RID-O-VITCommercal and residential debris removalCall us today at 315.475.6602, or click here to email.
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Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What are your hours of operation?
Our customer service phone, 315-430-JUNK, is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We deliver dumpsters and do cleanouts 7 days a week. We will work with your schedule, whatever it might be.

What geographical area do you cover?
Generally, upstate New York. Our base is in Syracuse, New York.

Are estimates free?
Always. We will give you a written estimate that we will honor for 60 days.

Why shouldn't I hire the guy with the old pickup truck that stops by and offers to take my trash away cheap?
Two problems….First, is he insured? You do not need liability problems if he gets hurt on your property or unpaid repair costs for damage to your property. Second, you could be liable for fines and legal action if the debris is dumped in the wrong location. RID-O-VIT is fully insured and we are a licensed hauler. All debris we collect is dumped according to current laws and regulations.

What forms of payment do you take?
All major credit cards, checks or even cash. We also have open accounts for customers doing larger jobs. Previous credit approval is required. Contact us for a credit application.

Are there any items that would cost extra in a dumpster or cleanout?
The most common added costs are for tires, car batteries, and freon units (refrigerators, a/c units, dehumidifiers, etc.). Just give us a call if you have any items that you are not sure of.


Roll off Dumpsters

What is a roll off?
This is a container with an open top that rolls off our truck into your yard or driveway. It looks like the back of a dump truck and comes in several sizes.

How does a dumpster rental work?
When you order your dumpster we will ask you if you want to use a credit card or give the driver a deposit. If you use a credit card we will put the actual charges on the card when the dumpster is weighed. If you choose to use a deposit, we will deduct the actual charges from the deposit and refund the difference. The dumpster is dropped off at your location as close as possible to the time you request. We recommend that you have some old wood available to put under the dumpster so that your driveway is protected. The rear door of the dumpster swings open, so you should take that into account when you are selecting a location. We will leave the dumpster there for you to load or we can supply the labor to load it. When you are finished with the dumpster you must call our office to schedule a pickup. We do not automatically pick it up. Your rental will stop with the phone call even if we do not pick it up immediately. After the dumpster is weighed we will calculate your bill and send you an invoice (and your credit card slip or deposit refund if applicable) for your records.

How quickly can I get a dumpster?
Usually the same day, but no later than the next day. However, we get busier toward the weekend so please call as far in advance as possible.

Is there anything I cannot put in the dumpster?
The following items cannot be put in the dumpster: paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, hazardous materials, asbestos (siding, duct & pipe wrap), fluorescent light ballasts, propane tanks, medical waste, liquids of any type. Items such as tires, batteries and freon units (refrigerators, A/C, etc.) can be put in, but there will be an additional cost.

What do I do with paint or other chemicals?
Twice a year OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) has "Chemical Day". With an appointment you can bring in paint and other chemicals at no charge. For dates and more info go to www.ocrra.org

What size dumpster do I need?
Obviously, it depends on the project. But, please call our office and our experts can advise you. However, wherever you order your dumpster it is more costly to get one that is too small. You will be paying twice for pickup and delivery if a second dumpster is necessary.

How high can I fill the dumpster?
When we pick it up the driver needs to put a tarp over the top of the load. You should not go more than 1 or 2 feet above the top. Also the load should be kept as flat as possible. No objects should be standing straight up to interfere with the tarp. If you are putting concrete, blocks or heavy fill in the dumpster you should fill it only ¼ of the way because of the excessive weight.

You charge by the ton, how much weight will the dumpster hold?
This is impossible to predict. It depends on what is put in it. A load of roof shingles or sheetrock might weigh 5 to 8 tons. A load of household items might weigh as little as ½ of a ton.

Your basic fee includes 3 days rental. Can't I keep it longer?
You may keep it as long as you want however there are additional daily or weekly charges for the extra rental.

Will you automatically pick up the dumpster after 3 days?
No. Your project could take longer than planned. We wait for you to call us.

Will the dumpster damage my lawn or driveway?
The dumpsters have wheels and our drivers are very careful. However, depending on the age and stability of your driveway or the wetness of your lawn and, also the weight that is loaded in the dumpster, some marking could occur. This can be prevented by placing some old wood under the dumpster wheels and rails. In any case, we are not liable for any damage caused by the normal placement of the dumpster.

What if I fill the dumpster and still have "junk" left over?
We can bring out a 2nd dumpster at a reduced price. Or, if there is just a small quantity, we can pick it up with our van for an additional cost.


Cleanouts & Junk Hauling

What is a "Quick Pick"?
If you only have a few items (usually less than 5 or 6) and we can schedule the pickup on the day we are in your area, we can give you a special reduced rate.

What if I have only one item like a couch, stove, desk, etc.?
No problem. This would be a "Quick Pick"

Do you pickup refrigerators or air conditioners?
Yes. However, there is an additional cost because of the freon. This extra charge would apply to any item with freon, including dehumidifiers, ice makers, freezers, etc..

Can you give me a price over the phone?
We can try. However, terms like "small pile" or "a few boxes" mean different things to different people. In most cases we can give you a rough idea. But, when we arrive on the job we will let you know if the rough price is correct. At that point, if the price changes, you can cancel the job at no cost or obligation.

I am not home weekdays. How can I get my junk picked up?
We do jobs seven days a week at all hours of the day. We will work around your schedule. If the items are outside, you do not need to be there. We can take a credit card over the phone or you can leave a check hidden somewhere.


Front Load Dumpsters

What is a front load dumpster?
These are the smaller containers that are seen behind businesses that stay there all of the time. Our truck comes by on a regular route and dumps the trash or recyclables. "Front Load" simply refers to how our truck picks up and dumps the containers.

How often do you dump these containers?
As often as you like. We will work with you to determine the right size and frequency for your situation.

Do I need to sign a contract for this service?
Yes. We prefer that you sign a 12 month contract. This will give you some price protection for the contract period. Also, this equipment is very expensive. We need to generate at least 12 months of income to break even on our investment in the equipment. However, we will make exceptions to this on a case by case basis.

What do I do with recyclables?
Depending on the type and volume, we can supply a 2nd dumpster or rolling totes. Recyclables cannot go in your trash dumpster. There are fines for mixing recyclables with trash.

How do I keep other people from dumping in my containers?
We will supply you with locks and keys to prevent this.


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