Crazy Things I've Seen Working At A Dumpster Rental Company

When people think about dumpster rentals, they imagine construction debris and home cleanups. But as a seasoned dumpster rental agent, I can tell you—I have seen and heard it all. From astounding hoarding tales to unusual disposals, here are some of the weirdest jobs I've ever had.

1. The Haunted House Cleanout

One of our renters owned an old estate that was rumored to be haunted. The new owners requested a full cleanout, and the things we hauled away would have given anyone nightmares! Old porcelain dolls, creaky rocking chairs, and a basement filled with decades of dusty mannequins and mannequin parts. Our crew swore they heard whispers while loading up the dumpster, that was one eerie job.

2. The Mystery Meat

We once received a call from a restaurant that had lost power for a long period. They needed to throw away a freezer full of spoiled meat and fast. When we got there to pick it up the smell knocked us over. We had to double-line the dumpster to prevent the smell from getting into the metal! Remember, if you’re getting rid of perishables, don’t wait until the last minute.

3. The DIY Pool Problem

A homeowner decided to take their backyard renovation into their own hands. He began demolishing an in-ground pool all by himself. When he finally gave up and asked us for help with his trash the yard was a muddy mess. We filled two dumpsters with broken concrete, pool liners, and decorative rocks. It's always better to plan ahead with a dumpster rental and have it on-site when you start your project.

4. The Personal Zoo Eviction

One of our strangest calls came from an exotic pet owner who had to move unexpectedly. We showed up expecting typical household junk, only to be greeted by abandoned bird cages, a broken terrarium, and an empty snake enclosure. We didn't find the snake anywhere but we were on the lookout!

5. The Wedding Cleanup Misshap

A couple planned an extravagant backyard wedding, complete custom-built arches, and a huge dance floor. What they forgot to plan for was the massive cleanup. Apparently, they partied very hard and left the place destroyed! They needed to call us to order a dumpster and they filled up a 20 yard dumpster easily, that's a lot of trash!

6. The Cash Surprise

During a routine home cleanout, one of our workers was at the landfill and after dumping he went to close the dumpster door and he found a box with $5,000 in cash lying on the ground. The driver did the right thing and contacted dispatch and dispatch contacted the homeowners to explain the situation. They had no idea it was there, as the house had been in the family for generations and they were very happy for the find. They were also very generous and gave the honest driver a $500 finders fee. Always double-check your stuff before it goes in the dumpster!

7. The Unclaimed Storage Unit

We got a call from a storage facility needing a unit cleared out after years of non-payment. What we expected: old furniture and dusty boxes. We found a full-blown time capsule of the 1980s, we found vintage arcade machines, cassette tapes, and unopened action figures. It was like stepping into a pop culture museum.

Dumpster Rental: More Than Just Trash

Working as a dumpster rental agent is rarely dull. There is always something just a little off rearing its head through the door. Whether you’re cleaning out a haunted house, dealing with unexpected messes, or just making space for something new, dumpsters are an essential part of life’s strangest moments.