Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.
Dumpster Rental Basics
How does renting a dumpster from DSM Dumpsters work?
Renting a dumpster is simple. Contact us with your project type, location, preferred delivery date, and the type of material you are throwing away. We will help you choose the right dumpster size, schedule delivery, place the dumpster where agreed, and pick it up when your rental is complete.
What dumpster sizes do you offer?
DSM Dumpsters currently offers 20-yard and 30-yard roll-off dumpsters.
Our 20-yard dumpster is a great fit for home cleanouts, remodeling debris, garage cleanouts, basement projects, and spring cleaning.
Our 30-yard dumpster is best for larger remodels, construction debris, estate cleanouts, bulk items, and bigger projects.
How much does a dumpster rental cost?
20-yard dumpster: $360
Includes up to 2 tons, up to 7 days, delivery, and pickup.
30-yard dumpster: $450
Includes up to 3 tons, up to 7 days, delivery, and pickup.
Additional days are $10 per day. Additional weight is billed at $60 per ton, prorated.
ASK US ABOUT SETTING UP A CONTRACTOR ACCOUNT!
What is included in the dumpster rental price?
Your rental includes delivery, pickup, the included rental period, and the included disposal weight for the dumpster size you choose. If your project goes over the included weight or rental period, the additional charges are billed separately.
Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?
Same-day or next-day delivery may be available depending on dumpster availability, delivery location, and scheduling. Call or text us with your address and project details, and we will let you know the earliest available delivery time.
How far in advance should I book a dumpster?
We recommend booking as soon as you know your project dates. For weekend projects, roofing jobs, remodels, and contractor work, earlier booking helps us reserve the right dumpster size and delivery window.
Can I rent a dumpster for one day?
Yes! Contact us with your project details and timing, and we will help determine the best rental option.
Can I keep the dumpster longer than 7 days?
Yes. Standard rentals include up to 7 days. Additional days are $10 per day, subject to availability.
Is it better to rent a bigger dumpster?
In many cases, yes. A larger dumpster can prevent overfilling, reduce the chance of needing a second haul, and make loading easier. If you are between sizes, we can help you compare the best option based on your debris type and project.
What does “included tonnage” mean?
Included tonnage is the amount of disposal weight included in your rental price. The 20-yard dumpster includes up to 2 tons. The 30-yard dumpster includes up to 3 tons. If the load weighs more than the included amount, additional weight is billed at $60 per ton, prorated.
How do I know how much my dumpster weighs?
The dumpster is weighed at the disposal facility. If the load exceeds the included tonnage, the overage is calculated based on the actual weight ticket.
What happens if I go over the included weight?
If your load exceeds the included tonnage, the additional weight is billed at $60 per ton, prorated. For example, if the load is only a portion of a ton over, the overage is prorated rather than automatically billed as a full ton.
Are there hidden fees?
Our goal is clear, upfront pricing. The main additional charges are for extra rental days, extra weight, prohibited items, blocked pickup, or special handling if required. If you are unsure about an item or situation, contact us before loading so we can help avoid surprises.
Do I pay before or after the rental?
Unless a commercial account has been established, the dumpster rental fee is due at the time of booking. If the load exceeds the included tonnage or additional charges apply, the remaining balance is billed after pickup and will be charged to the card on file.
Do you offer contractor pricing?
Yes. Contractors, builders, roofers, remodelers, and repeat customers can contact us about setting up a contractor account. Contractor accounts may qualify for recurring rental options, priority scheduling, and project-based pricing.
Where can the dumpster be placed?
Dumpsters are typically placed in a driveway, parking area, jobsite, or another safe and accessible location. The area must be firm, level, and clear of vehicles, low wires, low branches, soft ground, sprinkler heads, and other obstacles.
Can the dumpster go on my driveway?
Yes, driveways are one of the most common placement locations. Please keep in mind that heavy dumpsters and trucks can create risk for cracks, marks, or surface damage, especially on older concrete, asphalt, pavers, or soft ground.
We are not liable for cracks, marks or other damage due to dumpsters being placed on driveways.
Can the dumpster go in the street?
Street placement depends on the city and local rules. In many cases, a right-of-way or street placement permit may be required. If you need the dumpster placed on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, check with your city before delivery.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
You do not always need to be home, but we need clear placement instructions before delivery. If the placement area is specific or tight, being available by phone or text is helpful.
How full can I load the dumpster?
Debris must stay level with or below the top rim of the dumpster. Items cannot stick out over the top or hang over the sides. Overfilled dumpsters may be unsafe to haul and may need to be corrected before pickup or may incur additional charges. (We will always discuss options with you before charging additional fees)
What happens if the dumpster is blocked at pickup?
The dumpster must be accessible at the scheduled pickup time. If vehicles, equipment, materials, locked gates, or other obstacles prevent pickup, a return trip fee may apply.
Can I move the dumpster after it is delivered?
No. For safety and equipment reasons, do not attempt to move the dumpster after placement. If it needs to be moved, contact Des Moines Dumpsters.
What can I put in the dumpster?
Most general household junk, furniture, construction debris, remodeling debris, wood, drywall, flooring, cabinets, siding, roofing debris, cardboard, and non-hazardous waste can usually go in the dumpster.
Can I throw away roofing shingles?
Yes, roofing shingles can usually go in the dumpster, but they are very heavy. Roofing loads must be discussed before delivery so we can recommend the right dumpster size and avoid overweight issues.
Can I throw away yard waste?
Yard waste rules can vary by material and disposal location. Light yard debris may be accepted in some cases, but heavy logs, dirt, sod, concrete, and large amounts of organic material should be discussed before loading.
Can I throw away appliances?
Appliances require approval before loading and involve additional disposal requirements and fees. Contact us before placing appliances in the dumpster.
Can I throw away mattresses?
Mattresses may require special handling or additional fees depending on disposal requirements. Please ask before loading mattresses.
What items are not allowed in the dumpster?
Do not place hazardous waste, wet paint, chemicals, liquids, batteries, tires, propane tanks, fuel, oil, asbestos, medical waste, electronics, or other restricted materials in the dumpster unless we have specifically approved the item.
What should I do if I am not sure whether an item is allowed?
Contact us before loading it. A quick call, text, or photo can help us confirm whether the item is allowed and avoid extra fees or rejected loads.
Can you provide dumpsters for commercial or municipal projects?
Yes. We can help with commercial projects, cleanouts, disposal needs, and special waste coordination depending on the material and project scope. Contact us to review the details.
Do I need to call when I am done?
Yes, please contact us when the dumpster is ready for pickup unless a specific pickup date has already been scheduled.
Will the dumpster be picked up automatically after 7 days?
Pickup should be scheduled or confirmed. If you are done early, contact us. If you need additional days, let us know as soon as possible.
What happens after pickup?
We haul the dumpster to the appropriate disposal facility. If the load is within the included weight and there are no additional charges, you are all set. If there is extra weight, extra days, or special disposal, we will charge the card on file and send you a final receipt.
Can I schedule an early pickup?
Yes. If you finish early, contact us and we will schedule pickup based on availability.
What areas do you serve?
Des Moines Dumpsters serves Des Moines and surrounding metro communities. Service availability may vary based on location, schedule, and project type.
Adel, Altoona, Ankeny, Bevington, Booneville, Clive, Cumming, Dallas Center, De Soto, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Martensdale, New Virginia, Norwalk, Patterson, Polk City, Prole, St. Charles, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and Winterset.
If you are nearby but do not see your area listed, contact us with your project address and we will confirm availability.
Do you charge extra outside the Des Moines metro?
Contact us with the delivery address, and we will confirm availability and pricing.