Updated August 31, 2022
When quoted a price on a dumpster rental, what’s actually included in that price?
The short answer to this question is that most dumpster companies quote an all-inclusive price that includes delivery, pickup, disposal, fuel charges, and taxes.
Learn more about dumpster rental pricing to make sure that you're getting an all-inclusive price when getting a quote to avoid hidden fees or surprises on your final bill.
Jump to:
- Dumpster Rental Average Costs
- Potential Additional Fees
- Dumpster Rental Quotes
- Getting the Best Dumpster Rental Price
Find a dumpster rental in your area
Dumpster Rental Average Costs
Prices vary quite significantly depending on your location.
For instance, the cost of renting a dumpster in New York City can cost several hundred dollars more than the same size dumpster rental in Cleveland, OH.
Keeping the above information in mind, have a look at this table detailing the national average cost to rent a dumpster in 2022.
|
Dumpster Size |
Average Cost |
|
$250-$450 |
|
|
$350-$550 |
|
|
$450-$650 |
|
|
$550-$750 |
Costs based on data collected by HometownDumpsterRental.com
The averages above are all-inclusive costs, but some dumpster rental companies offer different pricing structures.
For example, some companies charge a fee by weight, such as $100 per ton.
Others charge by how much space your debris takes up in the dumpster or trailer.
These pricing structures can be a great thing because ultimately, you only pay for the amount of waste or debris disposed of.
In other words, you don’t pay for the whole dumpster unless it’s filled to its full capacity.
But again, be aware of potential additional fees to avoid being surprised by an inflated bill when all is said and done.
There are additional charges that may apply in certain situations, so it’s important to be aware of these additional charges to ensure you pay only the out-the-door price quoted over the phone.
Keep reading:
- 3 Easy Ways to Get a Lower Price for a Single-Day Dumpster Rental
- The Big List of Dumpster Rental Costs in All 50 States
- Waste Management's Dumpster Rental Prices Are Costly Compared to Local Haulers
Potential Additional Fees
- Overweight Charges: $50-$100 per ton over the weight allowance
- Daily Late Fee: $10-$20 per day fee for keeping the dumpster longer than the rental period
- Prohibited Items Penalty: (e.g., hazardous materials) This fee varies. Learn more here and here.
- Long-Distance Fees: There are instances where you will be responsible for paying fuel charges or a similar fee if your location falls outside the dumpster provider’s service area.
- Dumpster Permit: Permits are typically only needed if the dumpster is to be placed in the public right-of-way.
With the right planning, you can avoid all of the above additional fees.
By doing so, you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Learn more:
- 7 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Dumpster Rental
- How to Estimate the Weight of a Dumpster Load to Avoid Overage Fees
- Top 6 Ways to Avoid Dumpster Overage Fees
Find dumpster rental service providers near you
Dumpster Rental Quotes
As is the case with any type of major transaction, get all details in writing.
Dumpster rental companies are oftentimes willing to negotiate on price or duration of the rental period.
But if you don’t get these terms in writing, there’s no proof that any agreement was ever made.
Reputable dumpster rental providers will do a great job of providing an invoice upfront.
You can have the rental agreement emailed to you, faxed, or dropped off by the roll-off truck driver.
Be sure the rental provider abides by the terms of the rental agreement.
Say you negotiated a 20 yard dumpster rental down to $350 from $395.
Make sure this is put in writing and remind the service provider of this change prior to completing the transaction.
Details can be missed or overlooked, especially if you’re dealing with several employees at a larger dumpster rental operation.
They may not know the terms you’ve negotiated, so keep it fresh in their memory when you call to book the dumpster, as well as when you call for pick-up (if applicable).
Read On:
- Understanding Dumpster Rental Quotes
- Dumpster Rental Terms and Conditions: A Closer Look at the Fine Print
- The Importance of Getting Several Dumpster Rental Quotes
Getting the Best Dumpster Rental Price
Getting the best deal on a dumpster requires that you call at least 2-3 local rental providers to ask for quotes, container availability, types of debris allowed, and rental period duration.
With that information, compare the dumpster rental companies to find the one that suits your needs the best.
At times, rental rates for the same size dumpster can range 15% higher or lower from one dumpster rental company to the next, so be sure to call several companies before booking one.
Furthermore, there are situations where you may need to book a dumpster for a day and would rather not have it sitting on your property for 7+ days.
Some dumpster rental providers will gladly accommodate a single-day dumpster rental, while others may not.
If that’s a factor for you, be sure to ask about it when first calling to get a quote.
In conclusion, it’s important to follow the simple steps below to ensure your dumpster rental experience is a smooth one:
- Choose a reputable rental provider and not just the cheapest dumpster you find online.
- Get the rental terms, including price, rental period, types of debris allowed, etc. in writing. Save your emails!
- Double and triple check with the rental provider to make sure any negotiated terms are followed.
- Pay attention to the invoice and question anything that looks out of place.
Find dumpster rental companies in your area
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