Dumpster Rental Best Practices for Contractors

• Inert Materials (concrete, dirt/soil, brick, asphalt): "Inert" dumpsters (5-yd or 10-yd).
  These have no weight limit at Zebra—just keep it pure (no trash).
• General Debris (wood, drywall, plastics, packaging, household junk, etc.): General debris dumpsters (5/10/20/30/40-yd).
  These include a set tonnage by size (e.g., 0.5 ton for 5-yd, 1 ton for 10-yd, 2 tons for 20-yd, 3 tons for 30-yd, 4-yd typically 4 tons).

Why this matters: mixing concrete/dirt/brick/asphalt with general debris reclassifies the load and triggers overweight charges (because general debris bins have weight limits). Use separate dumpsters.

• Inert dumpsters: No weight limit for permanent materials (concrete, dirt, brick, asphalt) when kept pure.
• General debris dumpsters: Include weight by size (see above). Extra weight is billed per ton. (Typical range shown on Zebra pages – $150–$200/ton, varies by city.)

If an inert bin contains >5% trash, it's reclassified as general debris (includes 1 ton only) and billed $150/ton beyond that. Keep inerts clean.

• Distribute weight evenly: place heavy items low and spread them out.
• Stay below the rim: no mounding or items sticking out.
• Use the door when possible, secure the latch before pickup.
• No prohibited items (hazardous waste, certain electronics/tires, etc.). See the "Not Allowed" list on size pages.

• Space: Ensure clear ~60 feet of straight-line access for the truck.
• Overhead: Keep ~23–25 feet clear (no low branches, lines).
• Surface: Flat, hard surface preferred (driveway or jobsite pad).
• You don't need to be onsite for delivery, but being available helps on tight sites.

Placing a dumpster in the street often requires a city encroachment permit, and in some cases a few mats/packing resorcinfor.. (Example: San Jose requires encroachment permits in the right-of-way, low-away permits may be needed to reserve curb space.) Check your city's rules or ask us to point you the right office.

Many Bay Area cities require a Waste Management Plan (WMP) and diversion tracking, often through Green Halo Systems (or a city portal powered by Green Halo).

• San José CDDD: Request program: 50% diversion required for rebuist; submit WMP and upload weight tickets via Waste Tracking San Jose (powered by Green Halo).
• Other cities (e.g., Oakland, Mountain View, Palo Alto): Commonly require 65% diversion overall and often 100% diversion of inerts. WMPs are typically submitted via Green Halo.

Contractor tip: Set up your Green Halo/WMP before demolition; keep every weight ticket and ensure your hauler rates materials to city-approved C&D facilities so your diversion counts.

No hazardous waste (paints/chemicals/asbestos/batteries/medical sharps), no pressurized tanks, and no inerts inside general debris bins. Some items (e.g., mattresses, freon appliances) may have extra fees. See the "Accepted/Not Allowed" list on each size page.

• Delivery & pickup included: 7-day rental included by default.
• Same-day often available (call before noon when possible).
• Don't overfill and keep access clear on pickup day to avoid "dead-run" fees.

• Rush hours/days: $100 (except in San Jose/Campbell). Plan ahead.
• Dead-run / blocked access: $250 (typically $350 north of Millbrae/Oakland).
• Cleaning fee (wrong materials in inert bin): $300.
• Reclassified loads (inert bin with >5% trash): changed as general debris with 1 ton included, then $150/ton beyond.

• 5 yd inert: Concrete, dirt, brick, or asphalt only. No weight limit on accepted materials. Best for: concrete pads, trench spoils, small walkway demo.
• 10 yd inert: Same accepted materials as 5-yd inert, just more volume. Best for: small flatwork, masonry, or landscape tear-outs.
• 5 yd General: Mixed debris (wood, drywall, packaging, light home waste). 0.5 ton included. Best for: small home or bathroom remodels where waste is light.
• 10 yd General: Mixed debris. 1 ton included. Best for: roof tear-offs, small remodels, or garage cleanouts.
• 20 yd General: Mixed debris. 2 tons included. Best for: medium remodels, roofing jobs, or multicroom cleanouts.
• 30 yd General: Mixed debris. 3 tons included. Best for: large renovations, full-house cleanouts, or small demolition projects.
• 40 yd General: Mixed debris. 4 tons included. Best for: big demolition jobs, full-house chemicals, or commercial projects.

• Book separate bins for waste vs. mixed debris.
• Grease your WMP/Green Halo and upload tickets as you go.
• Use only approved C&D facilities and authorized haulers (where required).
• Keep dumpsters below rim, evenly loaded, and accessible for pickup.

Tell us your material (concrete, dirt, brick, asphalt, or mixed debris) and rough volume—we'll match you to the safest, cheapest option and flag any city permit or Green Halo heads for your jobsite.