Updated February 13, 2023
It's something that we at Hometown recommend often: If you're in doubt when deciding which size dumpster to rent, we recommend choosing the larger one.
Renting a larger dumpster usually costs no more than $50-$100, but running out of room in the smaller dumpster and having to rent a second dumpster to get rid of all your waste can end up costing you anywhere from $250-$750 on average.
Even with this rule of thumb in mind, situations can arise where the dumpster you rented isn't big enough to accommodate all of your debris.
If you run out of room in your dumpster rental and still have junk/garbage/debris to dispose of, there are several removal options available.
We'll briefly go over your options and discuss the costs associated:
Find dumpster rental providers near me
Rent Another Dumpster
Cost
- $250-3450 for a 10 yard dumpster
- $350-$550 for a 20 yard dumpster
- $450-$650 for a 30 yard dumpster
- $550-$750 for a 40 yard dumpster
If you have 5+ yards of debris left over, renting an additional dumpster is the most efficient strategy.
Oftentimes, the dumpster company will haul your dumpster to the landfill to be emptied and then return it back to you to be refilled.
The rental process is quick, and a dumpster can accommodate a large capacity of waste or debris.
Ideally, you’d want to plan ahead and rent a dumpster that’s big enough to handle all your debris in one trip, but estimating the amount of debris from a project is not an exact science, so a second dumpster makes sense in cases where you’ve greatly underestimated it.
Learn more:
- How to Avoid Overpaying for Dumpster Rental Services
- How to Request Dumpster Rental Quotes with Hometown
DIY Haul
Cost
- $40-$60 per ton (landfill dump fees)
- Fuel for the roundtrip(s) to the landfill
If a trailer or truck is available, hauling the excess to the local landfill yourself is a valid option.
This does require some extra effort and a lot more time, but it can be a very cost-effective disposal method.
This strategy is best for small amounts of waste or debris, as multiple trips to the landfill can take up quite a bit of time, incurs additional fees, and is twice as much legwork for you.
Landfill dump fees vary by location and type of debris. Some cities have recycling rules for certain types of debris, such as concrete or roofing shingles.
Check with your city to ensure you follow all laws.
Related reading:
- How Much It Costs to Dump at the Landfill (and Why It's Not Always the Best Option)
- Should I Rent a Dumpster or Take Junk to the Landfill Myself?
- The Easiest Ways to Manage Debris from DIY Projects
Hire a Junk Hauler
Cost: Varies greatly depending on type, volume, and weight of waste, generally starts at $150 and goes up from there
Hiring junk removal services is the easiest and usually the fastest way to get rid of your leftover debris, junk, or yard waste.
When you hire a junk removal provider, they come to your job site, load up your waste, and haul it to the nearest landfill or recycling facility.
All of the heavy lifting, loading, and manual labor is left to the pros so that you can focus on more important aspects of your project.
Some companies will allow you to send them photos or video so that they can quote you a price over the phone or via email, while others will need to send one or two crew members over to do a walk through to provide an in-person estimate.
Getting multiple quotes allows you to compare pricing, availability, and the type of customer service you can expect from the company you hire.
Hometown makes it easy to get multiple quotes from locally-owned and operated junk removal and dumpster rental providers that service your area.
Enter your zip code, answer a few short questions about your waste removal, and you'll be given up to 3 different quotes to compare and ultimately choose the best service for your cleanup.
Learn more:
- How to Request Junk Removal Quotes with Hometown
- Junk Removal 101: A Guide to Junk Removal Services
- Understanding Junk Removal Quotes
Curbside Pickup
Cost: $40+ per yard
Your weekly trash hauling company may offer a “special wastes” or bulky item pickup option for some types of waste or debris.
There are additional fees on top of your regular weekly trash service for this type of pick-up.
Get in touch with your municipal waste service to learn more about what they will accept and when.
Donate
Cost: FREE
This is a viable option for gently used goods but would not work for general wastes, damaged items, or most types of construction wastes.
Donating your materials or giving them away for free is a great option for undamaged furniture, reusable lumber, kid’s toys, home decor, and more.
You can drop off your gently used items at local restore stores (like Goodwill) or list items for free curbside pickup online (like Facebook Marketplace).
Dumpster Share
Cost: Negotiable
This option may not be available very often, but it’s worth a try if one of your neighbors is in the middle of a project or about to start one.
Sharing a dumpster can cut your costs in half, or more.
Keep reading:
- Why You Should Share a Dumpster With Your Neighbor This Season
- How to Get the Best Deal on a Dumpster