The standard rental duration for most dumpster rental companies is seven days, although most are flexible in being able to meet the needs of your project. The cost of renting a dumpster for a week varies based on your location, type of waste, volume of waste, and several other factors.
Average dumpster rental prices nationwide
See the chart below for average nationwide prices based on data collected by HometownDumpsterRental.com in 2018.
| Dumpster Size | Average Cost (7-day rental) |
|---|---|
| 10 - 12 yard | $340 |
| 20 yard | $375 |
| 30 yard | $388 |
| 40 yard | $394 |
| 50 - 60 yard | $467 |
| * Actual rates in your location may vary greatly from these national averages. Averages are based on disposal of household junk and debris. | |
The cost of renting a dumpster is highly variable and largely based on the cost of living in your area.
For example, the cost of renting a 20 yard dumpster in New York City or Los Angeles could easily top $400 for a 1-week rental. On the other hand, the same size dumpster in a city with a lower cost of living—like Fort Wayne, IN, for example—could cost around $250 for the same 7-day rental period.
Furthermore, pricing may go up or down by season. Winter is a slower time of year for dumpster rentals, so good deals may be more prevalent during these months.
RELATED: Comprehensive Dumpster Rental Cost Guide
How to keep fees from adding up
There are several factors you can control in keeping your dumpster rental costs down, including:
- Ensuring the load does not exceed the weight allowance
- Sticking to the rental period (Fees apply for keeping it onsite longer.)
- Keeping prohibited items out of the dumpster (e.g., hazardous materials)
The dumpster rental provider will provide information related to how much weight is allowed in the container (referred to as weight allowance). This can range from 2 tons to as much as 10 tons or more. It depends on the size of the container, and this limit varies from one dumpster rental company to another.
RELATED: Weight Limits for 10, 20, 30, and 40 Yard Dumpsters
Overloading the dumpster or putting prohibited items in the container can cause delays and/or additional fees.
Federal and State environmental regulations prohibit mixing hazardous materials in with other wastes. Hazardous wastes include, but are not limited to:
- Paint
- Freon-containing appliances (e.g., refrigerators)
- Asbestos debris
- Automobile fluids and batteries
- Tires
- Food waste (in some municipalities)
- More info here and here
RELATED: Complete Guide to Disposing of Just About Anything
Fee for keeping the dumpster additional days
If you keep the dumpster longer than the standard 7-day period, you may be subject to a daily fee. This fee varies by rental provider.
A $10 to $20 per day fee is a common additional fee charged to customers who keep the dumpster longer than the standard 7-day rental period.
Plan ahead and schedule the rental so that the disposal part of the project is completed within the 7-day rental duration.
How to get the best dumpster rental rates
Far and away the most effective way to get the best price is to call around. We suggest contacting at least 2 - 3 local dumpster rental companies before booking a dumpster. This provides a clearer picture as to what the going rate is in your location.
The other benefit of calling multiple rental providers is the ability to negotiate a better price based on competitor pricing. It’s entirely possible to score a 5 - 10% discount through negotiating.
Even if negotiating doesn’t work, many dumpster rental companies offer discounts for veterans, current military, or seniors. Be sure to ask when getting an online or over-the-phone quote!
RELATED:
- Cut Your Dumpster Rental Bill In Half with this Quick Tip
- 7 Tips to get a Discount on a Dumpster Rental
- Waste Management’s Dumpster Rentals are Costlier than Small, Locally-Owned Rental Providers
- Big List of Dumpster Rental Costs in All 50 States
Low rates are great, but don’t overlook great service
It’s easy to simply choose the lowest price when shopping for a dumpster rental, but this strategy can be a big mistake. Going with cheapest option could come back to bite you in the form of:
- Late delivery and/or pick-up
- Rude customer service
- No regard for protecting your property during dumpster drop-off and pick-up
- Additional hidden fees that show up on the bill
This isn’t to say that the lowest cost dumpster rental company in your area is a bad choice. It very well could be the best option. The key is doing enough due diligence to separate the good from the bad. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Find out how long they’ve been in business. Check online or just ask them.
- Read online reviews to see others’ experiences with a company.
- Gauge their level of customer service over the phone. Are they friendly, accommodating, helpful, etc.?
- Can they meet your project’s timeline and supply you with the dumpster size you need for the job?
The tips above will weed out the bad seeds. If you find that there are two or more good dumpster rental companies in your area that pass the vetting process, then go ahead and choose the lowest cost option.
Hometown makes it simple
At Hometown Dumpster Rental, we publish verified reviews from real customers like you. Fake reviews—good or bad—don’t make it through our verification process, making the vetting process quick, accurate, and simple for you!
Read reviews and view reputable dumpster rental companies in your area, all in one place. And all at no charge to you.
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