If you own or operate a business, you probably juggle all kinds of facility management issues on a daily basis, from the lights in your parking lot to trash disposal. Dumpster rentals solve the disposal problem handily in exchange for a monthly payment. But renting the right dumpster for your needs and using it as wisely as possible may not be as simple as you think. Here are four tips for getting the most out of your dumpster rental service.

1. Choose Your Size Carefully

Size matters in the world of dumpster rentals. You don't want to pay for an enormous vessel that will rarely get filled, but you don't want your dumpster constantly overflowing either. But there is another factor you must consider as well -- weight limits.

• Dumpsters are sized in terms of their cubic yardage. The more cubic yardage your dumpster has, the higher a monthly rental fee you will pay.
• Your dumpster will come with a specific weight limit. If you exceed this limit, you'll be charged overage fees -- which might add up to be even more than your monthly rental rate.

Obviously you'll need to determine the perfect size dumpster for for your needs -- one that you will use to its maximum capacity without exceeding the unit's weight limit. This will require an expert evaluation of your needs by a dumpster rental supplier.

2. Others May Try to Throw their Trash Away in It

Now that your business has its very own dumpster, your neighbors may think you've gifted them with a free jumbo-sized garbage can. Make sure they know that this is not the case -- otherwise you may find your dumpster too full for your own employees to use! It is usually illegal to dump trash in another party's dumpster without permission, so you should be able to get local law enforcement on your side in such incidents. Consider setting up a video surveillance system to catch perpetrators in the act.

3. Hazardous Materials Go Elsewhere

If you think that you or your staff can dump anything and everything into a dumpster, think again. Flammable, toxic, or otherwise hazardous materials should never go into a dumpster. Examples of this forbidden waste include automotive fluids and batteries, fireworks, whole tires, paints, varnishes or sealants, asbestos, and any appliances that use coolants such as freon. Occasionally you can modify these items to make exceptions:

• Whole tires can be cut up into small pieces to make them acceptable for disposal.
• Coolant-using appliances may be acceptable for disposal if you drain all the coolant out of them before throwing them away.

4. A Local Service May Save You Money

In your search for a dumpster rental service, you may wonder whether you should choose a local service and a national one. The big national companies may enjoy a higher brand recognition factor, but they also maintain higher overhead costs than their local brethren -- which means that they will generally charge you more. A local service can probably offer you a better price, plus you'll get the in-person accountability that comes from dealing with a fellow local business.

As you can see, a surprising number of considerations come into play when you introduce a new dumpster to the block. From selecting the right size (at the right price) to keeping uninvited guests out of your garbage, it pays to have a conversation with a dumpster rental specialist who can evaluate your facility and answer your questions in depth. Contact some local and national providers, compare the services offered, and get some free estimates if possible. The right professional can dispose of all your worries!

Talk to a dumpster rental company in your area for more information.