To prevent your private, paid-for or rented dumpster from becoming communal, choose its location carefully. If you have a secure, well-lit, and fenced area on site, put it there. If not, consider setting up a temporary enclosure or keep your roll-off away from heavily trafficked areas. Since the theft of services is primarily a crime of convenience, it’s best to remove easy access.

When not in use, your dumpster should be closed. Cover it with a tarp secured with either ropes or bungee cords to keep opportunists from taking advantage. To further increase the likelihood of illegal dumping, place the roll-off in a well-lit area at night. Also, a security camera—whether functional or just for appearance—can serve as a deterrent.

The risk of illegal dumping increases the length of time you have a dumpster; this means you should order one only when you are ready to fill it. If you arrange to have one before that timeframe, there’s a much higher chance that people will take advantage of an empty bin.

Get into the habit of checking your dumpster when you come into work, during work hours, and after you finish. If you find something that doesn’t belong, remove and inspect it for any identifying features, such as labels, logos, or receipts that you could provide to local law enforcement if you decide to press charges. Don’t be afraid to go to the police or, at the very least, warn neighbors if the problem persists.