Truck unloading a dumpster

What Business Owners in Philadelphia Need to Know About Commercial Dumpster Rentals

Have a big event coming up? Planning an office renovation? Whatever the project may be, a commercial dumpster rental checks a lot of boxes when it comes to commercial waste disposal

Rather than making multiple trips to the dump or waiting for your weekly trash pickup, commercial trash removal services guarantee that your items will be properly disposed of in a timely manner. 

While the process is simple, there are several things to consider before scheduling your commercial dumpster rental

Choosing the Right Size

With so many sizes to choose from, it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed when planning your roll off dumpster rental. Dumpster service for businesses offers a wide range of units, from 10-yard to 40-yard dumpsters. 

Choosing a dumpster that is too small can result in overloading or needing a second unit to make up the difference, whereas selecting one that is too big can lead to wasted money and space.

Here’s a breakdown of sizing, but remember to always check with your dumpster rental company before you book your roll off dumpster rental. 

1.5 CY Dumpster

A 1.5 CY dumpster is perfect for small-scale or low-volume waste disposal, such as minor office cleanups and retail store trash pickup. 

Capacity:

  • 8-10 standard (13-gallon) trash bags

10 Yard Dumpster

A 10 yard dumpster is ideal for compact spaces, such as small offices or retail stores. 

Capacity:

  • 3 pickup truck loads
  • 50-70 33-gallon trash bags

15 Yard Dumpster

For light construction or a mid-size office cleanout, a 15 yard dumpster is an excellent choice. 

Capacity:

  • 4.5 pickup truck loads
  • 80-100 33-gallon trash bags

20 Yard Dumpster

This medium sized dumpster works well for small construction sites and office building cleanouts.

Capacity:

  • 6 pickup truck loads
  • 110-130 33-gallon trash bags

30 Yard Dumpster

From large-scale renovations to multi-floor cleanouts, a 30 yard dumpster has ample space for all your commercial waste disposal needs.

Capacity: 

  • 9 pickup truck loads
  • 170-190 33-gallon trash bags

40 Yard Dumpster

Whether you’re performing a major demolition or are in a warehouse and looking for commercial trash removal services, a 40 yard dumpster could be exactly what you need.

Capacity

  • 12 pickup truck loads
  • 230-250 33-gallon trash bags

Understanding Commercial Waste Disposal Rules in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has strict rules when it comes to commercial waste disposal, but as long as you take the right steps, you won’t have any issues. 

Create a Waste and Recycling Plan

Don’t forget to create a waste and recycling plan before you schedule your business dumpster rental. This isn’t just a legal requirement but it will also make things go smoother when the unit arrives.

Don’t forget to:

  • Register with the Streets Department
  • Post it where staff members can see it
  • Give a copy to each employee
  • Make updates if anything changes

Confirm Dumpster’s Location

Unfortunately, you can’t just put your dumpster anywhere, as there are zoning restrictions for some parts of Philadelphia. Even if it’s going to be on private property, there are still certain regulations that you have to follow with your roll off dumpster rental. 

If the dumpster will be in the street or alley, you’ll also need a Right-of-Way Dumpster License.

Confirm that your dumpster’s location is allowed before you schedule the business dumpster rental to save yourself some headaches. 

Follow the City’s Servicing Rules

Dumpsters need to be emptied regularly and there are certain pickup rules. When your dumpster isn’t being used it needs to remain closed. If you are planning a long-term business dumpster rental then you need to make sure that it is cleaned. 

Need help navigating Philadelphia’s waste disposal regulations? Contact David Geppert Recycling for more information! 

Educate Yourself on Philadelphia’s Food Disposal Rules

If your business handles food then it’s crucial that you educate yourself on Philadelphia’s food disposal rules. Grindable waste isn’t allowed in dumpsters. Instead, it needs to be disposed of through a garbage disposal or other form of grinder.

Examples of Grindable Food Waste

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Eggshells
  • Cooked rice or pasta
  • Tea bags
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Grains
  • Leftover food
  • Nut shells
  • And more

What Can and Can’t Go in a Philadelphia Commercial Dumpster Rental

A common misconception is that all types of waste can go in a dumpster. There are still waste disposal regulations that exclude certain items from being put in a dumpster. 

Examples of Items that Can Go in a Dumpster

Household Debris

  • Bath fixtures
  • Carpet
  • Laminate, tile, or vinyl flooring
  • Carpet
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses

Construction Debris

  • Cement
  • Wood
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Roof Shingles
  • Masonry
  • Insulation

Paint

  • Completely dried paint

Electronics

  • Televisions
  • Microwaves
  • Computers

Recyclables

  • Cardboard
  • Wood
  • Scrap metal
  • Asphalt
  • Concrete

Clean Fill

  • Unpainted concrete
  • Stone
  • Dirt or asphalt
  • Rock

Examples of What Can’t Go in a Dumpster

  • Liquids or food
  • Aerosol cans or propane tanks
  • Batteries
  • Pesticides, solvents, or undried paint
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Toxic or hazardous waste (including biomedical or infectious waste)
  • Flammable, explosive, or chemical materials

Contact David Geppert Recycling for More Information About Philadelphia’s Waste Disposal Regulations

At David Geppert Recycling, we know everything there is to know about dumpster service for businesses. We will guide you through the entire process, educating you on Philadelphia’s waste disposal regulations and commercial trash removal services. 

As the city’s trusted dumpster rental company, we are here to answer all your questions. 

Call today to learn more and schedule your next commercial dumpster rental