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Sarasota is certainly one of the most picturesque areas in Florida—and in the Sunshine State, that’s saying something. Residents of the area typically enjoy lush countryside, stunning beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. All that natural splendor deserves to be complemented with well-kept properties, so homeowners in the Sarasota region tend to be diligent cleaners. If you live in Sarasota, it’s probably safe to say you’re always on the lookout for tools and strategies you can use to keep your property well-maintained and organized. Those of you who don’t already know about residential dumpster rentals will be thrilled to learn that renting a container can solve many of your waste management issues. However, you probably have some questions about the process, involving dumpster dimensions and other logistical considerations.
Not to worry; help is on the way! In the following paragraphs, we’ll answer some of the most often-asked questions about renting a dumpster in the Sarasota region, covering everything from dumpster dimensions to placement and payment.
Why do Dumpster Dimensions Matter?
The dimensions of your rental container may seem like an afterthought, but should be some of the most important considerations during your search for a suitable rental. Remember, your dumpster isn’t an ethereal concept. It’s a physical object that you will have to accommodate on your property until your rental period has ended. As such, the shape and size of your container can affect many of your activities. Do not take your dumpster dimensions for granted if you want to rent a container that will provide you with good value for your money.
The following are just a few of the tasks that can be affected by your dumpster dimensions:
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Filling the container. If you choose a relatively small container, you should have no problem placing your materials inside. Small containers are easy to reach inside when you need to add items or rearrange them. Conversely, large containers can be taller than the people who are trying to place their materials inside, resulting in the need for lifts or other equipment. The height of large containers can complicate the process, and even pose a safety hazard for older people or those with limited movement abilities.
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Maneuvering around the container. Reaching your container isn’t the only thing you’ll have to think about when you choose to rent a dumpster in the Sarasota area. It’s also critical that your dumpster doesn’t block you from reaching key areas on your property, such as your garden, your terrace, or even your front door! Choosing a dumpster with smaller dimensions is an ideal way to avoid these problems since relatively compact debris boxes can normally be maneuvered around without too much effort.
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Parking your car in the garage. In addition to foot traffic, you’ll have to make sure that your dumpster doesn’t prevent you from being able to store your vehicle properly. Many people in Sarasota who rent large dumpsters find themselves inconvenienced when the containers block their driveways completely. If you plan on placing your rental container on your driveway during the rental (more on this in a moment), you’ll want to make sure you rent a container with dimensions that allow it to fit easily in the space without totally dominating it.
So, What Dimensions Should Your Dumpster Have?
Now that you understand why dumpster dimensions matter, you probably want to know what the most useful dimensions are for Sarasota residents. While large containers (in this case meaning 20 cubic yards in volume or above) can be used for extensive projects likely to produce vast amounts of waste, you can undertake most DIY projects with far smaller containers. We recommend that our clients rent a debris box with 12 cubic meters of volume—about three times what your average pickup truck could hold. A box of this size will allow you considerable space for items and materials without inconveniencing you by occupying a large area and preventing you from accomplishing routine tasks.
Quick Tips for Placing Your Dumpster
Some of you may be planning to rent a large container and simply place it on the street outside your home. While this option may offer you a way to keep your driveway clear while providing additional space, consider the following two points: firstly, do you really need as much room as you think? Take a moment to scan the items you plan on disposing of and ask yourself if you have enough to merit to use more than three pickup trucks worth of room. You probably don’t. Secondly, are you legally able to keep a rental dumpster on the street outside your home? The answer is no—unless you have the appropriate permit from the county’s Building Permitting and Inspections office. A permit is required whenever you plan to obstruct a public right of way, such as a road, sidewalk, pathway, park or lot. To learn more about how much it will cost to acquire a permit and how long the application process will take, visit the county’s Planning and Development Services website.
Generally, residents find it easier to rent a smaller dumpster and keep it on their properties than to rent a large one and acquire the permits required to keep it on public land. Driveways make the best spaces to keep dumpsters on most residential properties since the size and weight of the containers can damage landscapes and lawns. The most successful renters we’ve encountered have hired debris boxes of about 12 cubic yards in volume and kept them on their driveways for their entire rental period. Doing so makes dropping off and picking up the container easier for the rental company, and helps you avoid the extra fees that some companies charge if they cannot reach the filled container to collect it on the pickup date.
Further Considerations for Sarasota Dumpster Renters
Once you’ve figured out the size of your rental container and decided on a location for it (preferably one on your property), you can begin the process of choosing your rental company. When you do, make sure you think about the following points:
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Will your rental company take the time to sort the materials in your container after they’ve collected it? Do they use eco-friendly practices, so you can know your waste materials are being treated responsibly?
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Will your rental company charge you fairly for their equipment and service? Some companies charge based on weight, but this can cause unfair disadvantages to renters who are ridding themselves of heavier items. For best results, consider a company that charges based on space used, so that you can give yourself a discount by packing the container efficiently.
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Does your rental company have a reputation for being friendly, polite, and prompt? You’ll want to make sure you’re renting from people who can deliver their solutions to your doorstep (or rather, your driveway) on time.
Consider More Than Your Dumpster Dimensions, and Enjoy a Successful Rental!
There are many factors to consider when you decide to rent a dumpster in Sarasota. Dimensions are one thing, but placement, service and environmental responsibility all matter too. For more information on your options, contact us and let a member of our team answer your questions.
Just what is bulk waste? According to the city of Sarasota, any kind of furniture (except for sofa beds), mattresses, box springs, lawn mowers or barbeque grills would fall under the category of bulk waste. You could schedule a pickup of those items through Waste Management but there is no guarantee you’ll get through or have the pickup happen when it is convenient for you. Plus there is that matter of getting the object out to the curb. How are you at lugging a sofa out of your home?
On many levels, Sarasota is a divided community. We’re not talking about “red” versus “blue” but permanent residents versus seasonal residents. Many folks enjoy making Sarasota their winter home away from home and why not? There is an abundance of wonderful weather and activities to keep everyone happy. However, when a storm like the recent Hurricane Sandy ripped through the northeast some of these seasonal residents worried about their homes caught up in the storm damage. All they can do is wait and hope for good news. Ironically, these same folks spend their summers up north watching storms roll through Florida.
Downsizing is a concept being embraced by many senior residents in Sarasota. To downsize is to scale back. Often that will mean moving into a smaller more manageable living space. Instead of keeping up with all the maintenance required on a home, you could transition into an inviting community of like-minded retirees who are enjoying an exceptional quality of life. When you don’t have to worry about leaking roofs, old water heaters or mowing the lawn you’ll be amazed at how relaxed you’ll become. Trying to fit all your possessions into a smaller place can be a daunting task. But you have the perfect ally in Junk King standing by to help.
August is chock full of “dog day afternoons.” We know that means it’s hot outside but do you know where that saying comes from? For the answer you’ll have to go back to ancient Rome. Back then Sirius or the Dog Star rises before sunrise in the late summer months. Because this time was tied to increased heat it was thought that dogs would go mad and people would get hysterical just because it’s too darn hot. As any decent astronomer will tell you Sirius can no longer be seen in that same position in Rome but that phrase has stuck. Through the years it has come to mean a hot, sticky, muggy day where all you want is to crawl into a refrigerator. Residents of Sarasota, Florida know all about dog day afternoons. What’s your favorite way to stay cool?
Aside from all the general discomfort, the Sarasota summer heat brings another unwanted guest: alligators. With the rising temperatures alligators are becoming more active which increasing the likelihood that they will start wandering out of their comfort zone. Just recently, a 12 foot gator was killed after crossing on to I-275 in St. Petersburg. Imagine the traffic snarl that caused! The best advice offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is if you see an alligator, leave it alone and call it in. It is advised that you stay away from waterways. Yes, the temptation to take a dip to beat the heat will be great but you’re better off in your own backyard.
One of the oldest continuously operating attractions in Florida can be found right here in Sarasota. That would be the Sarasota Jungle Garden. The first time these gardens were opened for the public was way back in December of 1940. Since then millions of visitors have walked the trails and delighted in the antics of the animals and marveled at the serene beauty of the lush tropical surroundings. The gardens are spread out over 10 acres of land. Among the popular features are the free roaming flamingoes and the bird and reptile shows.
As any mathematician will tell you, the shortest distance between two points is a direct line. That theory comes handy if you’re planning a trip and want to map out your route. It can also apply to cleaning out the junk in your home. The shortest distance between you and a clean house would be a direct line to a rented dumpster. On paper that might work but when you put that theory into practice you’re going to find there are some major flaws.