Do you need to Dumpster Rental In winter in Ardmore, Oklahoma? If so, you’ll quickly discover that there are lots of dumpsters for rent. You will have a variety of dumpsters to choose from since the need for dumpsters slows down due to lower outside activity. Regardless of when you rent a dumpster, if you plan to keep it through the winter season, you will need to know how to take care of it. Below are some tips for Dumpster Rental In winter. If you have any further questions or need to reserve a dumpster, Contact Elliott’s Hydraulics today.
1. Be Prepared for Snow and Ice
Snow and ice storms are common in Oklahoma during the winter. For this reason, you need to consider the snow and ice on your property before setting your dumpster down. Ask these questions before you haul it in:- Does snow or ice hinder access to the dumpster on foot or by vehicle?
- How easily will snow and ice collect on the dumpster cover?
- Will snow or ice be able to get inside the dumpster?
2. Do Not Fill Your Dumpster With Snow
Whether accidentally or intentionally, it is never a good idea to let snow accumulate in your dumpster. There are several reasons for this. First, snow is heavy. Light snow can weigh up to 15 pounds per square foot. Compacted snow may weigh 20 pounds or more per square foot. A dumpster filled with snow can be difficult to dump or transport, putting more work on a dump truck than is necessary. Second, snow melts. When snow turns into water, it soaks everything. It is as true for a dumpster as it is for the ground. When the snow melts in a dumpster, it soaks everything inside, making it heavier. It can also create a lingering odor, which is always worse when garbage is wet. Last, snow takes up space. Chances are, you selected a dumpster rental size based on how much storage you need for waste throughout the week. By shoveling snow in the dumpster, you crowd it and leave less space for waste.3. Secure Your Dumpster from Animals
Numerous animals already have their eye on your dumpster throughout the year. However, food becomes more scarce during the winter, forcing animals to get desperate. Pests such as raccoons, mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and even prairie dogs find creative ways to invade your garbage to eat or protect themselves from the winter weather. Here are some ways to protect your dumpster rental from animals during winter:- Close the doors on top or the sides – doing so makes the dumpster practically impenetrable.
- Spray the dumpster out one to four times per month to reduce the smell of garbage.
- Use heavy-duty trash bags.
- Report any holes, openings, or damage to the dumpster company.
- Install motion-activated lights to scare animals away.
- Spray ammonia in the dumpster once a week.
4. Use a Tarp or Enclosure
Oklahoma weather can be harsh during the coldest months of winter. High winds, sub-freezing temperatures, and snow and ice can impact both the dumpster and the content inside. If possible, create an enclosure for your dumpster rental to fit inside. Doing so, prevents snow and ice from getting inside the dumpster. If you don’t have the space, money, or resources to build an enclosure, we recommend that you cover the dumpster with a tarp and strap it down to prevent wind from blowing it away. A tarp can prevent snow or ice from accumulating directly on the dumpster. Slide the tarp off if you need to open the dumpster from the top. A tarp also prevents the cover from icing up.5. Create a Safe Path to the Dumpster
The path to the dumpster that seems relatively safe and simple throughout the rest of the year may suddenly become a safety concern when there’s snow or ice on the ground. You will need to be proactive in creating a safe path to the dumpster for your employees. There are several things you can do to create a hazard-free walk even when it’s snowing outside.- Keep a snow shovel handy to quickly scoop and remove snow or ice as it builds up.
- Throw rock salt on the ground along the path from the building to the dumpster.
- Create a rock pathway to the dumpster.
- Take fewer trips to the dumpster – especially at night.
