Affordable Dumpster Rentals: You Have Options

Renting a dumpster is often what construction companies use on sites. This allows them to temporarily store then haul off large amounts of trash and debris. Can dumpsters be rented for private use, too? Dumper rental is often a time and money saving option for large home projects as well. Knowing what type of dumpster to rent for your home cleanup or remodeling project is crucial to finding deals and services best suited for your needs.


Experienced contractors are usually knowledgeable about dumpster rental procedures. There are always new ways to find great deals, however. Perhaps you are an experienced contractor working with a budget and you need to find the best service at the lowest available price. Maybe you are in charge of your first job site and need to research dumpster rental options for an upcoming project. It is also possible you are a homeowner about to undertake a major cleanup, renovation or moving project and are looking for convenient, affordable ways to haul large amounts of trash.

Dumpster rentals help make trash collection, storage and hauling more convenient. There are many reputable dumpster rental companies available to choose from. Learning where to find them and how to get the best deals for your time and budget make a huge difference for your project. Read on to learn how to find dumpster rental options at affordable prices.

Who Needs to Rent a Dumpster?

Dumpster rental companies provide services for professional construction companies, private contractors and private homeowners. The reasons for renting a dumpster are the same for all customers. Dumpsters make the collection of large amounts of trash and debris more convenient by collecting and storing it in one large container. They are temporary rentals, not permanent fixtures, so when the project is completed the dumpsters are removed. The process of hauling the trash is also convenient because most dumpster rental companies include hauling/removal in their prices.

Different Types of Dumpsters to Rent

There are two main types of dumpsters available to rent, with one being more common than the other.  Construction dumpsters are larger than commercial dumpsters seen located in the back of McDonald’s or Applebee’s restaurants, or behind gas stations or apartment complexes. They are also capable of containing a different type of trash and debris. Also known as “roll-off dumpsters,” these large containers are found mostly on construction job sites, but also on private property when used for large home projects. There is no regularly scheduled trash removal service for construction dumpsters unless written into longer-term rental agreements. Construction dumpsters are delivered and hauled away by the rental company at the beginning and end of the rental period, respectively.


The other type of dumpster rental is the Bagster. The Bagster is designed to handle jobs too big for regular trash hauling but not big enough to warrant the cost of a construction dumpster. This dumpster is rented in a compact state. It expands when opened and is capable of containing 3,000+ pounds of garbage and debris.

Get the Best Deals on Affordable Dumpster Rentals

Renting a dumpster can be expensive, especially for short projects lasting only one or two days. Getting the best deals on affordable dumpster rentals is dependent on knowing the needs of your project. This means calculating the approximate amount of trash and debris you need hauled away at the end of the project. Researching potential zoning and permit fees prior to renting a dumpster is crucial to staying inside your budget. Make sure your project is completed within the terms of the rental agreement to avoid late fees. Finally, compare prices between local companies and national chains before making a decision.

Reputable Dumpster Rental Chains

Dumpsters can occasionally be rented through local waste management agencies. To do this, contact your local town hall or a city services directory and ask for the waste disposal department for more information. There are also many reputable dumpster rental chains available, most of which offer services nationwide. Some of the most reputable dumpster rental chains in the U.S. include: 

How Much Do Dumpster Rentals Cost?

The average national price for weekly dumpster rentals ranges from $200-$800 each week. Rentals are most often booked on a per-week basis, however monthly rentals for larger, longer projects do exist. The average national price for monthly dumpster rentals ranges from $1,000-$3,000 each month. These price ranges can be higher, however.

Dumpster rental agreements include terms beyond the length of each rental. Additional fees for dumping can be charged, ranging from approximately $40-$65 per ton of trash hauled away. Dumpster rentals include terms regarding how much trash/debris can be placed in the dumpster at one time. Fees for going over the allowed amount can also be charged. There are also late fees added for holding the dumpster one or two days beyond the rental agreement, and zoning/permit fees possibly owed to the city or town in which the project is being conducted.

Available Dumpster Sizes

Construction dumpsters can range in length from as little as five to as long as forty feet, Dumpsters over forty feet in length are considered specialty rentals. The amount of debris a dumpster can hold is measured in cubic yards. Cubic yards are calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of the dumpster (in feet) by twenty-seven. For example, a ten-yard construction dumpster, three feet wide and three feet high, holds ten cubic yards of debris (10’ x 3’ x 3’ ÷ 27)

Specific Reasons to Rent a Dumpster

For private use, dumpsters save money when the cost to haul multiple loads is more expensive. Consider the amount you save in gas or wear-and-tear than the price of the rental. Private renters most often find dumpster rentals are worth the cost because they save time and eliminate stress. Whole-home cleanups and renovation projects are major jobs. Often these jobs are the result of damage from floods, fires or other natural disasters. Sometimes dumpsters are rented for moving purposes. All of these scenarios are stressful on their own without having to also make multiple trash-hauling trips.

Construction companies and contractors rent dumpsters for budget and convenience. Professional jobs are on a budget and schedule, therefore making individual or multiple trips to haul trash is most often not possible. The debris from a construction job is also dangerous, and construction dumpsters are designed to handle those types of loads.