Our team is flexible and can adjust the rental terms to fit your schedule.
Pro Tip: When booking your dumpster, let us know if you’re unsure about how long you’ll need. We’ll help you select the right rental period and
give you the option to extend without hassle.

Here’s how it works:

  • Contact Us Early: If you know you need more time, it’s always a good idea to reach out to us at least a day or two before your rental period
    is up. We’ll make sure to accommodate your needs and extend your rental.
  • Additional Charges: Extensions typically come with a small fee, depending on how long you need the dumpster. The longer the extension,
    the higher the cost, but we keep our rates affordable and clear. We’ll always let you know the cost upfront before you agree to an
    extension.
  • Flexibility: The best part? We’re here to work with you. If you’re unsure about how much time you need, feel free to give us an estimate,
    and we’ll adjust your rental period accordingly. Our goal is to make sure you have enough time to finish your project without the stress of
    rushing.

There are a few common scenarios where extending your rental makes sense:

  • Larger Projects: Major renovations, room additions, or whole-home cleanouts often take longer than expected. With a bigger scope, you
    may need more time to sort through debris and load the dumpster.
  • Unforeseen Delays: Weather, supply chain issues, or other unexpected delays can affect your timeline. If a storm delays your project or
    you’re waiting on materials, we’re here to help extend your rental period so you’re not rushed. Make sure to check the weather report to
    avoid using all your rental days on windy or rainy days.
  • Busy Schedules: Sometimes life just gets in the way. If you’re juggling work, family, and your project, it can be hard to find time to load up
    your dumpster. Don’t worry—take your time! We’ll work with you to extend your rental.
 

If you plan on keeping your dumpster for an extended period, it’s a good idea to tarp it to keep debris and weather out. You can easily find
tarps at Ace hardware Baldwin, Ace hardware Island Park and Home Depot Freeport.

 

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How to Return Your Dumpster

Once your project is complete and your dumpster is full, all you need to do is give us a call or send a quick message to schedule pickup.
Since the landfill closes at 4 PM, we ask that you call before 2 PM and, preferably, 1-2 days in advance to ensure we can schedule your pickup
for the same day. Otherwise, it will be scheduled for the following day.

 

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We’ll handle everything from start to finish, ensuring that all waste is disposed of properly and responsibly. It’s no wonder people love us! See
what our customers have to say in the reviews.

Conclusion

At Major Dumpsters, we simplify your cleanup or renovation with flexible rental periods and easy extension options. Whether it’s a small DIY
task or a large renovation, we ensure you have the dumpster you need, and if your project takes longer, you won’t feel rushed.
We provide reliable deliveries and pickups, and our team is always ready to assist with any changes or questions. From home cleanouts to
construction jobs, we offer the right solution to keep your project on track. Let Major Dumpsters handle your waste disposal, so you can focus
on getting the job done without tight deadlines.

If you’re ready to order, book now online or if you have any other questions check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or call and speak
to one of our project managers at 516-696-3867.