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If you are looking for a dumpster rental company in Pittsburgh, you will find that you have plenty of options at your disposal. In big cities like this one, you can always expect there to be multiple companies that specialize in junk removal and DIY dumpster rental services.
Sometimes, though, the number of choices available to you can make matters more difficult. How do you choose from half a dozen companies that offer primarily the same service—especially if you have never rented a dumpster before. This blog post will steer you in the right direction by providing a list of questions you should ask before you finalize any rental agreement.
Looking for a Dumpster Rental Company?
What is the nature of your project?
Before you do anything else, you need to answer this question for yourself. Are you preparing for a spring cleaning blowout? A cross-country move? A renovation? An office relocation? A roofing project? Any of these projects can be made easier by having a dumpster on the premises. However, the nature of your project can undoubtedly dictate things such as the size of dumpster that you need or which items you intend to deposit in the bin.
The latter consideration is especially important, as some dumpster rental companies have restrictions on what you are or are not allowed to put in their containers. If you need to get rid of a bunch of old electronics that are sitting in your basement collecting dust, you aren’t going to want to rent a dumpster from a company that doesn’t allow electronic waste.
How do the pricing structures at different companies compare?
Once you know what type of junk you will be tossing in your bin, you can start narrowing down your list of potential Pittsburgh dumpster rental companies. As you whittle the list down to three or four finalists, it’s a good time to make a pricing comparison. Pricing isn’t everything with a dumpster rental, but it’s always a worthwhile consideration. Conventional wisdom says you should look for a dumpster rental company that offers flat-rate pricing. In other words, you pick the dumpster size you want, you get a price quote based on that bin size, and that amount is what you pay.
In reality, though, flat-rate pricing can prove to be a surprising pitfall for many consumers. The issue is that most people don’t have the first idea of how much debris they will need to throw in a dumpster. Most dumpster rental businesses, meanwhile, serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients. As a result, your dumpster rental provider probably has bin sizes available that range from 10 cubic feet to 40 or 50 cubic feet. Again, with so many options, it can be challenging for customers to make the choice that makes sense for them.
The issue with flat-rate pricing is that you pay the same amount no matter how much dumpster space you end up using. So, if you rent a 30-foot bin but only end up having 12 cubic yards worth of junk or debris, you are still on the hook for the full price of the dumpster.
For the average residential cleanout, the fact is you probably won’t need more than about 12 cubic yards of space. There are dumpster rental companies out there that offer a “one size fits all approach” in this sizing class. They then bill you based on the amount of dumpster space you actually use, which means you don’t waste money on unneeded capacity.
Do they have any hidden fees?
When you get a price quote for your dumpster rental, ask the company about extra fees. If there are any additional charges, they should be forthright about them. For instance, it’s not atypical for a dumpster rental company to charge extra for drop-offs/pickups to addresses that fall outside of a certain radius. You will also be charged extra if you decide to extend your dumpster rental period. Again, these kinds of fees are not uncommon, but it is still good to know about them before your rental. You might also check online reviews to see what customers are saying and find out whether the company in question has a reputation for unfair or sneaky pricing.
How long do you need the rental?
As mentioned in the section above, one of the factors that can cause your dumpster rental to cost more than you were initially quoted is an extension of the rental period. To get the best pricing possible, you should pick a rental period and stick to it. Start by reviewing your project and strategizing. A simple garage cleanout is something you can probably do in a day or two. A renovation project, meanwhile, is likely to take a few weeks. Find out what the default rental period is at the dumpster company you are considering and ask about the policy for longer rentals, if necessary.
What does the company do with junk?
People are becoming increasingly aware of the effect their actions can have on the environment. If you are renting a dumpster, the environment may well be one of your chief concerns. After all, while tossing a bunch of stuff in a dumpster is convenient, it isn’t necessarily the most sustainable solution. Sorting your junk into different categories—one for trash, one for recycling, one for items that can be donated or reused—is a much “greener” approach but takes time you might not have.
If you are interested in finding a more sustainable junk removal solution, do a Google search for “green dumpster rental company in Pittsburgh.” There are dumpster rental businesses out there that offer to do the sorting for you, instead of just taking everything to the nearest landfill. These companies pull out items for reuse and recycling and can generally save up to 60 percent of what is in your bin. If you are dedicated to sustainability and environmental health, this kind of service is worth the extra research.
How well does the company handle customer service?
When you get to the stage of the research or quoting process where you are calling around to different dumpster companies, pay attention to the customer service you are receiving. How long does it take each company to pick up the phone when you call? Do you get answering machines, or do you get to speak to a representative? Do you get put on hold, or are your calls quick and painless? Can the customer service representative answer all your questions? Do those answers mesh with what you are reading online?
Assessing these things upfront is essential as it can save you from choosing a company that is lousy in the customer service department. And customer service is important with a dumpster rental, even if much of your project is going to by DIY. You want a company that is prompt to respond to your calls or questions, as this promptness indicates timely drop-offs and pickups for your bin. You want a company that is honest and forthright about everything, as this honesty shows that the business won’t try to take advantage of you with unexplained fees. You want a company that is there to answer questions when you have them because it will help you avoid a situation where you are unknowingly putting things in the dumpster that aren’t supposed to be there.
Most of all, you want a dumpster rental provider that offers high-quality service at a fair rate. Hopefully, by cycling through the questions discussed above, you will be able to find that kind of dumpster rental company in Pittsburgh.
Junk King is committed to increasing sustainability wherever we can. The top-rated customer service offered by Junk King is something we pride ourselves on. Please consider using Junk King for your dumpster rental and junk removal. 1-888-888-JUNK
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