How to Keep Your Neighbors Out of Your Rental Dumpster

The sudden arrival of a dumpster in your yard may prompt well-meaning neighbors to unload a few things of their own. While they may try to sneak trash into your dumpster while you are away or at night while you are sleeping, they typically don’t mean to cause you any harm. They may assume that a little extra trash will go unnoticed and are unaware that you may end up paying extra just to haul away their trash. There are several things you can do to keep the peace in the neighborhood while preventing others from filling your dumpster with unwanted garbage.

Be Direct

Talk to neighbors about the project you have planned and let them know that a dumpster will arrive soon. This is a great time to educate them on the ins and outs of dumpster rentals. Explain the rules for trash disposal and let them know what items are forbidden in the dumpster. This may prevent them from trying to unload prohibited items, even if they do sneak in a few things of their own into your dumpster. This is also a good time to let them know that you will be charged according to the weight of the trash, as it lets them know that adding their trash will add to the cost of your waste removal. Considerate neighbors may think twice before using your dumpster if they know how it affects you.

Place the Dumpster in a Well-Lit Area

It may be tempting to tuck the dumpster in a dark corner or an alleyway, but this just invites others to use it for their trash disposal. Placing the dumpster in a well-lit area, preferably where you can see it from windows in active areas of your home, will deter others from using it. If at all possible, locate it in the path of a motion detector light to further prevent people from dumping their trash in your dumpster.

Post Signs

Posting conspicuous signs above or near the dumpster telling people not to use the dumpster may be the best way to get the word out to neighborhood residents who you don’t converse with regularly. Be clear that the dumpster is for private use and is not for the public to use.

Secure the Top of the Dumpster

If you notice others throwing their trash in your rental dumpster during the night or when you are at work, you may need to resort to securing the top of the dumpster, so they no longer have access to it. If the container closes completely, it may be wise to purchase a lock and lock the dumpster when you are not using it. Otherwise, cover it with a large tarp and secure it with bungee cords to make access more difficult.

For more tips on preventing your dumpster from being used for neighborhood trash disposal, contact us at Debris Box today. We can guide you in the most effective ways to prevent unwanted waste from finding its way into your dumpster.