Updated August 1, 2022
If you have questions about dumpster rentals, Hometown has answers.
Here are some of the most common questions asked by people looking to rent a dumpster.
We'll help you get the best bang for your buck and make sure you know what you're getting into when renting a dumpster.
Jump to:
- Which Size Dumpster Should I Rent?
- Are There Any Items That Can't Be Thrown in a Dumpster?
- How Much Does a Dumpster Rental Cost?
- How Long Can I Keep the Dumpster?
- How Do I Find the Best Dumpster Rental Price?
Find a dumpster rental in your area
Which Size Dumpster Should I Rent?
It’s important to get the right size dumpster because getting a dumpster that's too small can end up costing you much more in the long run.
Luckily, dumpster rental companies are particularly good at recommending the optimal size for your particular project.
When calling to rent a dumpster, make sure you know approximately how much junk and the type of junk you plan on tossing. This will help the rental company determine the best size dumpster for your needs.
Typical dumpster rental sizes are 10, 20, 30, or 40 yard capacities.
As a general reference, a 10 yard dumpster may be suitable for a small garage cleanout or small deck removal.
A 40-yard dumpster, on the other hand, may be ideal for new home construction or a large roof replacement.
Learn more about choosing the right dumpster size:
- The Ultimate Guide to Dumpster Sizes
- Which Dumpster Size Do I Need?
- Dumpster Sizes Chart: Dumpster Sizes and How Much They Hold
- Why Large Dumpsters Sometimes Cost Less Than Small Dumpsters
Are There Any Items That Can't Be Thrown in a Dumpster?
The short answer is yes.
Although dumpsters are a convenient solution for throwing away large amounts of junk, certain items aren't typically accepted.
Ask your dumpster rental company about any prohibited items.
The most common items include paint, tires, car batteries, and flammable/combustible substances, among others.
Read more about items prohibited in dumpster rentals:
- What Can I Put in a Dumpster?: A Quick Guide to What's Allowed in Roll-off Containers
- How to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste
How Much Does a Dumpster Rental Cost?
There are various factors that affect the cost of renting a dumpster.
A few of these factors include:
- The size of the dumpster
- How long you plan to rent it
- The type of material
- Total weight of the load
Most dumpster rental companies have an included weight limit and will charge you a fee per ton over the limit.
Be wary of overage charges, because these additional fees can really add up.
The dumpster rental company can help you estimate the approximate weight of your load by letting them know the type of material you plan to throw out and approximately how many square feet of the material you have.
The total cost for dumpster rental varies significantly by location.
For example, a 20 yard dumpster rental booked in Phoenix costs $350 on average while the same size dumpster in San Diego runs about $450.
We recommend that you call at least 3 local dumpster rental companies to compare out-the-door pricing before committing.
Continue reading about dumpster rental pricing:
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for a Week?
- Trailer Dumpster Sizes, Weight Limits, and Rental Costs
- The Big List of Dumpster Rental Costs in All 50 States
Contact a locally-owned dumpster rental company near you
How Long Can I Keep the Dumpster?
The standard length of time for a dumpster rental is seven days, though most rental companies are flexible.
Some will even pick up the filled container the same day you call to request it be picked up.
Keeping the dumpster rental longer than your rental period usually carries additional charges.
The most important thing to remember when renting a dumpster for a particular week or weekend is to schedule the dumpster ahead of time.
Book the rental at least a week in advance to ensure you get the container size you need on the day(s) you need it.
Learn more:
- How the Dumpster Drop-off and Pick-up Process Works
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for a Day?
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for a Week?
How Do I Find the Best Dumpster Rental Price?
As a general rule, renting a dumpster from a company that is locally-owned is almost always cheaper than renting from a nationwide, big chain provider.
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from companies in your area to compare costs and to get an idea of what type of customer service you can expect from each provider.
Hometown makes it easy to locate dumpster rental companies in your area and request free quotes to compare pricing from as many providers as you like.
We vet every company we publish to ensure you're speaking with licensed, and insured dumpster companies.
Get free dumpster rental quotes in your hometown
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