Before renting a dumpster or dump trailer, it’s important to understand the minute details of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
\n\nIt will help avoid surprises later on, such as additional charges being added to your final bill due to overages.
\n\nRead the tips below to become a more informed dumpster rental customer.
\n\nJump to:
\n\nYou are typically given a maximum weight limit by the dumpster company.
\n\nThis is referred to as the “weight allowance,” and there are two main reasons rental companies have them:
\n\nWeight allowances vary by company but can range from 1-8 tons or more.
\n\nIn some cases, you’ll be offered an unlimited weight allowance but you must still abide by the rules of loading the dumpster to a specified height limit and never exceeding the top rim of the container.
\n\nEither way, not following your rental agreement terms can make you incur overage fees that increase the price of your final bill.
\n\nTIP: Be particularly careful of exceeding the weight allowance when loading heavy debris, such as concrete, dirt, or roofing shingles. Most containers have a fill line inside the dumpster to help you stay under the weight limit.
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If you fill the roll-off above the designated fill line – there’s generally a separate fill line for construction debris and for household junk/waste – the dumpster company has the right to remove some or all of the load.
\n\nIn many cases, you as the customer are responsible for unloading the material/debris until the load complies with the rental company’s policy.
\n\nBy law, they cannot haul the bin with waste, junk, or debris exceeding the top of the container.
\n\nAdditionally, they need to tarp the load and if they cannot secure the tarp down properly, they may need to remove some debris from the top.
\n\nIf you are not on-site during the dumpster pickup, the driver may remove some debris from the dumpster to comply with local rules and regulations.
\n\nThey would leave the debris on-site and you would be responsible for disposal.
\n\nAlternatively, the driver may not pick up the container at all and you would be assessed a trip charge on your final invoice.
\n\nThe rental provider’s terms will spell out the standard rental duration.
\n\nIn most cases, a 7-day or 10-day rental period is the norm.
\n\nYou can often extend or shorten these terms upon request.
\n\nThere is typically a small daily fee for extending the rental period which runs around $10-$20 on average.
\n\nTo have the container picked up early, give your rental provider a call and request an early pickup.
\n\nThey may or may not have a driver available to pick it up the same day, so it’s best to plan ahead and schedule this.
\n\n\n\nTo end the rental and have the container picked up early, simply call the dumpster company for an early pickup.
\n\nYou will not receive a discount for ending the rental agreement early.
\n\nThere’s no guarantee the dumpster company will be able to pick up the container that day or the next; it depends upon their availability to get a truck out to your site.
\n\n\n\nThere are scenarios where the truck driver would not be able to pick up the loaded dumpster.
\n\nHere are three common reasons:
\n\nThese can become expensive mistakes on the part of the customer.
\n\nEven though the driver doesn’t haul away the dumpster, the customer is usually charged a “trip fee” for driving out to the site.
\n\nThe trip fee covers the time and fuel involved in the pick-up.
\n\nThese fees vary, but you can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $75 to $150 each time the driver comes out.
\n\nHere are few tips to help avoid trip charges, or at least resolve the issue so the driver can ultimately haul the dumpster off the site:
\n\nThere are “distance fees” applicable in most cases to cover the dumpster provider’s fuel costs and driving time.
\n\nThis fee should be included in your initial dumpster quote, but it never hurts to double-check.
\n\nIf you live in close proximity to the rental company, these fees will generally not apply.
\n\nBy choosing a dumpster rental company within close proximity of your home or job site, you may be able to reduce or eliminate this fee and save some money on the rental.
\n\nGet quotes from at least 2-3 dumpster companies to get the best pricing.
\n\nRental fees are not always all-inclusive.
\n\nQuotes will typically include delivery, pickup, and disposal for a certain period of time, usually 7 or 10 days.
\n\n\n\nHere are some other charges/fees that are not always included in the quoted price:
\n\nThese charges may not apply in every case, for example, you won’t incur a permit fee if one isn’t required.
\n\n\n\nDepending upon your local laws and regulations pertaining to waste haulers, most rental companies cannot legally haul hazardous chemicals, liquids, flammable/explosive wastes, and other hazardous materials.
\n\n\n\nHere’s a short list of common hazardous household items:
\n\nWaste haulers may take some of these hazardous items for an additional fee if you separate them from the rest of the load.
\n\nAdditional fees apply if any prohibited wastes are discovered during the emptying of the dumpster.
\n\nLearn more: What Can and Can't be Put in the Dumpster
\n\nA permit is typically required when the container is placed on a city street, sidewalk, or any other public right-of-way.
\n\nIf you plan to have the dumpster placed in your driveway or another privately-owned piece of your property, a permit is generally not required.
\n\nIt’s your responsibility to obtain the necessary permits, although most dumpster rental companies are glad to help.
\n\nContact your local city government, or visit its website, to get more information.
\n\nObtaining a permit generally requires filling out a short document and paying a nominal fee.
\n\nIn instances where you need the roll-off container moved to a different location on your property, a “move fee” (similar to a trip fee) may be added to your bill.
\n\nThis fee varies but it generally about the same cost as a trip charge.
\n\nExpect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for a move fee.
\n\nThis additional cost will apply in cases where the dumpster needs to be moved due to improperly placing the container in the public right-of-way without properly obtaining a permit from the city.
\n\nRemember, it’s ultimately the customer’s responsibility to meet all permitting requirements as the property or business owner.
\n\nDumpster companies will oftentimes help customers in obtaining these permits or at least point you in the right direction.
\n\nDumpster rental companies are usually not responsible for damage to customer’s property, although they may be insured for such damage.
\n\nAs the customer, it’s best that you inquire about this before you rent the dumpster and/or read the fine print on the rental agreement.
\n\nSome rental companies place boards beneath the dumpster to help prevent surface damage while others will do so upon request – always ask!
\n\nTIP: If driveway or yard damage is a major concern, opt for a trailer-style dumpster that is on rubber wheels rather than a traditional style dumpster that rests on steel wheels/feet.
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Rain and snow can saturate the debris, waste, or junk in the dumpster, making it heavier than normal.
\n\nThis will increase the total weight of the load and could ultimately increase the cost of the rental.
\n\nTwo cases where rain and snow would impact the cost of the dumpster rental includes:
\n\nDumpster rental companies are not responsible for the additional weight resulting from rain or snow saturation.
\n\nThey have to pay extra dump fees at the landfill for the additional weight and thus, pass these costs onto the customer.
\n\nTIP: Place a tarp, plastic, or sheets of plywood over the dumpster during rain or snowstorms to reduce the amount of moisture entering the dumpster and saturating the debris.
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Renting a roll-off container isn’t a difficult or confusing process, but be sure to follow the rental company’s terms of service to avoid any hiccups along the way.
\n\nThe tips and information above is a general outline of common rental terms but keep in mind that terms of service vary by service provider.
\n\nFor more information, check out the links below:
\n\nSave time and hassle before renting a dumpster by learning how rental agreements typically work. Avoid being surprised by fees, weight allowances, repercussions for overfilling the container, and more.
\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!
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