You put in an order for a dumpster and come to discover it is already at capacity in the middle of your project. Or you have shelled out for a large container and made short work of half of it. In either case, a poor choice of size will leave you with less time and money than you had to begin with, not to mention the aggravation.

For more than 40 years we at A&A Dumpster Rental have been putting Bay Area contractors and homeowners in touch with the right container. To put an end to the guesswork, call (408) 598-3926. Before you do though, read on as we outline the pitfalls of getting the size wrong so they can be sidestepped on your next job.

The Overflow: When You Rent Too Small

It is the error most often made, to go too small. Once a dumpster has no room to spare and your project is not done, a host of headaches follow that one does not expect.

Underestimating what is required has a way of manifesting itself:

• Debris is left to pile up on the ground by the side of the dumpster, making a mess and an unsafe situation
• An overfilled container above the line is a violation of hauling rules and not safe
• You could be looking at a second order and the cost of another delivery and pickup
• The work comes to a standstill pending the arrival of a new container
• There is the matter of having to re-collect loose debris, extending the cleanup

Some will opt for the smallest to put a few dollars in their pocket, then find themselves spending much more to make up for it. Plan ahead and you will be better off.

Paying for What You Do Not Use

Then there is the matter of a dumpster that is simply too big. A 40-cubic-yard is fine for construction of any magnitude but is hardly sensible for a garage cleanout. You are paying for empty space.

An oversized unit can present its own set of issues on your property:

• It is difficult to place on a residential lot of limited size
• It occupies more of the street or driveway
• There is the question of whether a huge dumpster will even fit in some of the tighter neighborhoods in the Bay Area

We would advise matching the job to the container rather than taking the largest and hoping for the best.

A Guide to Our Sizes

At A&A Dumpster Rental we have 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yard dumpsters in stock so you are not put in a position where the container does not suit your work.

To give you an idea of how things break down:

• 5-cubic-yard for minor yard work or a single-room project
• 10-cubic-yard if you have a small remodel or are clearing out a garage
• 20-cubic-yard will handle mid-size renovations and roofing
• 30-cubic-yard for commercial cleanouts and bigger remodels
• 40-cubic-yard for demolition and major construction sites

Still have questions? We are happy to discuss your project and put you in the right direction. Just give us a ring at (408) 598-3926.

Weight and Materials

Volume is only part of the equation. Concrete and dirt have a way of reaching weight limits in what appears to be a half-empty box. Some things are not allowed in a rental for the sake of the environment and the workers; hazardous materials such as motor oil, paint, tires, batteries and household cleaners are off limits. If you are not sure, ask before you put them in to avoid trouble with your haul.

The Bottom Line

Do it right and you will not have to rent twice or let debris accumulate while you wait for a replacement. Your budget stays intact and the project keeps moving. We pride ourselves on being prompt and courteous about the whole affair.

We are a local operation and know the projects that are put in front of us in San Jose, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Redwood City, Milpitas and all points in between in the Bay Area.

Let us get your project on track from the first load. A&A Dumpster Rental is at your service around the clock at (408) 598-3926.