Dumpster FAQ

Q:  How much does it cost to rent a “standard” sized dumpster for a day? …For a week?

A:  The cost of renting a dumpster depends on the size of it, the number of days it’ll be rented and the weight limit. If you need to rent a dumpster for a home renovation or cleanup, the size that’s commonly used is 10 cubic yards. Renting a small dumpster for a day can go anywhere from $80 to $100, however, most dumpster rental companies prefer that you purchase a package which includes several days of rental and disposal. A rental for a week is estimated between $200 and $300. You end up paying less per day over a longer time. If you’re looking to rent larger dumpsters, the most common size used is the 20 cubic yard dumpster. The price per day might start around $120.

Q:  How much does it cost to purchase a brand new dumpster?

A:  Purchasing a new dumpster can be expensive. The price depends on the size and dimensions of the container. The bigger it is, the harder it is to transport. Shipping companies also will need more room to store a huge waste receptacle. A brand new 10 yard dumpster goes for about $1,700 up to $2,000. It is unlikely to find people purchasing dumpsters because they’re cheap to rent. A brand new 30 yard dumpster can be found for $4,000 or sometimes more, depending on where they must be shipped.

Q:  Can I get a used dumpster for a bargain?

A:  Yes. If you are going to purchase a dumpster, your best bet is to find a used one because you will find them a lot cheaper. Many websites offer auctions online where you can bid for a dumpster that you want. You might get lucky and purchase a used dumpster for a bargain price. In some occasions there aren’t many people bidding on the dumpster you need and you can win with bids less than $1,000 depending on the size. You can also check your local classified ads to see if any independent contractors are trying to get rid of their dumpsters. You might also be able to get a bargain price by checking with your local waste management plant to see if they have used dumpsters that they’re trying to sell.

Q:  Are there things I Can’t dump in a rented or purchased dumpster?

A:  Yes, when renting a dumpster, most of the time the rental company will let you know what types of trash they won’t accept. In most cases, they won’t take hazardous waste that needs special handling or special disposal. Also, the company sometimes won’t take materials like damaged batteries, old tires, inorganic paint, industrial chemicals and different types of cleaners. After you’ve purchased your dumpster you are in charge of disposing the trash you put in it. Some dumpsters hitch to trucks and roll; others require disposal services to come out and clean your dumpster when it’s full.