Dumpster Rental Pricing

Dumpster rentals and their pricing can be intimidating at first and seems there are a million things to consider. At this point, you might find yourself asking: What will the cost of this project end up being? What kind of extra charges will I face in the end? Yet most folks may simply be wondering: How do I even rent a dumpster?! Well, rest assured, we’re here to help.

Whether it’s for your home or commercial property you’ll want to know what type of fees to expect- so that you don't get any surprises down the line.

To tackle the kind of debris or junk clearing while completing all sorts of messy projects, renting a dumpster might just be the perfect solution. Dumpster rentals are perfect for any size project where it's necessary to dispose of tons (literally), of waste. This happens to include busted-up concrete and flooring, garden waste, furniture, and much more. Yet when considering a dumpster rental, it's important to factor in rental costs and any additional related expenses.

You might even be worried about delivery charges and surcharges for going over the weight limit. However, when all is said and done, a dumpster rental could be just the service you’ll need to make cleanup quick, easy, and above all else – painless…

Always remember, when you're renting a dumpster, it's important to have an understanding of the size of each container that’s made available for you. Sure, there are standard options, but there are always those who might be looking for something a little different or with specific dimensions. For example, you might need something to fits into small locations like tight alleys or little backyards.

You could easily get away with a smaller dumpster that still holds all the junk you want to remove. On the other hand, you may need something bigger and better to hold more debris and trash. This is why larger dumpsters can always come in handy. No matter what size or shape you're looking for, there are definitely waste container solutions that fit all of your needs.

Small Dumpsters (10 Yards)

• Smaller size allows for easy maneuvering into tight spaces and residential driveways
• Cheaper rental cost overall when compared to larger dumpsters.
• Can be used for small projects that don't require so much debris removal.

Medium Dumpsters (15 Yards)

• Holds more debris and trash than 10-yard dumpsters, making it ideal for bigger projects.
• Can fit in tighter spaces than larger dumpsters, while offering the capacity to handle bigger jobs.
• Cheaper rental cost when compared to larger-sized dumpsters.
• Maneuvers into tight spaces including residential driveways than larger containers.

Large Dumpsters (20+ Yards)

• Can hold more debris and trash than smaller dumpsters, making it ideal for bigger projects.
• Fits into spaces that aren’t always accessible or ideal for smaller dumpsters.
• More cost-effective when disposing of large amounts of waste in a single load.
• Easier to maneuver on construction sites and open areas with plenty of space.

For more comparison on dumpster sizes, see here.

Before renting a dumpster for your next project, once again, it’s important to consider the size of the task you’re taking on. If you underestimate the container size, you may find yourself paying more in extra fees if the dumpster has to be emptied more times. So that’s something to keep in mind when initially making your decision. You’ll also want to take into account, the volume of what you intend to dispose of and how much space it will take up.

Keep in mind, an undersized dumpster might be nice for saving a few bucks, but might cost you more in the end due to second-guessing how much your container could hold. So give yourself plenty of time to visually estimate how much junk you expect to remove from your property before requesting the best size that fits your needs. Imagine the amount of debris or junk that’s equal to objects that relate in size such as compact cars, pickup trucks, or perhaps basic room dimensions.

Small Dumpster

If you are planning a small home remodeling project that requires the disposal of furniture, old kitchen countertops, and other assorted debris, a 10-yard dumpster is a perfect size for you. This smaller size container easily fits in a tight spots like narrow alleys or small backyards, making it ideal for residential driveways likewise. You’ll also find that this is economical and inexpensive compared to larger dumpster rental fees.

Cost

The average cost of renting a small dumpster, (more specifically a 10-yard dumpster), is approximately $300. However, this amount may vary depending on which rental company you contact, and where the dumpster is rented from. There can also be added factors such as extra fees for delivery charges or overweight limit that can influence the overall cost of this rental. On average, 10-yard dumpsters can hold up to 11 tons of debris and trash.

This makes it ideal for smaller projects and limited space restrictions because of its relatively easier maneuvering abilities in tight spaces compared to larger-sized dumpsters.

Medium Dumpster

Taking on a slightly bigger project like landscaping cleanup for your entire yard or clearing out your garage and attic, then a 15-yard dumpster would be the best choice. This is considered a medium-sized solution that can hold much more debris than 10-yard dumpsters. Luckily, it can still fit in tight spots including alleys and driveways. And, it's also cheaper than the bigger-sized dumpsters when it comes to rental costs.

Cost

The average cost of renting a medium dumpster, (15-yard dumpster), is approximately $400. Once again, this amount may vary depending on the rental company you contact and which areas they serve. The added downside is that these extra fees for delivery charges or weight limit restrictions can also hit you just as hard. The good part is that 15-yard dumpsters can hold upwards of 14 tons of debris and trash, which is more than double what 10-yard dumpsters hold.

This is perfect for those bigger projects that allow you good maneuverability to fit in tighter spaces. It’s still just as cheaper as renting a larger dumpster when it comes to total rental costs too. This would make perfect sense for bigger projects that toss out more than old kitchen furniture and may include a garage or attic's worth of stuff at the same time.

Large Dumpster

For all large projects like remodeling multiple rooms in your home or demolishing structures on your property, then you’ll certainly want to rent a larger dumpster. This is known as a 20+ yard container and can handle more debris and trash than its smaller cousins, making it perfect for big tasks like these. Plus, it's also a cost-effective method compared to renting smaller dumpsters more than once.

These large containers do require open spaces that allow room to maneuver them around. A driveway or a flat spot on your property is best recommended to place these large dumpster containers.

Cost

The average cost when renting a large dumpster, (or simply a 20+ yard dumpster), is usually around $500. As you might have guessed, this cost varies from company to company and where they make their service available. A dumpster of this size may also have extra fees just for delivery and how much stuff is allowed into the container. Just so you know, this size container can hold 22 tons of debris or trash, making it the jumbo solution for lots of trash.

With this maximum-sized container, dumping everything that you need is assured for very large jobs where everything will fit without ever needing to rent a smaller dumpster. This size would be appropriate for jobs that include a complete garage, attic, or entire house cleanout level project.

National Dumpster Rental Cost Averages 

Dumpster rental pricing in the United States varies depending on the size of the dumpster, location, rental period, and the type of material being disposed of. But the average cost for renting a 10-yard dumpster, which is suitable for small-scale cleanups or remodeling projects, ranges from $250 to $400.

For medium projects, like remodeling debris, a 20-yard dumpster is in order. The average cost for a 20-yard dumpster rental is between $350 to $500.

For large commercial cleanups a 30-yard dumpster is ideal. Average cost for a 30-yard dumpster is between $400 to $600.

Some rental companies have weight limits for each dumpster size, and exceeding this limit may result in additional fees. The duration of the rental will also have an affect on the cost. A typical rental is 3 to 4 days.

The table below indicates the average price for a 3 to 4 day dumpster rental in major cities across the country. Keep in mind, the average numbers indicated in the table can vary in your area especially if you're located in a rural area with limited availability.

According to the able above, we can see that the average national cost for a smaller 10-yard dumpster is $417, while a 20-yard dumpster is $491, and the 30-yard dumpster averages at $568.

As you’ve already read, renting a dumpster for your home or commercial property might have additional fees that are tacked on. This is just one aspect to consider since this is concerning delivery fees. These are often determined by the size of the dumpster and the distance it needs to travel to reach you. Sadly, it can range from a few dollars to several hundred depending on the specific situation.

It won't be much of a surprise that the same companies may charge extra for pick-up and disposal services. There can even be fuel surcharges if they have to travel extensively to deliver your dumpster. Even worse, there may also be surcharges based on the weight limit of your dumpster's contents. You might have a capped limit on how much is allowed before charges are added…

 And this could be especially problematic for those who are disposing of heavier items like concrete, rubble, or heavy machinery. This is where you always need to read through the rental agreement info that a disposal website has listed. On top of that, you also need to carefully look at what you’re signing as a rental agreement so you know exactly what fees are involved. Since not all dumpster rental companies charge the same surcharges or added fees.

Sharing the Cost of Renting a Dumpster

Dumpsters can be a lifesaver for homeowners who need to dispose of large amounts of debris, but the cost can be a deterrent. However, there are ways to reduce the expense of renting a dumpster, including sharing the cost with a neighbor. If you both have unwanted items to discard, you might be able to split the cost of a larger dumpster. Obviously this approach works best if your neighbor is planning a cleaning project at the same time as you. It might not be feasible on short notice, but it's possible you can quickly round up a few neighbors that each have just a little junk to get rid of.  This leads me into this next idea:

 What about organize a community clean-up day. This approach can be particularly effective in areas where there are limits on curbside pickup. It's possible you can even propose the idea to your HOA and have them absorb the cost to provide you and your neighbors with an easy way to clean up the area. At worst, by pooling resources and renting a single dumpster, the entire neighborhood can share the cost of disposal fees, making it more affordable for everyone.

By taking a collaborative approach to waste disposal, you can save money while also having a positive impact on your community and the environment.

When it finally comes to looking around before renting a dumpster, there are a few tips that are worth keeping in mind. First, make sure you’re choosing a reliable and trustworthy company that isn’t just a number listed on a random flyer. You want to hire a company that won’t let you be left holding the bag on hidden fees or charges. It also pays to ask around with friends or neighbors to find out what previous customers have said about their rental experience.

Be sure that you also understand what size dumpster is best suited for your needs. Approximate how much stuff (roughly) needs to go into that container. But more importantly, if there are any extra fees associated with delivery, fuel surcharges, or other miscellaneous costs. You'll also want to be sure you consider local regulations and protocols to avoid any possible fines. This should be upfront info that isn’t sprung on you at the last minute.

Nobody wants to pay twice as much for something that should only cost a flat-rate price. And by keeping these tips in mind right from the start, you’ll keep more money in your pocket by the end of the project.