Updated January 19, 2023
Dumpsters are everywhere, and for good reason; they help homeowners and business owners manage bulk waste in a convenient, affordable way.
Dumpsters come in a variety of types in order to accommodate all types of projects.
Understanding the different types of dumpsters available to you will help you know which style is best for your particular project.
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Roll-Off Dumpster
A temporary dumpster that can be rented for a specific period of time is known as a "roll-off container" because they are literally "rolled off" the back of the dumpster truck and placed on your driveway, in a parking lot, in the street, etc.
Roll-off dumpsters are also commonly referred to as "roll-off containers," "open-top containers," or simply "dumpster rentals."
Roll-off dumpsters are used for all kinds of projects, like:
- Remodeling project cleanup
- Construction site cleanup
- Demolition site cleanup
- Home cleanout
- General trash or junk removal
The versatility of roll-off dumpsters is also due in part to the wide range of sizes dumpsters come in and the sub-types they come in as well.
For example, the most common dumpster sizes include 10 yard containers, 20 yard containers, 30 yard containers, and 40 yard containers.
10 yard dumpsters are ideal for small cleanup projects, while 40 yard containers are perfect for large projects, like a large demolition or construction site cleanup.
Roll-off dumpsters come in multiple sub-types as well.
The most widely available types of roll-off dumpsters are flat bottoms, tub styles, and low boys.
Each type of dumpster can accommodate different types of debris removal projects, some more efficiently than others.
Flat bottoms have a flat base, making them easy to walk items into the dumpster and stack debris or furniture in order to maximize loading space.
Tub styles have a rounded base and are great for disposing of smaller debris, like trash bags, or hauling construction and yard waste materials, like gravel, dirt, mulch, etc.
Low boys are ideal for heavy debris because they have very low walls to make it easy to load and maintain concrete debris, dirt, bricks, or other very heavy debris.
"Construction dumpsters" is another name given to roll-off dumpsters used for construction debris, which is typically the low boy or tub style roll-off containers.
As you can see, there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to renting a dumpster, making it easy to find a dumpster suitable for your specific project.
Keep reading:
- The Ultimate Guide to Dumpster Sizes
- Best Dumpster Sizes for Small Demolition Projects
- Avoid These Costly Dumpster Rental Mistakes
- How the Dumpster Drop-off and Pick-up Process Works
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Trailer Dumpsters
Another type of dumpster rental highly popular among homeowners are trailer dumpsters.
Trailer dumpsters, also commonly referred to as "dump trailers," are becoming more widely offered by dumpster rental companies due to the fact they are so helpful in tight spaces and for quick jobs.
Trailer dumpsters are literally a trailer with a flat floor and walls ranging from 2-5 feet tall in most cases.
Due to their rubber wheels, trailer dumpsters are driveway-friendly and can be easily maneuvered into tight spaces like narrow driveways, alleyways, and small parking spots.
Like roll-off dumpsters, trailer dumpsters come in a range of sizes.
The most common sizes for trailer dumpsters range between 8 yards and 15 yards, though some companies offer smaller or larger sizes.
The accessibility of trailer dumpsters and the variety of sizes they come in make them an attractive option for nearly every type of cleanup project.
Find out more:
- The Benefits of Renting a Trailer Dumpster
- Do Trailer Dumpsters Require a Permit?
- Dumpster Trailers Are Useful Alternatives to Roll-off Containers
Bag Dumpsters
Bag dumpsters are another popular option among homeowners looking for a convenient way to dispose of 3 cubic yards or less of debris.
The most widely known bag dumpster is Waste Management's Bagster, which is available in most areas across the country.
Once confirming whether or not Bagster pick-up is available in your area, you can buy a Bagster from Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and other big box home improvement stores.
Next, unfold your bag dumpster and set it up in your driveway or where it can be picked up easily by Waste Management's truck.
We recommend you don't place your Bagster on your grass if you can help it, as this can quickly cause an unsightly dead patch in your lawn.
Once your bag dumpster is set up, fill it up following the included instructions.
Once your bag dumpster is full or you're done loading your items, schedule pick-up with Waste Management.
Bagster pick-up costs vary quite a bit across the country, typically ranging from $110-$360.
If you have three yards or less of relatively lightweight junk, a dumpster bag is a great option.
However, three yards is not a lot of loading capacity, especially if you're loading bulky or odd-shaped items into it, and it may not be big enough to accommodate all of your junk or debris.
Read on:
- Is the Bagster a Good Deal or Should I Rent a Dumpster?
- What Items Can and Can't Go in a Bagster?
- Why Large Dumpsters Sometimes Cost Less Than Small Dumpsters
- The Best Bagster Alternative
Commercial Dumpsters
Commercial dumpsters are the more permanent type of dumpsters that places like restaurants, apartment complexes, and gas stations use.
Rather than being rented on a temporary, one-off basis, commercial dumpsters are typically used as a more permanent way of handling a consistent flow of trash.
Instead of being dropped off and picked up within a week or so's time, commercial dumpsters are emptied on a regular schedule for an extended period of time as a way of managing that company's waste stream, similar to residential curbside trash.
Commercial dumpsters come in a variety of sizes, including:
These trash containers have a lid to deter the public from tossing in their own trash, to keep rain, snow, and pests out, and to keep odors and unsightly trash in.
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