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| | | Dumpsters may be rented on a temporary basis to collect and remove construction or landscape debris, or to clear out an accumulation of junk. They can also be rented on a monthly basis for ongoing waste removal. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For temporary debris collection and removal, prices can vary considerably between regions but depending on the capacity (from 10-40 cubic yards), renting a dumpster for 3-4 days can cost $90 -$850 or more (including dump fees). Prices can be even higher if the materials deposited in the dumpster exceed the maximum weight limit for the price. A New York homeowner rented a 20-cubic-yard dumpster for about $400, filled it with heavy roofing materials and was charged an extra $500 because it was way over the 3-ton limit.
- Renting a dumpster on a permanent basis (usually with a 12-month contract) can run $15 -$60 a month or more, depending on local rates and the size of the dumpster. Often there's an additional charge of $20 -$200 or more for each pickup depending on local garbage rates, the type of debris (green waste or recyclables are much cheaper than other waste, especially compacted garbage) and the capacity of the dumpster. In some areas, neighbors can arrange to share a dumpster.
What should be included: | - A roll-off dumpster is an open-top container that looks like the back of a dump truck. It rolls off the delivery truck and into your yard or driveway. You fill it yourself, then a few days later the company comes back and hauls it away.
- A front-load dumpster usually has a lid and is generally smaller than a roll-off dumpster. A front-load dumpster is usually rented by the month, for regularly scheduled recyclable or garbage pick-up. A front-load dumpster is picked up by equipment mounted at the front of the dump truck. The dumpster is raised in the air and dumped into the back bed of the truck.
- Recyclable or "green" waste generally costs less than garbage or other non-toxic household waste such as furniture or old carpeting. Most dumpster companies will not accept tires, household appliances (such as refrigerators or air conditioners, which contain Freon), computer equipment, old tires or other potentially toxic items, or the company will charge additional fees for these types of items. The costs vary considerably depending on the difficulty of disposing of these items in your area. Usually there's a maximum weight allowance with extra charges for debris weighing more than that amount. A load of general household junk might be ? ton while a load of sheetrock or roofing shingles could weigh 5-6 tons.
- You may need a local permit to place a rental dumpster on your lawn or on the road in front of your house -- check with your local building/zoning department.
Additional costs: | - If you keep a temporary roll-off dumpster longer than the company's standard period of time, there can be additional charges of an average of $25 -$50 a day (although it varies considerably by company).
- Some dumpster companies automatically include dump/disposal fees in their quoted prices; others do not. Dump fees vary widely depending on location and the size and composition of the load, and can be anywhere from $15 -$350 or more -- especially if appliances, electronics or other toxic items are included.
Discounts: | - Check with your local waste management (garbage) company to see if they rent dumpsters; sometimes the fees charged by these agencies are cheaper than private companies.
Shopping for a dumpster: | - If your local waste management (garbage) company doesn't rent dumpsters, they might have a list of who does. Also check with family, friends, neighbors and at the local hardware store for recommendations for dumpsters, hauling companies or property clean-out services. If you're using local contractors for portions of a remodeling project, ask them where they rent dumpsters.
- HometownDumpsterRental.com is a national franchise.
- Get several estimates because prices can vary widely even within a small community. Check for complains with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure you understand any restrictions on the items that can be put into the dumpster, the weight limit and whether dump fees are included in the estimate or if they'll be an additional charge.
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Article updated January 2009 |
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