Residents of Pittsburgh are actively involved with many projects, and sometimes those projects produce waste. When they do, it’s important to know how to dispose of that waste responsibly and reliably. After all, not everything you throw away is going to fit in your street-side trash can, and city garbage collectors may not take certain materials. For that reason, many families and businesses in Pittsburgh consider other options. One such option is to rent a roll-off dumpster, but sometimes people want more information before they decide on that strategy. You may be curious about how to find affordable dumpster rentals in the Pittsburgh area so that you can make sure your chosen waste disposal solution is a cost-effective one.

 Factors Affecting Affordable Dumpster Rentals

When you need to find affordable dumpster rentals in Pittsburgh, you’ll have to consider several different factors. It’s not as simple as going with the lowest flat fee you can find since most dumpster rental companies don’t offer flat rates for their units. You’ll have to examine the different pricing models available, and then choose a company whose pricing fits the way you work so that you can save money on your rental.

The following are just some of the ways in which a dumpster rental company could choose to price their services. Look carefully at the pros and cons of each method, so that you can determine for yourself which one is best suited to fulfilling your needs.

Pricing by Weight of Filled Dumpster

Many dumpster rental companies use a pricing model based on the weight of the filled dumpster, which can be convenient if you’re loading an entire dumpster with Styrofoam, but in many other cases it can end up being one of the most expensive options. You might not think that a single old appliance or armload of scrap is too heavy on its own, but bear in mind that even a small dumpster with a capacity of about ten cubic yards holds approximately three pickup trucks’ worth of debris. That’s a lot of armloads, so the weight of your final load is likely to increase more quickly than you expect. If you do decide to choose a company that rents dumpsters by weight, make sure that the weight of the dumpster doesn’t factor into the total. If you rent a large dumpster this way and fill it with light materials, most of your final costs could come from the weight of the container itself. Other pricing models can help you avoid this kind of unnecessary expense.

Pricing by Size of Dumpster

Many other companies base their pricing model on the size of each dumpster they rent. Customers who rent smaller dumpsters pay lower fees, while customers who need larger containers pay higher prices. This arrangement sounds like a perfectly reasonable approach, but it can present some logistical issues for renters. Keep in mind that your dumpster is going to be subject to certain physical limitations during your rental period. You will have to keep it on your property, as laws prohibit rental dumpsters from occupying public rights of way such as sidewalks, pathways, streets, alleys, and public green spaces. Investing in an overly large dumpster rental, therefore, has the potential to subject the renter to hidden costs.

Imagine renting a dumpster too big for your driveway and having to put it elsewhere on your property—this could damage your landscaping and leave you with extra repair expenses after the rental period has ended. It is also worth noting that the company you rent from will have to pick up your dumpster once the rental period is over and they must be able to access it to do so. If you locate your dumpster on an inaccessible part of your property and the people who come to pick it up are unable to reach it, they could charge you late fees until you have cleared a path to the container.

Pricing by Length of Rental

One alternative to the strategies listed above is for dumpster rental companies to price their dumpsters by the length of each rental period. This approach is comparatively sensible when compared with the two above, but it is by no means flawless. Remember the last time you undertook a home improvement project. Did you know exactly how long it was going to take? The chances are that you didn’t, which means it can be difficult to gauge the correct amount of time for which to set your rental period. You might assume that you will only need a dumpster for a day or so, but unexpected delays could prevent you from making the most of that time. You might then find yourself needing to rent a dumpster all over again, and paying for time that you were barely able to use. Conversely, if you assume that a project will take longer than necessary, you may end up paying for time you don’t need. It can be an effective pricing model, but only if you have a flexible schedule and are particularly good at estimating the difficulty of your project.

Pricing by Amount of Space Used

At Junk King, we take a different approach than the three listed above. We base our pricing model on the amount of space you use in your rental dumpster, as measured in square feet. The size of our mini-dumpsters is fixed, along with the duration of each rental period. When you rent from us using our standard option, you’ll receive a dumpster with a capacity of 12 cubic meters for a three-day period. It will be large enough to hold material from most household projects or small events, but small enough to fit in your driveway conveniently and not block access. A set three-day period also means that you can plan around your rental, and arrange the actual work of filling your dumpster according to your schedule. Finally, the knowledge that you’re only paying for the space you use can help you save money by packing your dumpster effectively. Those of you who are particularly adept at using space efficiently will find yourselves rewarded for your efforts with lower fees at the end of the process.

When to Take Advantage of Each Pricing Model

Of course, not all projects are alike, so there are certain situations in which one pricing model may prove more affordable than others. We believe that our policies are the most cost-effective in a wide range of circumstances, but there are exceptions. Those of you who need to rid yourselves of large quantities of light, loose materials may find it easier to use a company that charges by weight, while those of you who know you will only need a dumpster for an afternoon can save money by using a company with flexible rental periods. In most other cases, however, we’ve found that customers are most satisfied with the ability to pay based on square footage.

Think About Your Specific Situation when Seeking Affordable Dumpster Rentals

No two waste removal projects are the same, and you will have many factors to consider when making your decision. Think carefully about the amount of time you are likely to need, the weight and density of your materials, the amount of available space on your property and the size of dumpster you can reasonably accommodate. Then choose a company whose pricing model helps you save money. For more information on why we price our dumpster rentals the way we do, contact Junk King directly and speak to one of our representatives who can provide you with more information.

Junk King Pittsburgh 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. Call today (317) 427-5155 or visit Junk King online to get a quick and easy quote for dumpster rentals or for more information on what size dumpster would best suit your needs.

Junk King Pittsburgh Uses New Mini Dumpster to Help Make Way for a Cleaner and Greener Tomorrow

Long known as both the City of Steel for its more than 300 steel-related business and the City of Bridges for its 446 bridges, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a city rich in history, high education and boats a great love of sports. The city is situated where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet to become the Ohio River.

Economic History

Dubbed the Gateway to the West for its early days as a frontier village, Pittsburgh has always been a city abundant in natural resources like timber, limestone, natural gas, iron and coal. Those plentiful natural resources and the American Revolution made for the perfect formula to spur Pittsburgh into its first economic boom. The Whiskey Rebellion, the American Civil War, its Underground Railroad stops, and, in 1852, the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad all hastened this boom and the city’s developments.

Pittsburgh was home to some of the 19th century’s wealthiest and most influential industrialists. H.J. Heinz, George Westinghouse, Andrew Carnegie, Thomas and Andrew Mellon, Henry Clay Frick and Philander Knox all called Pittsburgh home as they worked to become some of the most recognizable names in business, finance and industry.

The 1970’s and early 1980’s lead to a decline and collapse of the steel industry in Pittsburgh. Manufactures of steel overseas offered newer technologies, lower labor costs and government-corporate partnerships which all made for a lower demand for Pittsburgh’s highest commodity. The recession of the ‘80’s made for a difficult time in Pittsburgh but the city proved its position as a come-back-kid and sought new ways for economic growth and recovery.

According to an article in the New York Times, Pittsburgh has turned its sights to building a community around healthcare, financial services, education and technology.  Forbes rated Pittsburgh No. 94 on its list of Best Places for Business and Careers.

Employment and Education

Pittsburgh is home to many houses of higher education. The most recognized names in education are Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.

According to Point2homes.com, more than 27-percent of people living in Pittsburgh hold a Bachelor’s degree and more than 22-percent hold a Graduate degree.

Sports

Pittsburgh is distinguished as the home of the six-time Super Bowl Championship Pittsburgh Steelers. Founded in 1833, and originally named the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers is the oldest franchise in the AFC and the team has won and hosted more Super Bowl Championships than any other team. While widely recognized for its accomplished football team, the City of Pittsburgh has deep roots in sports and was host to the first ever professional football game and the first World Series. In addition to the Steelers, Pittsburgh is home to several professional sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and the Steel City Yellow Jackets.  In 2009, Sporting News gave Pittsburgh the title of “Best Sports City” in the United States.

Philanthropy

Pittsburgh has a long-standing history of giving. With tycoons like the Carnegie, Mellon and Heinz families making giving a priority, philanthropy is still of great importance to its residents. In 2012, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, it is estimated that $1,091,221,000 dollars were given.

Green Living in Pittsburgh

The Steel City has left behind its days of pollution and has been pursuing an environmental transformation as it seeks to build a more sustainable tomorrow. According to the city website, Mayor William Peduto has made sustainability the “driving force of his administration” and is committed to ensuring his efforts come to fruition through the following objectives:

• Improving the internal operations of municipal government, to reduce the fiscal and environmental impact related to our local government’s services

• Fostering innovative and collaborative solutions that overcome barriers to ecological responsible behavior

• Ensuring that the City that provides clean air, water and livable communities for our residents and businesses

• Being a leader locally, nationally and globally in the collective effort to reduce the impacts of climate change while growing our local economy

• Encouraging economic opportunities for all communities

Working to improve life in Pittsburgh while lessening the impact on the environment has led the City of Pittsburgh to form the Office of Sustainability and the City Sustainability Committee whose purposes are to create and guide the sustainability initiatives of the city.

According to Pittsburgh Green Story, when residents were asked about climate change:

·       64% of Pittsburghers described climate change as a severe or moderate problem

·       Fewer than 19% didn’t believe it is a problem

Recycling and Waste Reduction in Pittsburgh

Green initiatives have gone far in transforming this once industrial city to what it is today. Recycling is mandatory in the city of Pittsburgh for every resident, business and institution per City Code 619.

Did you know?

·      According to the city website, for every ton of waste recycled – rather than paying a landfill fee of about $20 to $30 per ton – the City profits $25 per ton and gains as much as an additional $40 per ton while selling recycled material.

Pittsburgh Landfill Solutions

The City of Pittsburgh enforces recycling and encourages reuse of items to help prevent the amount of garbage and build up that finds its way into landfills thus creating greenhouse emissions and water contamination.

According to Pareportcard.org, Pennsylvania has 46 active landfills and six resource-recovery (waste-to- energy) facilities. While the city of Pittsburgh seeks other ways to rid garbage, the city does still have two active landfills.

How Junk King Fits into Pittsburgh’s Sustainability Plan

Junk King Pittsburgh is working towards the same goal of sustainability be it through commercial or residential cleanouts. With the same goals in mind and the importance of recycling and sustainability at the top of the priority list, Junk King is fully equipped to help the city of Pittsburgh in establishing its goals. Junk King roll away dumpsters are taken to a recycling warehouse where employees take the time to sort each and every dumpster rental collection for metals, e-waste, paper, household goods, textiles, furniture and appliances before simply tossing more trash into the landfills. Junk King also strives to “go green” by working to donate, repurpose, and reuse everything from clothing, toys, baby cribs and strollers to office furniture and supplies. Junk is proud to run many of its trucks on biodiesel, a domestically produced fuel made from more environmentally safe non-petroleum, renewable resources. We are committed to continuing to lead the way to help keep the planet clean, green and beautiful for the generations to come. Just as Pittsburgh is striving for, Junk King is also committed to finding ways to reduce waste and encourage recycling and reuse of any qualifying products.

How to Rent a Junk King MINI Dumpster

MINI dumpster rentals offer customers a convenient and affordable way to remove trash, debris and junk from your home or business. Junk King Pittsburgh removes the hassle and worry that comes about when considering large recycling efforts. Junk King Pittsburgh provides quick and easy access to free quotes by phone or an online estimator and fast, affordable service? Simply choose a date and time to schedule your dumpster rental and contact Junk King for a quick estimate and your junk will be rolled away. With the Junk King MINI Dumpster, you are given three days to fill it on your own timetable before it is hauled away. The MINI Dumpster an easy, fast, purposeful way to remove your junk and debris.

Junk King Pittsburgh is the committed to top rated customer service and to furthering its mission of recycle-based junk removal through its dumpster rentals. With a city and government leadership so focused on sustainability, Junk King provides a necessary service to help reduce the growth of waste and increase reuse, recycling and donations of what we consider junk.

FAQ on Dumpster Rentals in Pittsburgh:

1)    How much will a Junk King Dumpster hold?

a.     Junk King Pittsburgh offers customers its convenient MINI Dumpster, a 12-cubic yard, driveway friendly debris box. Most household remodels and clean outs can be fit with a Junk King MINI.

2)    What will you take?

a.     If it isn’t hazardous waste, consider it gone! Furniture, appliances, textiles, construction debris, yard debris and more.

3)     How much does it cost?

a.     Junk King Pittsburgh offers fair, flexible pricing for its customers. With Junk King, we only charge you for the space you use.

4)     How long do I have to complete my project?

a.     After your date and time are schedule, Junk King will bring a MINI dumpster for you to fill at your convenience over a three-day period.

Recent Reviews of Junk King Pittsburgh

Junk King Pittsburgh is committed to creating a more sustainable future and is ready to partner with the city of Pittsburgh and its businesses, institutions and residents in its efforts. Junk King Pittsburgh takes great pride in the reviews we receive. Our customers serve as a reminder of the difference we make in people’s lives and in the community, as well as how we can better improve our services.

 July 18, 2017 by C.V.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Very friendly, prompt and neat.”

July 10, 2017 by C.A.P.W.

Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

“Prompt response to my inquiry, On Time for appointment, Fee cost within my expectation, appropriate number of Men and Trucks for the job, prepared to take the junk immediately, continued to work through a rainstorm, and did an excellent and unexpected sweep-up of miscellaneous debris after loading. 100% Satisfaction!”

July 19, 2017 by C.M.

Zelienople, Pennsylvania

“We were impressed with the crew from the professionalism during the estimate, to the efficiency and completeness of the clean-up and the accuracy of the estimate.”

July 17, 2017 by Jane Sorcan

Carnegie, Pennsylvania

“Junk King was easy to schedule, came on time and the driver called ahead to give me heads up they were on their way. They honored the quote they gave me over the phone. The guys were very professional and friendly. They quickly loaded and were on their way. My driveway clean and free of trash after they were done.”

Is recycling, reuse and waste reduction on your priority list? Junk King Pittsburgh is ready to assist you with your unwanted junk removal while keeping those same goals in mind. If you are ready to experience top-rated customer service please consider using Junk King for your dumpster rental and junk removal. Call today (412) 254-8437 or visit Junk King online to get a quick and easy quote for dumpster rentals or for more information on what size dumpster would best suit your needs.

Pittsburgh is one of Pennsylvania’s larger cities, so keeping it clean and tidy is a concern for residents. Proper waste disposal ranks highly on the list of concerns for many Pittsburgh locals, so it’s no wonder that many of them consider dumpster rental when working on their homes, renovating their businesses, or planning special events. However, proper waste disposal is often a more complicated task than many people in Pittsburgh realize, and it isn’t necessarily as simple as just renting a dumpster. You’ll need to follow several official protocols if you want to rent a dumpster in Pittsburgh legally and responsibly.

One of the most common questions Pittsburgh residents have when considering dumpster rentals is whether they will need to obtain a permit first. Answering this question is more complicated than providing a simple “yes” or “no” answer, so before you make plans to rent dumpsters in Pittsburgh you should familiarize yourself with some of the regulations that govern them. Such knowledge can ensure that you follow the correct steps before renting a dumpster in the city, and avoid any penalties for breaking the rules.

Why should I get a Permit for Dumpster Rental in Pittsburgh?

The first thing you should know about getting a permit for a dumpster rental in Pittsburgh is whether you need one. Many people assume that this simple question will have a simple answer, but the truth is more complicated than many of them realize. The conditions for dumpster rentals in Pittsburgh change depending on a specific criterion, which can be measured to determine whether you will require a permit.

The most important factor in determining whether you’ll need a permit is the location where you plan to place the dumpster itself. According to the city, you will require a permit from the municipal Department of Public Works before any dumpster, barricade, piece of material scaffolding or any other equipment can block a public right-of-way. If that definition seems confusing to you, don’t worry—you probably aren’t alone. That’s why it’s important to understand what a right-of-way is and whether the term applies to the area where you’re thinking about renting a dumpster.

Right-of-way (or ROW) is technically a term used to describe a given individual’s ability to move over a piece of land—typically en-route from one destination to another. Colloquially, the term ROW is also used to describe the piece of land in question, especially when the rights to traverse it belong to the public (i.e. a public right-of-way). Typical examples of ROW in cities include roads, bridges, and intersections—infrastructure built by the state and paid for by the public. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with all kinds of ROW if you want to make sure you can rent a dumpster without a permit in the city of Pittsburgh.

The examples given above are far from the only kinds of ROW found in Pittsburgh. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you can rent a dumpster without first acquiring a permit just because you aren’t going to place it in the middle of the street. Public trails and footpaths also count as ROW, and therefore may not be obstructed with a dumpster unless you first obtain a permit.

Rails and key areas for public transport also count as ROW, which probably seems obvious—but there’s an important reason for mentioning it. Remember that the rules governing these facilities also extend to parking lots and other areas that support the main infrastructure, so think twice before renting a dumpster for a lot near any station or track, even if it does not appear to be in use at first glance. The more research you do, the more awareness you’ll have of whether the area you want to rent a dumpster for is considered a ROW by city authorities. Remember also that ROWs can be designated by nearby features that are not visually apparent, like canals and utility lines.

The rule of thumb is to check thoroughly before renting a dumpster for any piece of land that you do not own and know well. For example, if you are renting a dumpster for your backyard during a home renovation project and are confident that the area where you want to place it is nowhere near utility lines that could affect other properties, there is a good chance you can rent the dumpster without getting a permit first. In most other cases though, it is better to at least inquire with the Public Works Permits Office before proceeding without one. They can be reached by phone at (412) 255-2370.

How to Obtain a Permit for a Dumpster Rental in Pittsburgh

The good news is that the city of Pittsburgh has recently implemented several measures aimed at making it easy to secure permits for dumpster rentals. Because permits are so often required, the city has taken steps to modernize the process of obtaining them. These measures include expanding the number of payment options available for permit seekers so that applying for them in person will be a swifter and more convenient task.

Residents of Pittsburgh who wish to apply for dumpster rental permits must visit the Department of Public Works Permit Counter. This office is located at 611 Second Avenue and receives applications over the counter. Applicants will be asked to pay a fee when submitting their application, and wait for approval on the spot. Note that different fees apply depending on the length of time you intend to keep the dumpster in its intended location, and how you will use the dumpster.

Residential applicants will be asked to pay a fee of $25.00 for every week the dumpster is present on a ROW, while commercial applicants have a choice: they can either pay $100.00 per month or $375.00 per year. Due to recent improvements by the city, these fees are now payable via most major credit cards. Please note, however, that the Department of Public Works reserves the right to deny a permit if the placement of the dumpster poses a danger or major inconveniences to the public or important operations in the area. It is crucial that you think about the impact your dumpster may have on the surrounding community before applying if you want to maximize your chances of being approved.

Consequences of Not Acquiring a Permit

There are implications for renting a dumpster or doing work in Pittsburgh without first obtaining the necessary permits. In most cases, you will receive a fine. Since these fines almost always exceed the cost of obtaining a permit by large amounts, it is always a better idea to simply make sure you are following city regulations and apply for the permit you need before renting a dumpster. However, it is important to realize that repeat violations can incur more severe penalties.

Final Thoughts

There is no consistent short answer for whether you will need a permit before pursuing dumpster rental in Pittsburgh. That said though, a permit is required more often than not. If you do not intend to apply for a permit, make sure you research the area you plan to place your rental dumpster extremely carefully before acquiring it. In general, it is safer and smarter to eliminate the risk of a fine or steeper punishments by applying for a permit whenever you are in doubt. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and it’s easier to keep your property clean when you follow the correct regulations. For more information on dumpster rentals in Pittsburgh, connect with us here at Junk King.

Here in the City of Bridges, we’re all about building bridges in the 21st century. Rather than fading away in the rust belt, Pittsburgh has been getting cleaner and more cutting-edge these days. Our junk removal Pittsburgh team drives all over this city, and we love the fact that the town is so laid back and affordable yet has all the parks, museums, and culture of the east coast.

Of course, Pittsburgh is also an old city with old neighborhoods, and that means there’s plenty of junk to be hauled off. Whatever you can’t get rid of in a garage sale, your local junk removal Pittsburgh service will take away!

Taking Out the Trash, but Not Recycling?

As an early industrialized city, Pittsburgh has been improving its garbage collection and sanitation for a long time. Around the turn of the 1900s, the city had a cesspool and sewer problem that nearly ruined the Allegheny and Monongahela. Early on, Pittsburgh learned to handle its waste and garbage for the better. Today, the city handles almost 100,000 tons of garbage every year.

Way back in 1988, Pittsburgh set a goal of recycling 25% of all solid waste. As of 2017, we have not reached that goal, according to the Post-Gazette.

We do recycle more than 15,000 tons of junk each year. However, with green junk removal Pittsburgh can certainly do better.

Top 5 Items for Junk Removal Pittsburgh

Wondering whether Junk King will pick up your broken furniture or pile of weird junk? Yes, the answer is almost always yes! We take everything except some forms of hazardous waste.

Junk King Pittsburgh hauls away virtually everything, including trash and debris from homes, businesses, construction sites, storage units, apartments, and rental properties.

The most common junk removal Pittsburgh residents ask for includes:

1. Furniture (couches, beds, mattresses, tables, chairs)

2. Appliances (washers and dryers, refrigerators, Freon removal)

3. Home improvement waste (yard waste and construction debris)

4. Estate and foreclosure clean outs

5. Electronic waste (e-waste such as computers, monitors, printers, TVs)

Junk Removal Pittsburgh Recycling and Donation Options

Want to see your useless junk get reused or recycled? Junk King agrees. Our company was founded on the premise that with junk removal Pittsburgh could be as eco-friendly as possible when getting rid of junk.

When you need help lifting heavy items or trucking them off to the appropriate facilities, you can always call Junk King. If you have a few items to drop off somewhere, we have a few resources for Pittsburgh donation drop-offs:

• Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

• Vietnam Veterans of America

• Off the Floor Furniture Bank of Southwest PA

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Why Junk King is the #1 Rated Service

That’s right, Junk King has been rated the #1 junk removal service in all of North America. When you call us for junk removal Pittsburgh customers can expect a friendly customer service team, upfront prices, and helpful advice. Best of all, our crews show up on time and get the job done very quickly!

Junk King guarantees the best service for junk removal Pittsburgh has to offer:

• Guaranteed lowest estimate in writing

• Professional crews of trained, experienced, and insured junk haulers

• You pick the date and a two-hour appointment window

• You decide whether to accept our guaranteed lowest price, and we can get to work immediately

• We recycle or donate more than half of the junk we haul

• No job too big or small

• Locally owned junk removal Pittsburgh service with the backing of a national company with the #1 reputation

Free Online Estimate for Junk Removal

How much does it cost? That’s what you really want to know, and Junk King makes it easy by putting the best price estimator right at your fingertips.

Click here to use our online price estimator and get an accurate quote before you even contact us. You can estimate by the particular items you have, or by the volume of truck loads.

Say Goodbye to Junk Now!

Junk King serves apartment dwellers, homeowners, small businesses, and commercial properties with the friendly, full-service junk removal Pittsburgh has come to rely on.

Get your free estimate with a no-obligation appointment today. Just call 412.254.8437 or you can save $30 when you book online.