Whether it’s a renovation project, new construction, home cleanout, furniture removal, or any other type of waste or debris removal project, a junk removal service or dumpster rental are the top two solutions for the job.
\n\n\nBut, when is it better to rent a dumpster vs. hiring a junk removal company, and vice versa?
\n\nLet’s explore the difference between the two and determine which is best for your situation.
\n\nWhen you’d prefer to clear out the junk/debris yourself, renting a dumpster is the way to go.
\n\nIt’s a simple process that involves calling the dumpster rental company, choosing a container size, having it dropped off at your property, filling it up, and having it hauled away.
\n\nIn some cases, such as having the dumpster dropped off on the side of a city street, you may also have to secure a permit.
\n\nThe dumpster rental company can help determine if this is necessary in your case.
\n\nRoll-off dumpsters come in several capacities, including the most common container sizes: 10, 20, 30 and 40 yard bins.
\n\nWhen renting a dumpster, “yards” is referring to the “cubic yard” capacity of the dumpster.
\n\nFor reference, a 10 yard dumpster is ideal for a garage or shed cleanout, while a 40 yard dumpster is the best solution for construction projects or complete re-roofing jobs.
\n\nThe dumpster rental company can help you choose the perfect container for the job.
\n\n\n\nFind out which dumpster size is right for you:
\n\n\n\nMany dumpster rental companies are focused on eco-friendly waste removal, so most of the debris you toss in the dumpster will head to recycling centers.
\n\nThis is particularly true for “clean loads” containing all of the same recyclable materials, such as concrete or asphalt shingles.
\n\nDumpsters are heavy, particularly when filled up with junk and debris.
\n\nThere are two main things to consider when it comes to dumpster weight: protecting your driveway/property and avoiding exceeding the weight limit.
\n\nA roll-off dumpster can easily weigh several tons once filled with debris.
\n\nFor example, a single layer of shingles torn off a 1,500-square-foot roof as part of a re-roofing project can easily weigh two tons (4,000 lbs).
\n\nThis amount of weight can wreak havoc on a concrete driveway, yard, patio, or asphalt.
\n\nMany dumpster rental companies will place plywood or 2x4s beneath the dumpster when dropping it off to protect against damage.
\n\nNearly every rental company enforces weight restrictions on the load.
\n\nThese restrictions are determined based on local regulations and landfill dumping fees.
\n\nIf your load exceeds the weight restriction set by the rental company, you may incur additional charges.
\n\nBe sure to thoroughly understand the rental company’s weight restrictions.
\n\nBy discussing in detail the type of debris you plan to get rid of, the rental company can estimate the total weight of the load before you fill the container.
\n\nTo be safe, always over-estimate to ensure you don’t go over.
\n\nLike renting a dumpster, a junk disposal companies can help with spring/fall home cleanings, estate cleanouts, yard waste, construction/demolition debris, or general rubbish removal.
\n\nThe difference is that the junk removal company takes care of all the heavy lifting for you.
\n\n\n\nHiring a junk removal company is just as easy as renting a dumpster.
\n\nYou simply call, schedule, pay, and enjoy your clutter-free space.
\n\nThe cost is determined by the type and volume of junk or debris to be hauled away (more details below).
\n\nThe junk removal company will give you a free on-site estimate for projects bigger than picking up a few pieces of furniture, for example.
\n\nJunk removal companies are pros at removing bulky, heavy items (furniture, appliances, etc.) and large quantities of debris (demolition debris, yard waste, etc.).
\n\nThey work quickly but are also focused on making sure no damage is inflicted to your property in the process.
\n\nThe majority of junk removal companies recycle a portion of each load.
\n\nThey may also donate gently used items to local charitable organizations and give you a tax-deductible receipt for it.
\n\nThe cost of renting a dumpster or for hiring a junk removal service varies based on several factors, including your location, volume of junk/debris, duration of service, and other factors.
\n\nIn general, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs involved.
\n\nThe one exception to this rule is for smaller cleanups, such as moving some furniture out or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\n\nHere’s a hypothetical example of how this works:
\n\n\n\n\nYou have an old couch and a few boxes of junk in the garage you want thrown out. Your local dumpster rental company offers a 10-yard dumpster rental for $250, which would do the trick. However, a local junk removal service quotes you their minimum pickup charge of $125 to haul it all away for you. In this case, junk removal is the better choice.
\n
In the example above, the volume of junk wasn’t enough to make renting a dumpster the more affordable option.
\n\nHowever, a dumpster rental would be the more cost-effective option for larger debris removal projects, such as a whole-home cleanout or roofing project.
\n\nBelow you’ll find costs associated with renting a dumpster and hiring a junk removal company.
\n\nThese are national averages based on a sample set compiled by Hometown.
\n\nThe figures below are meant to give you a general idea of what it costs for these services.
\n\nCosts can vary depending upon where you live, additional disposal fees, permits, and the scope of the debris removal project.
\n\nOur dumpster rental guide is a great resource for first-time renters. It explains important information to consider when searching for the best price in your area. To see how much it would cost on average to rent a 10 or 20 yard dumpster in a city near you, take a look at our chart of dumpster prices in all 50 states.
\nCosts are generally higher in cities with a steep cost of living, such as New York City or Los Angeles, and lower in areas with a low cost of living.
\n\nThe distance the dumpster or junk removal company has to travel to/from your property, as well as to the landfill or recycling center, may also influence pricing.
\n
Related reading:
\n\nRenting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service are two of the top ways to declutter or clear out bulk amounts of waste. We compare the cost of each disposal solution, so you can be a more informed customer.
\r\n","changed":"2021-06-05T01:51:44+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"e4330393-eacd-54f6-ba04-8ffcbda8728b","title":"Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/comparing-the-cost-of-junk-removal-to-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/63661a10d8a316fe97c44935ca6333db/dumpster-rental-and-junk-removal-cost-comparison.png","alt":"dumpster rental and junk removal cost comparison"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"When it comes to any sort of bulk waste or debris removal, your two best options are hiring a junk removal company or renting a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nBut how do you know which is the most cost-effective option for you?
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nCosts can vary greatly when renting a dumpster or hiring a junk hauler and are based on multiple factors.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\nA dumpster costs $250-$450 on average to rent, but as we've mentioned, prices can vary.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are typically the most cost-effective option for medium to large projects or when you need to manage debris during an ongoing project.
\r\n\r\nA kitchen or bathroom renovation, house addition, demolition project, or large deck removal job are projects where a dumpster may be the more economical solution.
\r\n\r\nHaving a dumpster on-site for bigger projects allows you to fill it up at your convenience while keeping a clean, safe site.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of dumpster rental costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tMarietta, GA | \r\n\t\t\t$275 | \r\n\t\t
| 10 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tYonkers, NY | \r\n\t\t\t$300 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 yard roll-off dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tWorcester, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$350 | \r\n\t\t
| 30 yard debris box | \r\n\t\t\tLos Angeles, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$400 | \r\n\t\t
| 40 yard dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tSpringfield, IL | \r\n\t\t\t$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Learn more about pricing:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge a minimum amount for any junk removal, with the average around $75 to $100.
\r\n\r\nIf you have one or two items you’re getting rid of—like a TV, sofa, or mattress—you’ll probably be charged the minimum amount.
\r\n\r\nFor small cleanups, junk removal is typically the more cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company may remove a small garage-worth of items for $200 when it may cost you $250 to rent a 10 yard bin to do the loading yourself.
\r\n\r\nIn this case, junk removal is the cheaper (and less back-breaking) option.
\r\n\r\nBelow are a few real-world examples of junk removal costs around the country to help give you a general idea of what to expect.
\r\n\r\n| Junk Removal Description | \r\n\t\t\tLocation | \r\n\t\t\tCost | \r\n\t\t
| Refrigerator removal | \r\n\t\t\tManhattan Beach, CA | \r\n\t\t\t$165 | \r\n\t\t
| Removal of 2 TVs | \r\n\t\t\tOmaha, NE | \r\n\t\t\t$45 | \r\n\t\t
| Living room set removal (sectional couch, two china cabinets) | \r\n\t\t\tToms River, NJ | \r\n\t\t\t$169 | \r\n\t\t
| Storage unit cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tSandy, UT | \r\n\t\t\t$375 | \r\n\t\t
| Hoarding home cleanout | \r\n\t\t\tFranklin, MA | \r\n\t\t\t$1,500 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
Remember: Every project is different, so calling at least two dumpster rental and two junk removal companies to compare pricing is the best way to determine the most economical debris removal solution.
\r\nDumpster rental and junk removal costs vary based on a number of factors, including the type and amount of debris, where you're located, the accessibility of your property, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nYour exact project cost will depend on these factors, and the best way to get an accurate estimate for your rental or project is to reach out to multiple service providers in your area for a quote.
\r\n\r\nThis not only ensures you get the best price but also allows you to choose the best company for the job, not just the cheapest.
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country or far off the beaten path?
\r\n\r\nIf so, you can expect your dumpster rental or junk removal service to cost more due to the cost of travel incurred by the company.
\r\n\r\nCost of living and local disposal fees also play a large role in cost.
\r\n\r\nFor example, you’ll pay significantly more in New York City to rent a dumpster than you would in Memphis, TN based on the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nYou'll also likely pay more for an apartment cleanout that requires hauling items up and down flights of stairs compared to the same size cleanout in the same zip code that is conveniently located on the first floor.
\r\n\r\nSome service providers—dumpster and junk removal—charge differently for household wastes vs. construction and demolition (C&D) debris.
\r\n\r\nC&D debris is often heavier, so it may end up costing more to haul away than general household trash.
\r\n\r\nThe heavier the load, the more you’ll pay.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk, for example, costs more than a load taking up just half of the truck’s total capacity.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, if you exceed the weight limit of your dumpster rental you'll likely be hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe two best ways to remove bulk waste are to either rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company, but which option is the most cost-effective? Learn about the average costs associated with each service to determine which is the best option for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:33:18+00:00"},{"id":"cbdb3b53-9a28-5eae-8001-460da17f460c","title":"What Does the World's Most Sustainable City Look Like?","url":"/blog/the-worlds-most-sustainable-city","image":{"path":"/static/a0673f3f31324e7e8af0cf34ee0b47d3/masdar-city-master-plan-640x466.jpg","alt":"Masdar City sustainable design"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"8a556635-2a85-5e01-a170-d18bb873bb0e","name":"Sustainability","slug":"Sustainability"}],"content":"An artist's rendering of Masdar City
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n\r\nThe Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Masdar City addresses every sustainability issue you could ever think of:
\r\n\r\nSince the focus of Trash Talk is waste/trash/garbage, that’s the part of the city’s master plan we were most intrigued by. Phase 1 of Masdar City’s waste management plan will divert 50 percent of all waste away from landfills, or the equivalent of about 11,000 metric tons. The plan is to sort waste into three main streams: dry recyclables (i.e., cans and cardboard), wet recyclables (i.e., food scraps) and residuals (i.e., empty food containers). Dry recyclables will be shipped to the recycling center while wet recyclables will be composted and used for landscaping purposes. Other residual waste, including toxic waste, will be handled outside the city.
\r\n\r\nIs Masdar City the city of the future? It very well could be. However, it’s tough to say for sure until the city is fully developed and operational. This won’t happen until 2025 assuming everything stays on schedule. On paper, the city looks incredible and is amazingly eco-friendly. That said, there’s no way of knowing how accurate this will translate in real life. My best guess is that Masdar City succeeds in developing the most sustainable city in the world. However, it comes with a steep price – estimates put the price tag at around $18 to $19 billion.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nImages via: Masdar City Official Website
Smack dab in the middle of the desert is the location of one of the world’s greenest cities. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The city is actually still in the early stages of being developed, but several buildings are fully operational, including the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:34:24+00:00"},{"id":"6e771073-df3f-570b-b1c9-b393c5c0b6d8","title":"How to Rent a Dumpster","url":"/blog/how-to-rent-a-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/3e130f08ca0469937b979b893479ca54/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":""},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"79f88323-9203-564c-a126-747925fc2bca","name":"Roll Off Dumpster","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpster"}],"content":"If this is your first time renting a dumpster, Hometown can help with a short overview on how to rent a dumpster. Learning a few of the basics can greatly simplify your dumpster rental experience.
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster varies widely based on your location. The national average cost of renting a 10 yard dumpster is $300, while the national average cost of renting a 40 cubic yard container is nearly $500 for one-weekek rental. What you pay depends primarily on landfill fees in your area, the size of the container you need, and the dumpster company you select. To get the best price on a dumpster, get quotes from multiple rental companies.
\r\n\r\nMost companies quote one flat rate fee for delivery, pickup, and disposal (though some add delivery charges separately). The rental rate is usually for a standard period of time (for example... up to 7 days) and includes a certain amount of weight (for example... up to 3 tons). If you exceed this weight allowance, you will be subject to overage fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 per ton that you go over.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing dumpster rental prices between two companies:
\r\n\r\nExtra charges may apply if you need the roll off dumpster for longer than a provider's standard rental period. This is typically a per day fee (ie $5 or $10 per day), but some dumpster services will negotiate with you up front if you need it for slightly longer than their standard period.
\r\n\r\nPay particular attention to the amount of weight included in your price if you are disposing of heavy construction debris like bricks, cement, roofing shingles, or demolition debris. If you're renting a trash dumpster for cleaning out your home of miscellaneous household debris, you will typically not have to worry about 'over weight' fees because the debris is lighter.
\r\n\r\nLearn how to rent a dumpster and be free of your debris. Get information about costs to rent a dumpster, choosing container sizes, and expert tips. Save on your dumpster rental wtih Hometown!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-05T17:31:11+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://hometownstaticsites.z19.web.core.windows.net","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api-bookable-dev.azurewebsites.net","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}