Improperly located dumpsters can adversely affect the foundation of your property, leading to the appearance of foundation damage signs. Therefore, when you hire dumpster rental services, ensure the strategic placement of the dumpster to:

• Optimize the waste disposal process
• Avoid foundation damage

Let’s talk about the following:

• How does dumpster placement impact your foundation?
• What factors should you consider while placing the dumpster?
• What are the important tips for proper dumpster placement?

How does dumpster placement affect your foundation?

Fully loaded dumpsters exert immense pressure on the underlying ground due to excessive weight. However, depending on the weight distribution inside the dumpster, this can be horizontal or vertical. As a result, the structural integrity of the surface underneath is risked. The foundation problems arise when these dumpsters put uneven pressure on the underlying soil due to uneven placement. The uneven pressure causes the soil to undergo compaction, due to which the foundation starts sinking or settling. A shifting foundation ultimately leads to foundation damage.

Some foundation damage signs include:

• Appearance of cracks in foundation walls
• Uneven or cracked floors
• Sticking doors and windows
• Bowing walls
• Nails falling from the drywall
• Mildew smell
• Mold growth

Sometimes, in urban areas, dumpsters are placed on driveways or sidewalks. These dumpsters, especially when overfilled, exert pressure on the foundation walls of the adjacent buildings. The owners of such properties often notice the appearance of hairline cracks on walls and other signs of foundation damage. Similarly, during the construction or renovation of residential properties, dumpsters positioned too close to the home’s foundation cause uneven compression of the underlying soil, thereby damaging the home’s structure.

What factors should you consider while placing the dumpster?

Are you confused about the placement of the dumpster rental you just hired? Wait! The underlying factors will help you with strategic dumpster placement.

1. Soil Composition

The foremost thing to consider when placing a dumpster is to assess the soil composition in the placement area. The soil underneath a dumpster serves a pivotal role in keeping it stable. Different soil types:

• Have different load-bearing abilities
• Respond differently to exerted pressure

For example, clayey soils undergo expansion and contraction based on moisture content, whereas sandy soils easily get displaced upon exerting external pressure. Therefore, before selecting any area for placing the dumpster:

• Understand the soil composition.
• Determine the soil’s ability to support the dumpster’s weight.
• Ensure the soil does not cause the adjacent foundation to sink due to dumpster placement.

2. Dumpster’s Distance from the Foundation

Make sure to place the dumpster at a safe distance from the property’s foundation to minimize the risk of damage. Ideally, you should place the dumpster at least 10 feet away from any structure or building. The adequate distance between the dumpster and the foundation allows for the following:

• Adequate flow of air around the dumpster
• Reduced risk of soil compression
• Reduced hazard of direct pressure on a building’s structural components

3. Weight Distribution

Appropriate distribution of weight within the dumpster minimizes the risk of uneven pressure exertion on the ground, ultimately saving the foundation from damage. Therefore, when disposing of the trash in the dumpster:

• Ensure even weight distribution: Distribute the weight evenly through the container.
• Avoid overloading the container: Do not overload the dumpster or fill it beyond the recommended capacity.
• Place planks under the container: Place support materials such as planks under the container to minimize contact with the ground.

Important Tips for Dumpster Placement

Follow these tips for the strategic placement of dumpsters and efficient waste management.

1. Assure easy accessibility:

The dumpster should be easily accessible for pick up. Also, there should be enough space to allow the dumpster rental services to operate at the placement area. If you’re placing the container at the construction site, consider:

• Ensure the dumpster placement does not affect workflow
• Place the dumpster close to the point where most of the waste is generated

In this way, you can save the time and effort required to dispose of the trash.

2. Choose even ground:

Dumpsters are quite heavy. Avoid placing them on soft grassy land or uneven ground. Always choose a flat and even piece of land, such as concrete slabs, for positioning these containers.

3. Consider the available space:

The size of your trash disposal container must be in accordance with the available space. For instance, if you live in a busy area, you cannot install a 20-yard dumpster as it will occupy a lot of driveway space and interfere with the neighbors. In this scenario, you can go for a 3-yard small waste bin that can:

• Fit into a much smaller space
• Save you the money that you would otherwise spend on large dumpsters
• Easily be emptied

4. Consider the weather:

If you’re renting the dumpster for a longer duration, position it in an area where it is not affected by weather conditions. For example, if placed on soft ground, heavy rain might cause the dumpster to get stuck in the mud. Similarly, in windy conditions, avoid placing it in areas where winds can blow off the debris.

5. Follow local rules:

Some cities and states have their regulations about where you can place dumpsters. Be aware of the local regulations regarding dumpster placement in your area and strictly adhere to them.

6. Prioritize Safety:

Safety should be your priority. Do not obstruct the pathways, especially if you’re placing the dumpster on the street. Make sure it does not disturb the pedestrians or affect the flow of traffic.

7. Avoid overhead obstructions:

Overhead obstructions include tree branches, low-hanging wires, etc. Place the dumpster such that there are no overhead obstructions so that when the delivery truck rolls off the dumpster, no harm is done.

8. Respect other boundaries:

If you’re positioning the dumpster near the boundary, it should not be entering your neighbor’s territory or hindering their access. In this case, we recommend you inform your neighbors about the dumpster placement beforehand.

Conclusion

Improperly placed dumpsters can give rise to foundation problems. When these dumpsters exert uneven pressure on foundation walls, the property owners can observe different foundation damage signs. Therefore, when placing the dumpsters, consider factors like underlying soil composition, weight distribution within the dumpster, and its distance from the foundation. In addition, when hiring dumpster rentals, position them on a flat ground where they can be easily accessed and do not cause any obstructions.