Updated August 31, 2022
Handling a waste removal project yourself can save you money in some cases but usually only makes sense with small projects.
We’ll compare the costs of renting a dumpster versus hauling waste yourself.
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Factors That Affect Cost
Because there are several factors that affect the cost of hauling away waste, what may be the best choice for one person may not be the best choice for another.
Before comparing costs side-by-side, it’s important to understand the various factors that influence dumpster rental cost and the cost to haul items yourself.
When planning to haul the debris yourself, consider the following:
- How close is the nearest landfill or transfer facility that accepts the waste you're hauling?
- Is your trailer or truck big enough to handle the debris you have?
- Will you need to make multiple trips to complete the cleanup?
- Do you know the waste transport and disposal laws in your city?
The bottom line is that your time is valuable.
If it is going to cost you a lot of time and money to haul the items to the proper facility yourself, you're better off having someone else do it for you.
Cost Comparison
Use the chart below to help determine which strategy is best for your situation.
We’ll use the example of renting a 20 yard dumpster for a kitchen renovation project to give you an idea.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost When Renting a Dumpster | Average Cost When Hauling Waste Yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Costs (assuming 30 miles to landfill) | $0 | $30 ($0.50 per mile) |
| Roundtrips Required | $0 | $30 (Two trips assuming 5-10 cubic yards per trailer load) |
| Transport/Unloading Time (2 hours) |
$0 | $80 (conservatively assuming your time is worth $40 per hour) |
| Overage Fees | $50 per ton (potentially) | $0 |
| Late Fees | $15 per day (potentially) | $0 |
| Dump Fees | $0 | $51 per ton (national average) |
| Truck/Equipment Wear & Tear | No | Yes |
| Totals: | $375 (national average) |
$191 |
The example above shows it may be more cost-efficient to haul debris to the landfill yourself for smaller projects generating less than 20 yards of debris.
However, that may not be the case in every scenario.
For example, if you value your time more than $40 per hour, that opportunity cost would go up.
Likewise, fuel costs and/or dump fees may be more expensive in your location.
There’s also the “hassle” factor.
Wouldn’t you agree that renting a dumpster is far less of a hassle than hauling the load yourself?
When hauling the waste or debris yourself, it can take a significant amount of time and energy to load the trailer or truck with the debris, properly and safely secure it, drive it to the dump site, pay the fees, unload it (you may be responsible to unload it all), and then drive back.
And that’s just one trip.
For larger projects, it may require 2, 3, or even more roundtrips to the landfill.
On the other hand, all that’s required of you with a rented dumpster is the loading.
There’s no driving, emptying, securing the load, etc.
Again, this isn’t to say that renting a dumpster is always the better option.
If the following is true, DIY waste removal may make sense:
- You live near a licensed dump site or recycling facility that accepts the type of waste or debris you’re hauling.
- The trailer or truck used for the haul is large enough to accommodate the load in one trip.
- The price of dumpsters in your area is very high due to your location or limited availability.
Lastly, time is the most valuable resource there is and people often make the mistake of undervaluing their time.
If there’s a way to save time or make things more efficient with anything in your life, including renovation, cleanouts, roofing jobs, yard cleanups, etc., it’s well worth considering.
Learn more:
- How Much Does It Cost to Haul Away Junk?
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for a Week?
- Why Large Dumpsters Sometimes Cost Less Than Small Dumpsters
Final Considerations
Cost is important but look at more than just the bottom line dollar amount when deciding on whether to rent a dumpster or DIY the waste removal.
Factor in the time and effort required to haul the load yourself.
In many cases, it may be worth paying a little more to rent a dumpster.
It will no doubt save a significant amount of time and effort, helping you to complete the project faster.
If you need help finding dumpster rentals in your area, Hometown makes it easy.
With a quick search using your zip code, you can find locally-owned and operated, licensed, reputable companies in your area.
You can request free quotes from as many providers as you'd like to price compare.
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