The convenience of the internet has made it unbelievably easy for people to leave a review for products, services, companies, and everything in between. This is great because reviews are useful to potential customers, helping them make better hiring and buying decisions. However, it also makes it easier to leave a fake review that can dupe unsuspecting customers.
\r\n\r\nCustomers have grown accustom to having these reviews, and a high percentage of consumer decisions are now based on online customer reviews. However, the importance of reviews paired with the accessibility of leaving one has caused an increase in false reviews, too. It might be surprising (and concerning) to know that an average of 39% of online reviews are fake.
\r\n\r\nThere are a variety of motives behind leaving a fake review for a product, service, or company. For example, an employee or boss of a company may be looking to improve their company's reputation, or a proud aunt may be looking to announce how great their family's new business is. Conversely, a local competitor or scorned ex could easily leave a completely fake online review for a service they never actually received, all with the intent of deterring business away from that particular company.
\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, there is such a high volume of false reviews online that even for people are who are good at spotting them, there's still a chance that these fake reviews could be believed and taken into a person's hiring consideration. To help customers with spotting these fake reviews, we've listed four of the biggest things to watch out for in this guide.
\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that reviews including multiple exclamation points have a higher instance of being fake, and this goes for both positive and negative reviews. People taking the time to leave real reviews for services they've actually received or products they've actually bought tend to be direct and straightforward in their reviews. They don't typically use a lot of emotional language or exclamation points.
\r\n\r\nOverly passionate reviews come in many shapes and forms. Keep an eye out for any of these types of examples:
\r\n\r\n\"I loved working with this company!!! It was the best service I've ever received!!\"
\r\n\r\n\"Do not hire this company!! Their staff yelled at me!!! I will NEVER go back!!!!\"
\r\n\r\n\"My neighbors own this company and they are good people. Don't go to anyone else!! The husband & wife are so kind to me and my husband and they have an adorable toddler!\"
\r\n\r\n\"The co-owner was my best friend until he slept with my wife and ruined my family's life!!! Do not trust him unless you want the same to happen to you.\"
\r\n\r\nIf a review is incredibly vague—that is, it's very short in length and doesn't include any pertinent, useful details—there's a decent probability it's fake. At best, it's a vague review that doesn't tell you anything beyond the most basic fact of whether or not the services were good. At worst, it's a completely fake, albeit short, review that could sway you in the wrong direction.
\r\n\r\nAs most companies know, getting customers to leave reviews can sometimes be challenging. Customers have to take time out of their day to leave a review, so when a customer uses their valuable time to go to the trouble of leaving a review of any kind, it's likely they will also take the time to mention what they did or didn't like about said good or service.
\r\n\r\nBecause reviews take time and effort to get, an unfortunately all-too-common strategy is hiring off-shore companies that specialize in leaving reviews to pose as a real-life customer. These companies will create dozens or even hundreds of burner email accounts that allow them to leave not one, but multiple fake reviews intended to boost the confidence consumers have in the company, product, or service in question.
\r\n\r\nSince these people are writing multiple reviews, they tend to keep it short and sweet for efficiency's sake.
\r\n\r\nNot to mention the fact that they likely couldn't mention specific details even if they tried due to the fact that they've never actually encountered the product or service they are reviewing.
\r\n\r\nOn the contrary, a long-winded review that goes into all details and specs related to a service or product could also be a fake review intended to market their service or product to the public.
\r\n\r\nWhile a happy customer may mention a few features that they particularly love about a product or service, it's not likely that they will write out every last one in detail.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe uphill battle to eliminate fake online reviews has driven many companies to hire their own team to verify that the reviews being left are authentic.
\r\n\r\nIt's extra money out of their pocket to employ people to do so, but it is an important step in maintaining a website's integrity.
\r\n\r\nMega companies like Amazon receive such a high volume of customer reviews that they cannot possibly verify every single review published, but they do employ a staff whose job it is to verify at least some.
\r\n\r\nOther companies, like us at Hometown, service a more manageable amount of clientele that allows them to only publish verified customer reviews.
\r\n\r\nBig or small, websites that verify customer reviews do not filter through positive or negative reviews; they publish real reviews whether they are good or bad.
\r\n\r\nWhat they filter through are reviews submitted that they can confirm through a paper trail to make sure they were written by real customers who paid real money for the product or service they are leaving a review on.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we personally verify every review submitted to our site before we publish it so that customers in need of a dumpster rental or junk removal service can feel confident in making a decision.
\r\n\r\nWe believe in not only supporting locally-owned companies but making sure that clients have an honest experience when inviting these services into their home or business.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nLearn how to spot false online reviews and the motives incentivizing fake \"consumers\" from leaving these fake reviews.
\r\n","changed":"2023-07-28T14:16:10+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"dc35c6f6-29fb-548f-bff8-a876522fbc54","title":"What Can I Expect to Pay for Dumpster Service Costs?","url":"/blog/what-can-I-expect-to-pay-for-dumpster-service-costs","image":{"path":"/static/33904863a9c22d75f381edcd4bbc4a80/dumpster-cost.jpg","alt":"smart phone with \"dumpster payment successful\" message"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"The average cost to rent a dumpster is $250-$750. Dumpster pricing varies quite a bit and is affected by several factors, especially your location and company you rent from. For example, renting a 10 yard dumpster in New York City may cost $600 for a seven-day rental, while the same size dumpster in Topeka, KS may cost half that.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe dumpster you rent may cost more or less depending on your area's general cost of living, the provider you rent from, and the amount of debris that needs to be removed.
\r\n\r\nDue diligence goes a long way in getting the best bang for your buck. In this guide, we’ll discuss average dumpster rental costs and how to get the best deal possible for your dumpster.
\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"dumpster](\"/static/25006164ae87d8e54634fa2aea87b143/dumpster-average-costs-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nThe national average price to rent the most common roll-off containers for the standard dumpster rental period is anywhere from $250-$750. Here's a closer look at how much temporary dumpsters cost based on size...
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
| Temporary Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost per Week | \r\n\t\t
| 10 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$250-$450 | \r\n\t\t
| 20 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$350-$550 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$450-$650 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$550-$750 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Read more: The Big List of Dumpster Rental Costs in All 50 States
\r\n\r\nTrash and recycling services for your business can range in price from $90-$300+ per month for one container. The exact cost depends on the waste hauler’s pricing, container size, location, and type of debris. Recycling containers generally cost less than trash dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nThe following chart breaks down the national average prices to rent the most common commercial dumpsters for a month...
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
| Commercial Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost per Month | \r\n\t\t
| 2 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$100-$200 | \r\n\t\t
| 4 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$150-$250 | \r\n\t\t
| 6 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$200-$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 8 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$250-$350 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are several factors that affect the cost of your dumpster rental or commercial dumpster services.
\r\n\r\nLet’s break it down...
\r\n\r\nSimply put, each waste hauling company is free to set their pricing to whatever they’d like. As a customer, this makes it critical to check with multiple companies before choosing a provider. We recommend contacting at least 3 different services.
\r\n\r\nEach dumpster company's pricing can vary based on the duration of the rental period, the included weight limit, overage fees, pick-up schedule, operating hours, and other factors.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to note that companies often run promotions or offer discounts for seniors or veterans, which is another reason we strongly encourage you to request multiple quotes to compare services and pricing.
\r\n\r\nWaste haulers generally charge more if they are required to travel long distances to drop off or pick up. Fuel costs and wear-and-tear on trucks are a substantial overhead cost for a waste hauling company, which is why, if possible, we recommend going with a company located nearby.
\r\n\r\nOn top of distance from the rental company, where you're located within your region will also make a big difference. For example, the cost of living in your area impacts landfill fees, meaning higher disposal fees for you.
\r\n\r\nSmaller dumpsters cost less than larger dumpsters. This is true for temporary residential dumpster rentals and commercial dumpster service. However, sometimes larger dumpsters provide a better overall value. Going with the smallest size dumpster to save money can end up costing you more if you underestimate the amount of junk or debris you need to get rid of, causing you to have to rent a second dumpster or pay for your dumpster to be emptied and returned.
\r\n\r\nFor example, one 20 yard dumpster will cost less than renting two 10 yard dumpsters, saving you money and time in the long run.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nRecycling dumpsters typically cost less than general waste dumpsters because the tipping fees cost less at the recycling facility than the landfill/processing facility. Non-recyclable waste requires special considerations that can influence pricing.
\r\n\r\nClean loading a dumpster, meaning only dumping one type of material into the container, usually allows for a discounted dumpster rental price.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental costs are not set in stone, especially when working with smaller local waste haulers trying to earn your business.
\r\n\r\nIt's worth inquiring about any special deals they might be running, discounts for seniors/military/etc., or volume discounts for a large ongoing project. These discounts can add up and are a great way to reduce your total dumpster rental costs.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to ensure you're getting the best price for your dumpster is to contact several different locally-owned service providers in your area to compare dumpster rental quotes. We recommend getting at least three quotes to be sure you get a clear picture of the services offered, fair pricing for the area, and the quality of customer service being offered.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we make it easy to find, contact, and compare local dumpster rental companies in your area. Read real, verified customer reviews and request free quotes from multiple companies so you can be sure you're hiring the best dumpster rental company near you for the best price.
\r\n\r\nDumpster pricing costs $250-$750 for temporary dumpsters and $100-$350 per month for commercial dumpsters. These prices depemd on several factors, like location, amount and type of debris, the rental company you choose, and more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n","changed":"2025-04-17T21:48:17+00:00"},{"id":"99dd366e-9b72-5cb0-b417-b958713301e2","title":"Tips for Achieving and Maintaining an Organized Home","url":"/blog/tips-for-an-organized-home","image":{"path":"/static/d168a2f5d444f1b5c9c02307f9b82d6d/enjoying-clean-house.jpg","alt":"woman enjoying her clean house"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"}],"content":"When it comes to getting your home organized—and keeping it that way—having a plan of action makes the entire process less stressful
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOur tips will help make the decluttering and organizing process a success.
\r\n
Starting with a \"clean slate\" of only the items you use, love, and absolutely need to keep is the best first step to getting organized and staying organized.
\r\n\r\nAs you're going through your items, make separate piles for things that are trash, things that can be donated, things that can be sold, and things that can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nSeparating your items will make it easier to determine disposal solutions down the line.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering can be hard to do at times, especially when you struggle with getting rid of items.
\r\n\r\nOur decluttering guide is a great place to start if you're looking to start the decluttering process.
\r\n\r\nOnce you have a general idea of how much you have to get rid of, you'll be able to figure out the best solution for it all.
\r\n\r\nDonate
\r\n\r\nIf you have a lot of clothes, furniture, or other useable items that can be donated or sold, you can save a lot of money on disposal costs.
\r\n\r\nAll donations can be driven to or picked up by a local charity, but the rest will have to be disposed of properly as well.
\r\n\r\nRent a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nIf you have a large amount of trash or items that are no longer usable, a dumpster rental is a great option.
\r\n\r\nRanging from 10 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards in most cases, dumpsters come in many sizes to accommodate a wide range of disposal projects.
\r\n\r\nA 10 cubic yard dumpster is roughly 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3-4 feet tall.
\r\n\r\nThe 10, 15, and 20 yard dumpster options are ideal for driveways or other small areas while still giving you a lot of room for your junk or debris.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost for these dumpster sizes is $250-$550 but can be more or less depending on where you live, how much weight is included in the price, and who you rent from.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: The Beginner's Guide to Renting a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nJunk Removal
\r\n\r\nIf you have a smaller amount of items to get rid of than would fill a dumpster, junk removal may be a better option.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies offer a more inclusive disposal solution in which a crew of two or more come and haul away your items for you using a truck or large trailer.
\r\n\r\nBecause of the convenience, junk removal services typically cost slightly more than dumpster rental in most cases.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge based on the amount of space your items take up on their truck, with potential additional fees if they're overly heavy or large and difficult to maneuver.
\r\n\r\nFor a small- to medium-size junk removal project, you can expect to pay $300-$1,000 depending on where you live, how involved the removal is, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: When Hiring a Junk Removal Company Is the Best Choice
\r\n\r\nAs we've mentioned previously, pricing for both dumpster rental and junk removal services can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, we always recommend getting three quotes whenever possible.
\r\n\r\nBy comparing services, availability, and pricing, you'll be sure you hire the best person for the job.
\r\n\r\nEasily request quotes from local dumpster rental or junk removal providers with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nSimply enter your zip code in the search bar at the top of the page and click \"Find Pros.\"
\r\n\r\nFrom there, answer a few quick questions so companies can accurately quote your project.
\r\n\r\nBy comparing quotes, you'll be sure you choose the right service and hire the right company for the job.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNow that all of the unwanted and unnecessary items are out of your home, it's time to tackle organization.
\r\n\r\nEvery item in your home should have a designated spot where it returns after being used.
\r\n\r\nWith a proper home, it's easier to make sure everything is where it should be and everything is neat and tidy.
\r\n\r\nMaximize storage space by adding shelving and decorative organization options.
\r\n\r\nUtilize storage space by using space-saving bags or hangers that are organized by season or purpose.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have an organization system in place, limit the new items you bring into the home in order to maintain your newly clean and organized space.
\r\n\r\nIf you must bring new items into your house, it's a good rule of thumb to remove one item in order to reduce the risk of clutter piling up again.
\r\n\r\nThis is the key to maintaining an organized home, so don't underestimate the importance of this tip.
\r\n\r\nBefore buying a new item to bring into the house, honestly ask yourself if this is something you'll love for years to come or if it's just an impulse buy you'll regret later.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n\r\n","teaser":"When it comes to getting your home organized—and keeping it that way—having a plan of action makes the entire process less stressful. Learn our tips to help make the decluttering and organizing process a success.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-23T23:28:55+00:00"},{"id":"25b3272f-45c7-5bfc-9247-a62b60d894d3","title":"Do Dumpsters Placed on the Driveway Require a Permit?","url":"/blog/do-dumpsters-placed-on-driveway-require-permit","image":{"path":"/static/f055fcb6a8acfd3fa98391125e93b1ef/dumpster-1.jpg","alt":"Red dumpster placed on a residential driveway"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"It can be intimidating for homeowners, especially first-time renters, to rent a dumpster for a home project. However, the truth is that it’s not a complicated process.
\r\n\r\nOne common question asked by homeowners is whether or not a permit is required when the dumpster is placed in the driveway.
\r\n\r\nFirst thing’s first, it’s important to understand that the dumpster rental rules and regulations vary by city or town. For the most accurate information, check with your local city department to ensure you abide by local laws.
\r\n\r\nYour local dumpster rental company can also help answer questions related to dumpster permits and other questions you may have.
\r\n\r\nIn most cases, a dumpster permit is not required when the roll-off container or trailer dumpster is placed in the driveway of a private residence.\r\n\r\n
In this guide, we'll discuss the most common dumpster permit rules, how to get a dumpster permit, and whether or not certain dumpsters
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/static/f26017813cca0221a059c2f51d479b81/dumpster-blocking-sidewalk_0.jpg\")
\r\nNever place a dumpster in such a way that would block a public sidewalk or street without first inquiring about a dumpster permit.
\r\n\r\nEven if only part of the dumpster is blocking, impeding, or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way, a permit is needed per your city’s regulations.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster permit will spell out the exact procedures to follow, as well as the length of time you can have the dumpster placed in the public right-of-way (e.g., blocking a sidewalk). An example of procedural steps include placing orange cones around the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nSome cities or counties may require a dumpster permit (a.k.a. encroachment permit) with every dumpster, even if the container will not be placed in the public right-of-way. Los Angeles County is one example of such a rule.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Trailer](\"/static/fa68fc695751050d8d7f7a1050a6d4ed/trailer-dumpster_0.jpg\")
\r\nDumpster permit rules and regulations apply to all bulk waste containers, such as roll-off containers and rubber-wheeled trailer dumpsters. However, there may be size guidelines that define exactly what is considered a trailer dumpster vs a smaller utility trailer, for example.
\r\n\r\nRented dumpsters—whether roll-offs or trailer dumpsters—typically range in capacity between 10 cubic yards and 40 cubic yards.
\r\n\r\nThe exterior dimensions of these dumpsters oftentimes range from 12 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft up to larger 40 yard dumpsters measuring 22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft. Any rented container or bulk waste disposal solution within these sizes will require a dumpster permit when one is required.
\r\n\r\nA small utility trailer may not require a dumpster permit, although rules will generally still apply when blocking the public right-of-way, such as the sidewalk. If the trailer is positioned in a private driveway and does not block the sidewalk or encroach on any public property, It’s not necessary to obtain a dumpster permit.
\r\n\r\nAlthough mentioned throughout this guide, it’s important to stress that rules vary by location. Your best sources of information specifically tailored to your location is your government website or local dumpster rental companies.
\r\n\r\nA reputable dumpster rental provider will fully understand the local rules and regulations and help you every step of the way to ensure compliance.
\r\n\r\nWhen calling dumpster rental companies for information, we suggest contacting a minimum of 2-3 dumpster providers to ensure you get the best price, service, and container availability for your project.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it incredibly easy and fast for customers to find local dumpster rental companies in their area and request free quotes all at once. Browse dumpster rental companies based on your zip code, read customer reviews for each company, and request quotes from multiple dumpster rental providers to ensure you pay a fair price for great dumpster rental services.
\r\nThe dumpster permit process is typically simple and straightforward. In fact, your dumpster rental provider will typically secure the permit for your rental on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nIn cases where you need to obtain a dumpster permit on your own, the quickest route is to navigate your city’s government website and do a search for \"dumpster permits\". You can simply call the city’s front desk and request information about obtaining a dumpster permit if you need additional help.
\r\n\r\nThe permit itself is typically a one- or two-page document you fill out and include any pertinent information, such as the duration of the rental, location, dumpster company, and contact information.
\r\n\r\nYou will file the document with the proper department either online or in person at your local government office.
\r\n\r\nFees may apply when obtaining a dumpster permit. This varies by location and can range from free to $50 or more depending on factors, such as location, rental period, and other circumstances. If the dumpster rental company is obtaining the permit for your rental, they may role this fee into the total dumpster rental price.
\r\n\r\nDon’t delay in obtaining a dumpster permit. Some dumpster permits may take several days to be approved, depending on the process in your city. This can delay your project if you wait until the last minute.
\r\n\r\nBelow, you'll see an example of a dumpster permit application from Carteret, NJ. This permit app is very straight-forward and requires the details of both the property owner of the location the dumpster will be placed as well as the details of the dumpster owner/company.
\r\n\r\nYou'll notice in the application that, in this particular city, approval from the police department is required in addition to a permit when the dumpster will placed in a public right-of-way. This is a great example of why it's important to check the rules and regulations in your specific area to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is required before you rent a dumpster and risk getting hit with penalties and fees for not following protocol.
\r\n![\"Example](\"/static/56c57bec906bffbd8f1fe2c08b089382/Dumpster-Permit-Application_0.png\")
\r\nYou can read more about the process of renting a dumpster on Hometown's blog. We answer all of the most common questions that homeowners and business owners have when they need a large disposal solution.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nDumpster permit laws and local rules vary based on location. Most of the time, placing a rented dumpster in a private driveway will not require a permit, however there may be some situations where it still might.
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