When you rent a dumpster for your commercial property, you want to ensure you get as much use as possible. But, when people stop by your property overnight and drop off their garbage as well, it puts you at risk of overfilling your dumpster. Many dumpster rental companies charge a fee for overfilled dumpsters or the disposal of hazardous materials.
While you want to avoid illegal dumping and the accompanying fees, it may seem difficult to protect your dumpster. However, with a few extra steps, you can keep your dumpster clear of litter from people in your community. If you’re preparing for a dumpster rental and want to learn how to protect against illegal dumping, keep reading to see what we recommend.
What is Considered Illegal Dumping?
Before you can learn how to protect your dumpsters against illegal dumping, you need to understand what it is. Illegal dumping is taking garbage created in one location and disposing of it in another place without permission. When you look at the dumpsters behind stores in your area, you may notice signs no dumping signs, signifying that the dumpster is not for public use.
Choosing to use the dumpster anyway puts you at risk of legal ramifications. Each state has different illegal dumping laws that may result in punishments, including fines, community service, or jail time. While this might seem like a victimless crime, waste disposal in another person’s or business’s dumpster can result in fees and fines for them, depending on the waste you’re throwing out.
The Danger of Illegal Dumping
Although some people may think of these dumping laws as frivolous, there are many dangers to this waste disposal method. Some of the most significant dangers of illegal dumping include:
- Health Risks: When people choose to dispose of waste in an unauthorized dumpster, they often do so because they’re disposing of items requiring specific disposal methods. These items may include used needles, chemical products, or radioactive materials. If exposed to these items, you may get sick or injured, so proper disposal is essential.
- Pollution: As mentioned above, many items require specific disposal methods. Some items, like used oil, transmission fluid, paint, and flammable materials that aren’t properly disposed of may spill and contaminate local soil and groundwater, putting not only the dumper but everyone in the community at risk.
- Decreased Property Value: If one person attempts to dump their items in an unauthorized dumpster, others may be emboldened to do the same. Over time, this can lead to excessive waste disposal and a pile up of debris beside the dumpster. This excessive waste can negatively impact your property value.
- Monetary Harm: As people dump their waste in unauthorized dumpsters, they may choose to overfill it. Dumpsters have very specific weight limits, and choosing to overfill a dumpster can result in significant fines for the dumpster owner. This fine can be especially tough for people who aren’t prepared for the cost.
How to Protect Your Rental Dumpster Against Illegal Dumping
If you are preparing for an uncoming commercial dumpster rental, you want to ensure your dumpster is secure and you’re not a risk of experiencing unauthorized dumping. Some of the easiest ways to protect your commercial dumpster rental include:
- Use Dumpster Locks: One of the easiest ways to prevent unauthorized dumping is by using dumpster locks. These locks will prevent outsiders from being able to reach inside. Not only does this protect you from unauthorized dumping, but it also keeps dumpster divers off your property.
- Install Cameras: If you are preparing for a rental dumpster, it might be a good idea to install some security cameras in the area. These cameras, coupled with other prevention methods, can scare off people who may otherwise use your dumpster. They also give you an image of anyone who chooses to use the dumpster anyway.
- Hang No Dumping Signs: Your dumpster rental company should have no dumping signs imprinted on the sides of your dumpster. However, if you want to ensure you’re protected from illegal dumping, you should invest in some no dumping signs to hang in the surrounding area.
- Light Up the Area: Many people choose to dump their garbage when the sun goes down, believing the darkness will cloak their actions. If you install lights in the area around your dumpster, you can trust that there is no dark to hide their actions, making them less likely to use your dumpster.
- Check the Dumpster: While this might not stop people from using the dumpster, it is important that you check it regularly to catch illegal dumping as soon as possible. If you notice garbage not produced by you or your employees, you should reach out to your local non-emergency hotline to report the dumping.
What to Do If Someone Dumps Garbage in Your Rental Dumpster
If you catch someone illegally dumping their garbage in your dumpster, it is essential that you reach out to your non-emergency hotline as soon as possible. If they are fleeing, try to gather as much identifying information as possible, including their license plate number, car make and model, gender, and any other idenfitying features.
While you may be tempted to do so, it is essential that you don’t follow anyone fleeing the area. Choosing to follow them may result in property or bodily harm. It is best to allow them to leave the area and trust that, with the use of any gathered identifying information, the police can identify the dumper.
Your Trusted Rental Dumpster Partner in Northern Utah
As a trusted dumpster rental company in the Northern Utah area, our team at Canyon View Dumpsters & Toilets understand how important it is to avoid illegal dumping. It can be incredibly frustrating and may result in significant fines if not addressed immediately. If you’re looking for a reliable dumpster rental company in the Weber, Davis, or Salt Lake County area, turn to us for support. With our various dumpster types and sizes, we’re confident that we have the perfect dumpster for you.
If you’d like to learn more about our dumpster rental services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
