You might want to rent a dumpster to handle different scenarios. You could be remodeling your home and require a place to put debris. You might be a business owner who runs an establishment that creates a lot of waste. Or, you’ve taken on small cleaning projects such as spring cleaning or decluttering before moving out and may benefit from renting a small dumpster.
Whatever the scenario may be, renting a dumpster could cost you a lot of money depending on a few factors.
The price for a dumpster rental can differ based on the size of the dumpster you rent, local landfill or recycling fees, and the fees charged by the dumpster rental company you end up engaging.
On average, a dumpster rental may cost you between $250 to $750. The lower end of that range will get you a 10-yard to a 20-yard dumpster. Meanwhile, a dumpster from the higher end of that range may come in the size of 30 to 40 yards.
We will be sharing a few tips and tricks you can follow to get the best price out of your dumpster rental. But first, let’s take a look at the types of dumpsters you can rent.
Dumpsters fall into different categories. When looking at dumpster rentals, you’ll likely see a dumpster category called the roll-off dumpster. This type of waste storage solution uses the large-capacity bins you might picture when you think of dumpsters.
Businesses typically use commercial dumpsters instead. These dumpsters resemble the bins you might see outside a restaurant or grocery store that come in either front-loader or rear-loader models.
Another option for larger dumpster rentals is the compactor. Compactors are enclosed bins that use a metal blade to compact the trash inside. The mechanism allows the bin to hold more trash, which makes this option popular for industries that handle a large volume of waste. The compactor’s metal blade can also help control unpleasant odors and pests.
The last type of dumpster is the specialty dumpster. These dumpsters are used to throw away only a single type of waste. For example, you could find specialty dumpsters designed to hold brick and concrete debris during remodeling projects.
Of these four types, this guide will focus mostly on how to get the best deals on roll-off dumpster rentals.
Several factors affect the final price of a roll-off dumpster rental. When looking for quotes, it will help if you understand these factors clearly. You might be able to use this information to get a better deal on your dumpster.
First, you have to understand that the distance between your location and the landfill may affect the price of your rental. The cost of fuel will also be factored in since the dumpster rental service will need to haul away heavy loads quite often.
Next, you should also be aware of landfill fees. Most landfills charge for every ton deposited. These fees may take up a large portion of the final cost of the rental price. For example, California charges about $6 for each ton of waste you dump in a landfill.
Dumpster rental companies, like most businesses, have certain business expenses to cover, which impact rental fees. For example, the company may have to pay for rent, marketing, and employee wages.
If you want to get the best price on your dumpster rental, you should know the right questions to ask suppliers.
For example, if they give a specific quote, inquire about the weight limit for the corresponding package. You should also ask how much they charge for waste that goes over the weight limit.
It’s also a good idea to ask how flexible they are with the rental period. Suppose you aren’t able to return the dumpster for a few more days. How much more will they charge for the extension?
Dumpsters come in a variety of sizes. The size of the dumpster will determine the price, so you want to make sure you get the best deal.
Before placing an order for a dumpster to rent, you should know approximately how much waste you'll be disposing of so you can rent the appropriate size. It’s best to enlist the help of dumpster rental companies that can calculate the amount of waste they’ll be moving from your premises to get realistic estimates.
Waste can also be categorized into different types such as construction waste, household waste, hazardous waste, and industrial waste. The amount and type of waste will be a major factor in your choosing the right size of dumpster to rent.
To estimate the amount of space you need, start by measuring the length and width of the area where you will be placing the dumpster. Then, multiply these numbers to get the square footage. For example, if the area is five feet long and five feet wide, the square footage would be 25 square feet.
After determining the square footage, you’ll need to decide how deep you want the dumpster to be. On average, four feet is a common depth for a dumpster for any purpose.
You should also keep in mind that not all trash weighs the same. Be sure to ask about the weight limit for the dumpster you’ll be renting. Most dumpster rental companies have a weight limit of two to three tons. Exceeding the weight limit may result in additional charges.
Most dumpster rental companies give customers a choice of dumpster sizes to use.
Small dumpsters are typically 10-yard dumpsters with 10 cubic yards of space to store waste. These dumpsters are best for smaller projects such as minor remodeling projects.
Twenty-yard dumpsters are best for significant cleanouts such as the removal of roof shingles. They are also the perfect size for larger remodeling projects that exceed 10 cubic yards of waste.
Thirty- and 40-yard dumpsters work best for commercial or industrial use cases. They may also be required when you plan on having a major construction project at home.
Dumpster rental companies usually place restrictions on specific types of waste. For example, many rental services prohibit throwing away waste such as car batteries and tires.
You should be aware of these policies before accepting a deal with a dumpster rental company. Ensure that you are allowed to throw away the waste you plan on disposing of for your project or business.
Not all dumpster rental companies are equal. If you need to rent a dumpster, you’ll likely get your best deal through a locally-owned dumpster rental company.
Local rental services are often the most affordable option and also have the best customer service. Local waste haulers tend to help the local community more directly compared to a national waste company.
By seeking out local rental services, you may be able to save up to an average of $150 for a single dumpster.
Dumpster brokers often offer pricier rates compared to local dumpster services. While they often try to act like they are a local dumpster service, they may not own any dumpsters at all.
Instead, these brokers will contact a dumpster rental provider once they have received your order. In this case, you end up bearing the cost of having an unnecessary middleman who charges more than the local company providing the service.
Dumpster brokers typically add a surcharge to the price of the rental, which can end up costing you more in the long run. Instead, try renting your dumpster directly from a company. This will help you avoid any hidden fees and get the best price possible.
Besides being pricier, using a dumpster broker is also riskier because you have no way of knowing which dumpster service they’ll use to fulfill your order.
While local dumpster rental companies, such as The Woodlands Dumpster Rental in the Houston area, are far cheaper than other alternatives, you will benefit better from researching more than one of these services. Your city is likely to have multiple options for dumpster rental services.
We recommend getting a quote from two or three rental services that you can compare to find out if you’re getting a good deal.
Besides the price, you should also consider the company’s reputation. Some dumpster rental services are quite cheap but may not have the best customer service.
It’s always a good idea to search online for reviews of dumpster rental services from past customers. You can even ask people you know if they have used a dumpster rental service in your city.
Here are some factors to consider when researching local dumpster companies:
- Rental rates
- Available sizes
- Customer satisfaction
- Business hours
- Location
When you start looking for different local dumpster rental services, you should be smart about the kinds of questions to ask.
For example, you can ask if the company owns the dumpster you’ll be renting from them. It’s also good to ask if they will handle dropping off and picking up the dumpster from your location.
When dealing with dumpster rental companies, it is important to try negotiating the price, at least. You should always ask if there are any promos or discount pricing schemes you can take advantage of. For example, some dumpster rental companies offer a discount of 10% or more to veterans or senior citizens.
If you need a dumpster for an extended period, you could get a better price by renting it for a longer time.
The average dumpster rental length ranges from five days to an entire week. However, the rental period will depend on the company.
Some rental companies will allow customers to keep their dumpsters for only three days. Meanwhile, other companies will allow you to rent on a monthly basis. This is an essential policy for bigger projects such as building demolition. The maximum and minimum rental periods differ from company to company, so you should always ask a company for their exact rental policy.
Many dumpster rental companies offer discounts for longer rentals, so feel free to inquire about those when you are considering your options. For example, some companies offer a 10% discount for rentals of four weeks or more and a 15% discount for eight weeks or more.
However, do consider that renting a dumpster for a longer time means you'll have to generate more waste to fill it up. However, if you’re working on a big project, such as a home renovation, availing yourself of a longer rental period can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Don't wait until the day before you need it delivered to schedule a dumpster rental; you may not be able to get one. Rent your dumpster a few weeks in advance to ensure you have it in time for your project. While it may cost a bit more, it is better to have a dumpster already delivered to your location by the time your project has started.
When it comes to dumpster rental companies, it’s always a good idea to build a list of options before committing. Each company may offer different prices and have different policies.
Ensure that the option you choose for your project or location can handle the amount of waste you’ll be producing. You should also ascertain that the rental service can rent out the dumpster for as long as you need it. On average, it should be much cheaper to pay for a longer rental period in the long run.
You should also try to avoid dumpster rental brokers and look for decently priced local dumpster rental companies known to be reliable.
By asking the right questions and making an effort in researching your needs beforehand, you can find the right dumpster rental service for your next major project.
