Renting a dumpster can be very helpful when you’re moving, changing office locations, starting renovations around the house, and making many other significant changes. Driving to the dump over and over can waste time, money, and it’s very inconvenient.
So, do you want to learn how to rent a dumpster? Most communities have companies that rent out dumpsters throughout the year. You can also contact your local city or the dump to find the best rentals in the area.
Finding out where the dumpster rentals are is only the first step. You’ll also need to search for deals and decide what the purpose is that you’ll be using it for. Below, you’ll find out how to find a good deal!
1. Visualize the amount of junk
Rent a dumpster according to the amount of room it will take up
Dumpster size
A 40-yard roll-off dumpster is over 22 feet long and 8-10 feet wide.
These big boys will likely be parked in the street. If you had it delivered in your driveway it would take up the entire driveway. You should have a 12-foot minimum area for the dumpster to be delivered. The truck may need some space to maneuver.
15 yard dumpster is about 16 ft long but less than 8ft wide.
10 yard dumpster is around 14 ft long but less than 8ft wide x 3.5ft high
Unfortunately, there are dozens of companies that rent out dumpsters based on a flat-rate fee. This fee entails that you’ll be paying hundreds of dollars, even if you only use half of the dumpster. However, you can get a good deal by searching for companies that have adjusted rates.
An adjusted rate, such as the one at Budget Dumpster, uses a handful of factors to determine the total cost of your dumpster rental. For example, they take the location of the rental, the time period, the debris type, the weight, and a couple of other issues into consideration.
If you’re planning on only dumping a few items or you need to use it for one day rather than the whole weekend, going through budget-friendly dumpster companies is the way to go. You can save over $500 depending on the variables.
Another essential thing to do before you commit to a rental company is to get a quote. Some companies charge for quotes or completely refuse them altogether. It would help if you always got a price estimate since it can save you even more money.
2. Residential dumpster rental
Residential dumpsters are significantly cheaper than commercial dumpster rentals. You don’t need nearly as big of a dumpster, which cuts out the weight cost. Many commercial companies also request rentals throughout the month, adding up the price quickly.
If you rent a small dumpster, you can spend as low as $120 to $300 per week. These numbers equate to 500 to 3,000 pounds by using a 4 to 8-yard dumpster. On the other hand, a commercial dumpster cleanout would cost around $500 to $620, sometimes even more.
Keep in mind that heavy debris, such as bricks, furniture, and appliances, will add the weight and price up quickly. Hazardous materials also top the cost off. You might want to consider having a hazardous material crew come out to remove the item(s).
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3. Small amount of trash? Go with a bag rental
Dumpster bags are very useful if you don’t want to take up too much space in your driveway or the side yard. They’re also much more lightweight than traditional dumpsters since they’re not made out of heavy metals.
Surprisingly enough, most dumpster bag rentals can hold up to 3,300 pounds. You can use them for home or your business as well. You can have a company come by and pick up the rental and remove your waste for under $200, sometimes as low as $119.
4. Construction dumpster rental
Renting a dumpster for a construction job can cost about $800 or more. However, short, low-weight trips can reduce the price significantly. In some cases, it can only cost ~$385. Again, the total weight, location, and the type of debris all matter.
If you’re looking for a construction dumpster rental, it’s not a bad idea to consider getting a rental bag instead. The weight limit is rather impressive, and you don’t need to remove the bag yourself if you pay a company to do it for you.
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5. Dumpster rental near me
Finding a dumpster rental near you is much easier than you might think. Try one of these three suggestions to get the best deals and companies:
- Check online, google or bing. As with any company, check their reputation and service history, reviews.
- Call your city directory or refer to the phone book. They’re both going to give you direct, unbiased information about local dumpster rentals.
- Call the dump near your city. Dumping companies have to go there several times a day, which means they’re familiar with each business that goes there as well.
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6. Process
You can have a dumpster rental at your house or business within 24 hours in almost any city. Always try to call and book your rental as soon as possible since companies can be sold-out during busy times of the year.
Here’s the 5-step process to rent a dumpster near you:
- Locate the best deals and book your dumpster rental for the day of your choosing.
- Decide whether you’ll be picking up and dropping off the dumpster, or if you need the company to do it for you.
- Once the dumpster arrives on-site, fill it up with the waste and contact the company when you’re all finished up.
- Removal. They’ll come and take it away, which is usually when the total is paid. In some cases, you might have to pay beforehand. The reason that the price is paid afterward is that the weight is taken into consideration.
- Take Pictures. Take before and after pictures of the location of the dumpster. If there are cracks or damages to the surface that it was sitting on, then you need to have documentation.
7. Cost
The price of renting a dumpster can vary greatly depending on what you’re using it for. Renting a dumpster bag will cost much less, resulting in a total that usually sits under $200. On the other hand, a regular dumpster ranges from $120 to well over $1,000.
Construction companies should expect an average price of about $500 to $600. Again, the total is determined by the following factors:
- The size of the dumpster
- Location of the pickup and the distance to the closest dump
- The total weight of the waste
- How long you’ll be renting the dumpster
- The type of debris
Some dumpster rental companies have more variables. Always ask questions before you schedule the delivery and pickup.
8. What to be aware of
It’s crucial that you don’t exceed the weight limit of the dumpster. Don’t be afraid to request a larger size or an additional pickup. If you damage the dumpster, you’ll end up paying much more than you would’ve if you had two dumpsters.
To get ready for the arrival of the dumpster rental, you should clear a big area on your driveway or wherever it’ll be placed. Keep in mind that waste might fall out of the dumpster, or you might accidentally drop something along the way.
Finally, sometimes it’s cheaper to make a dump run by yourself. If you’re only getting rid of a few pieces of furniture, you’ll end up saving much more money by driving it out rather than renting a dumpster. Always consider all of the options first!
9. Mistakes to avoid
If you haven’t rented a dumpster before, you might run into a few hiccups along the way. To prevent that from happening, consult the list of common mistakes below:
- Don’t choose the first company that you find. There’s always a better deal to find!
- Don’t underestimate the strength and reliability of a dumpster bag rental. You’ll save money, and the pickup is more straightforward.
- Tipping a junk hauler is a common practice. Although it’s not necessary, it’s a courtesy that many people give!
10. Make space.
11. Overestimate – a little
Always plan on having room left over in the dumpster. You don’t want to fill it up, run out of room but still have more items to throw away. People often think a 10-yard dumpster will do when they actually need a 15 or 20-yard dumpster. Going cheap will end up costing you if you have to rent another one.
12. Plan ahead
Know your pickup time and be ready before they arrive. Lat minute rushing will just stress you out.
13. Prohibited items /hazmat
Keep in mind that heavy debris, such as bricks, furniture, and appliances, will add the weight and price up quickly.
Hazardous materials also top the cost off. You might want to consider having a hazardous material crew come out to remove the item(s). If you have hazardous material (paint, oil, household chemicals, etc) then you should take it to the County dump for processing. If the dumpster rental place finds out you threw away hazardous materials you can be charged a penalty. See you contract for details.
14. Insurance
Getting extra insurance is generally not necessary for dumpsters. The companies try to sell it since it is a quick money maker. Their insurance is responsible if they damage your items.
If you were renting a car or truck you should get the insurance since you are responsible for the damages.
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15. Hire it out
Move and removing junk sucks. It is hard, heavy work that takes a lot out of you. For a comparable price you can hire it out with Junk King or Junk It Pros. These companies will come to your house and remove the junk for you. So you won’t lift a finger! I am highly satisfied with Junk King’s service, professionalism and price. They did what they said they were going to do. They were on time and they wore uniforms and foot protection. Much better than the tree guy I hired.
