Renting a dump trailer typically costs between $100 and $250 a day, or an average of $150. Long-term rentals, size, and the type will sway the final price.
When you want control over where and when you load your junk and how you dispose of it, you might want to use a dump trailer rather than a dumpster or another junk removal option. The average cost to rent a dump trailer is $150 per day. The final cost to rent a dump trailer depends on the size, length of rental, location, and more. This guide will help you calculate how much you can expect to pay and whether dump trailer rental is worth it for your project.
A dump trailer is a high-sided container with wheels used for transporting waste materials. Some dump trailers are very large and typically used by commercial companies. They require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to tow one. However, smaller, lighter dump trailers can be attached to a pickup or SUV.
Dump trailer rental costs vary considerably depending on multiple factors. Consider the following when determining if the price for your residential project seems right.
Dump trailers come in a wide variety of sizes. However, without a CDL, you will be limited to the smaller trailer types, suitable for hooking up to a pickup or SUV.
One of the smallest sizes is a 6-by-10-foot dump trailer. It can typically hold around 4 cubic yards of waste, equivalent to around 24 x 33-gallon garbage bags.
A 7-by-14-foot dump trailer typically holds 7 cubic yards of waste, equivalent to around 42 x 33-gallon garbage bags. This is the most common size for residential use.
When considering size, take advice from the dump trailer rental company and remember that the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for driving without a CDL is 26,000 lb. This number refers to the combined weight of your vehicle and its contents plus the dump trailer and whatever you have in there.
Most dump trailer rental companies offer different rates based on how long you rent. Typically, homeowners opt for day rates, which typically cost $150 to $250 per day. Below is a breakdown of the average rate ranges for the different timescales.
| Rental Length | Average Rental Costs |
|---|---|
| 4-hour rental | $80 – $180 |
| Daily rental | $100 – $250 |
| Weekly rental | $500 – $700 |
| Monthly rental | $1,300 – $1800 |
Some dump trailers are more souped up than others. The models with tubular frames are very strong but pricey, whereas channel frames are less expensive but not as strong. However, the frame and lifting mechanisms are more of an issue when looking at large-size commercial dump trailers.
Big national dump trailer suppliers are convenient, transparent, and have many options, but they tend to have a premium price tag. You can usually make savings working with a smaller local company.
On top of the standard dump trailer rental costs, there might be additional expenses you need to factor in.
You can receive a fine if you drop the dump trailer off late or if you get caught overloading or dumping hazardous waste. Late fees might only amount to $50 per hour, but breaking the other rules can result in much bigger bills and potentially get you into trouble with the law.
Dropping your junk at a landfill could cost you. While there isn’t usually a fee at a municipal landfill for residential waste, the rules vary by region. Commercial-style tipping fees averaging around $50 per ton can apply when bringing in big dump trailers full of debris.
You don't have to worry about permits when you leave the dump trailer on your driveway or other property area. However, a dump trailer permit might be required when sitting on a public street. Always check with your local building department and expect to pay $10 to $100.
You might wonder whether a dumpster or dump trailer is a better option. In a home setting, using a dumpster rental near you is usually the more practical choice. Dumpster rental costs an average of $380 per week, and you can take your time loading things up. Plus, at the end of the week, the company will come and take the dumpster away and dispose of the junk.
Dump trailers require you to haul your junk away, and you might have to make multiple trips because a non-commercial trailer won’t have as generous a load capacity as a large dumpster.
However, dump trailers do have some benefits that make them worth considering. Firstly, their rubber wheels are less likely to cause damage to driveways compared to metal dumpsters. And, if you live on a large property, being able to move the dump trailer to different locations can save you from trying to heave heavy items long distances. It also allows you to make multiple trips to recycling centers and landfills in a day, meaning you won’t have an unsightly dumpster sitting outside your home for a whole week.
If you’re looking for the most hands-off approach and you’re clearing out old items from your home rather than gathering debris from an ongoing building or landscaping project debris, a professional junk removal service near you is worth considering. Junk removal costs an average of $240. It might not offer the same flexibility as dumpster or dump trailer rental, but it sure can bail out your back.
When you’re in the midst of a major home remodeling or landscaping project, shaving costs wherever you can is a bonus. Here are some tips to help you reduce your dump trailer rental costs.
Don’t go too big. There’s nothing worse than paying extra for a dump trailer that is only half full, so go with the smallest size that’ll work for you.
Don’t rent for too long. If you have some helping hands, could you complete the loading and dumping in half a day rather than paying a full-day rate?
Do you need to dump that? Maybe you can go for a smaller, less costly dump trailer if you work out what items you can sell, repurpose, or arrange for a charity pickup. You can feel good knowing you did your bit for the environment, too.
Shop around. Prices vary widely for dump trailer rental. Get quotes from at least three different reputable companies. Try to get a mix of big franchises and small local companies for comparison.
Unless you plan to use a dump trailer for business purposes, it will be hard to justify the cost of buying one. Even a small, used 6-by-10-foot model could set you back as much as $5,000, and larger, high-quality models can cost up to $15,000 to buy brand-new.
The amount a 6-by-10-foot dump trailer can hold varies depending on the model. Generally, however, they can hold at least 4 cubic yards of waste with a load capacity of at least 4,000 lbs. This is around 1/4 to 1/2 the amount a standard junk removal truck can hold. It’s also considerably less than the most common dumpster size of 20 cubic yards.
Check your local landfill restrictions before filling your dump trailer. Rules vary, but bans typically include hazardous materials and electronic items. You might have to find alternative appropriate ways to dispose of things like paint cans, old appliances, batteries, household cleaners, computers, motor oil, tires, insulation, and medical waste.
