How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for My Project? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $293 - $479
Renting a dumpster costs $384 per week on average, but prices range from $293 to $479, depending on the size and type.
The cost to rent a dumpster nationally is $384 on average, but the typical homeowner will pay between $293 and $479. You might get away with paying as little as $200 for a week-long rental of a small dumpster or as much as $800 for an oversized dumpster rental for a week.
Renting a dumpster is more practical than you think—you can use it for smaller projects like cleaning up yard waste, gigantic projects like whole-home renovations, and everything in between. Use this guide to learn how much your rental will cost, the different dumpster types available, and tips to help you save.
- Average
- $384
- Low end
- $200
- high end
- $800
Dumpster Rental Cost Factors
Dumpster companies are used to working with both homeowners and commercial clients who approach them with a wide range of needs. Everything from the length of your rental to the type of debris tossed in the trash can sway the price.
Type of Dumpster Rental
Before ordering a standard roll-off dumpster fit for a large home renovation, take a look at the types of dumpster rentals available. Whenever you're in doubt, call your prospective dumpster rental company to explain your project to ensure you choose the best fit.
| Dumpster Type | Average Cost, Per Week | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-off | $300–$800 | Larger projects like remodels or removing furniture |
| Residential | $200–$400 | Smaller projects like home cleanings or landscaping |
| Trailer | $500–$700 | Larger projects like construction, landscaping, or renovations |
| Bag | $100–$200 | Smaller jobs like basement renovations or yard work |
Size
Dumpster sizes typically break down between small residential dumpsters and large roll-off dumpsters. Companies often denote their size in cubic yard capacity and the maximum weight it can hold in pounds or tons.
The smaller dumpsters—such as those that can hold as little as two cubic yards—look a bit like the dumpsters you'd find in the alley behind a small business. They are ideal for simple home renovation projects like ripping up bathroom tile or clearing out a messy garden in the spring.
Consider renting larger dumpsters when you need them to hold literal tons of materials. Removing the rock retaining wall from the backyard or replacing your marble countertops? Opt for the larger dumpster options.
We'll break down the price of a dumpster rental by size below.
| Dumpster Size, Cubic Yards | Average Cost, Per Week |
|---|---|
| 2 | $75–$200 |
| 3 | $100–$225 |
| 4 | $125–$250 |
| 5 | $150–$275 |
| 6 | $200–$300 |
| 8 | $225–$325 |
| 10 | $225–$575 |
| 20 | $275–$700 |
| 30 | $300–$725 |
| 40 | $350–$800 |
Time
The length of time of your dumpster rental will impact the price you pay, too. Most companies don’t offer daily rates but rather charge by the week or month. See the table below for an idea of how much you’ll pay for your dumpster rental.
| Dumpster Rental Time | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily | $40–$100 |
| Weekly | $350–$550 |
| Monthly | $500–$1,200 |
Weight
Each dumpster's weight limitation is based on the size—unsurprisingly, larger dumpsters can hold and move heavier weights than their smaller counterparts. And as we learned above, the larger the dumpster you need, the heftier the overall rental cost.
For example, a two cubic yard dumpster can hold about 400 pounds, costing between $75 and $200 per week. On the other end, a large roll-off dumpster has a 40-cubic-yard capacity and can hold between five and six tons, costing you up to $800 each week.
| Dumpster Size, Cubic Yards | Weight Limit | Dimensions, Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 400 lbs. | 6x3x3 |
| 3 | 600 lbs. | 6x4x4 |
| 4 | 800 lbs. | 6x4.5x4 |
| 5 | 1,000 lbs. | 6x4.5x5 |
| 6 | 1,200 lbs. | 6x5x5 |
| 8 | 1,600 lbs. | 6x6x7 |
| 10 | 2–3 tons | 14x7.5x3.5 |
| 20 | 2–3 tons | 22x7.5x3.5 |
| 30 | 3–5 tons | 22x7.5x6 |
| 40 | 5–6 tons | 22x7.5x8 |
Permits
Even if you have all of the permits you need for a construction project, they don’t always cover the use of a dumpster. And even if you’re not undergoing a complete remodeling project, just having a dumpster on your property might warrant a permit, depending on your city and municipality laws.
For these reasons, you may have to obtain a separate dumpster permit, which can run $10 to $100. Check with your municipal building department for more details.
Location
Where you live can affect your dumpster rental cost. While you may not see significant differences, certain locations will have higher prices than others. For example, major metropolitan cities like New York City, NY, and Portland, OR, have higher average weekly rates for dumpster rentals than Jacksonville, FL.
| Location | Average Dumpster Rental Cost |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CT | $400–$800 |
| Chicago, IL | $350–$800 |
| Columbus, OH | $300–$750 |
| Houston, TX | $350–$650 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $300–$700 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $400–$1,000 |
| New York City, NY | $500–$1,000 |
| Portland, OR | $650–$900 |
| Sacramento, CA | $500–$900 |
| Saint Louis, MO | $300–$800 |
Debris Type
The type of debris you’re disposing of might impact your cost. Some dumpster rental companies will have different rates for construction debris, yard waste, and general refuse.
Hazardous or flammable materials aren’t allowed and require special disposal. Large household appliances may also be restricted, and getting rid of them could mean additional fees or require special disposal services. Always check with your dumpster rental pros ahead of time to know the limitations on the debris you’re dumping.
Dumpster Rental Fees
Several factors influence the final cost of renting a dumpster—some of these costs are included in the rental cost, while other expenses are separate. Here are the major cost factors for a dumpster rental:
| Dumpster Rental Fees | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Landfill fee | $20–$50 per ton |
| Overloaded dumpster fee | $40–$200 per ton |
| Remote location fee | $0.50–$0.65 per mile |
| Extra day fee | $5–$10 per day |
| Hazardous waste fee | Varies |
| Overflow fee | Varies |
Landfill Fees
The cost to leave junk at a landfill is known as a landfill or tipping fee. Fees will range on average from $20 to $50 per ton but vary by state and landfill regulations. In many cases, dumpster rental companies will already work the amount into your rate, but in others, you may have to pay the extra cost after they weigh your dumpster and assess specific fees.
Overloaded Dumpster Fee
Each dumpster has its own maximum weight limit to safely move it from your property to the truck to the landfill. If you exceed this weight limit, you can expect to spend an additional $40 to $200 per ton, even if your debris fits appropriately within the dumpster.
Remote Location Fee
Do you live somewhere that’s more off-the-grid or somewhere that is out in the extreme countryside? If you do, you might be charged an additional fee for the trip out to you to drop the dumpster off and pick it back up. Depending on your location, you might be charged between $0.50 and $0.65 a mile.
Extra Day Fee
Most dumpster rental companies rent by the week or month. If your project exceeds your agreed-upon rental time, you might be charged between $5 and $10 for each additional day you have it.
Hazardous Waste Fee
Hazardous waste materials, like chemicals, asbestos, and batteries, all require disposal at a specialized facility that is different from the traditional landfill that dumpster companies use. Transporting this waste will cost extra in travel and disposal fees, so it’s best to discuss with your dumpster pro upfront if you want to dispose of this kind of waste.
Overflow Fee
If you exceed the space of your dumpster to where debris hangs over the edges or the top, you might get charged an overage fee (even if you haven’t exceeded the weight limit).
DIY Debris Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Depending on the situation, you can haul your own junk and debris away to your local landfill or dumpsite without needing to rent a dumpster. A few extra garbage bags or miscellaneous wooden boards around the house can easily fit into (most) cars or trucks. In this case, you’ll only pay for the gas used to get to and from the landfill and the landfill fee, which depends on how much and what you have.
However, this is not a feasible option for remodels or large landscaping projects. The driving back and forth, the miscellaneous landfill fees, and the overall time to transport your debris can be overwhelming, which is why most people prefer to rent a dumpster for home and landscaping projects. If you don’t want a dumpster in your driveway, you can hire a local junk removal service to haul your junk for you.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of a Dumpster Rental
If you’re renting a dumpster, it's often because you’re in the middle of another, more expensive project. With that in mind, here are some tips to save on your dumpster rental price:
Choose the right size: Calculate the amount of debris you’ll dispose of and consult with your rental company to choose the right size. This helps you avoid overpaying for a larger size or overage fees for a dumpster that’s too small for the job.
Shop around: Get quotes from multiple companies to find a reputable dumper rental service and the best deal.
Ask about discounts: Your dumpster rental company may offer military, senior, and first responder discounts.
Ask for a short-term rental: While many companies charge by the week, ask if they have a cheaper daily rate if you can get your project done in a day or two.
Donate: For whole-home cleanouts, consider donating items like gently used furniture, appliances, and clothing to the Salvation Army or Goodwill to reduce the size of the dumpster you might need.
Consider the season: Since fewer dumpsters are available in the spring due to home remodeling projects and spring cleaning, consider renting your dumpster in the off-season for a potential discount.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, the smallest dumpster you can rent can hold two cubic yards. While measurements will vary, most of these small dumpsters will measure 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. They can hold up to 400 pounds and often include a closable lid. These are ideal for small DIY home projects like decluttering your home or clearing out the garage.
The best way to determine the best dumpster size for your project is to speak with the dumpster rental company. These professionals have specific experience with fitting heavy and bulky items in their dumpsters and how to dispose of each item safely and legally. In most cases, the dumpster company will err on the side of caution and advise you to size up to avoid overage charges.
Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas.