Updated June 18, 2024
The average cost to rent a temporary dumpster is $250-$750. Dumpster pricing varies quite a bit and is affected by several factors, especially your location and company you rent from. For example, renting a 10 yard dumpster in New York City may cost $600 for a seven-day rental, while the same size dumpster in Topeka, KS may cost half that.
The dumpster you rent may cost more or less depending on your area's general cost of living, the provider you rent from, and the amount of debris that needs to be removed.
Due diligence goes a long way in getting the best bang for your buck. In this guide, we’ll discuss average dumpster rental costs and how to get the best deal possible for your dumpster.
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Average Cost for Temporary Dumpster Rentals
The national average price to rent the most common roll-off containers for the standard dumpster rental period is anywhere from $250-$750. Here's a closer look at how much temporary dumpsters cost based on size...
National Average Dumpster Rental Costs
Temporary Dumpster Size | Average Cost per Week |
10 Yard | $250-$450 |
20 Yard | $350-$550 |
30 Yard | $450-$650 |
40 Yard | $550-$750 |
Read more: The Big List of Dumpster Rental Costs in All 50 States
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Average Cost for Commercial Dumpster Service
Trash and recycling services for your business can range in price from $90-$300+ per month for one container. The exact cost depends on the waste hauler’s pricing, container size, location, and type of debris. Recycling containers generally cost less than trash dumpsters.
The following chart breaks down the national average prices to rent the most common commercial dumpsters for a month...
National Average Dumpster Rental Costs
Commercial Dumpster Size | Average Cost per Month |
2 Yard | $100-$200 |
4 Yard | $150-$250 |
6 Yard | $200-$300 |
8 Yard | $250-$350 |
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Dumpster Service Cost Factors
There are several factors that affect the cost of your dumpster rental or commercial dumpster services.
Let’s break it down...
Waste Hauler Pricing
Simply put, each waste hauling company is free to set their pricing to whatever they’d like. As a customer, this makes it critical to check with multiple companies before choosing a provider. We recommend contacting at least 3 different services.
Each dumpster company's pricing can vary based on the duration of the rental period, the included weight limit, overage fees, pick-up schedule, operating hours, and other factors.
It's also important to note that companies often run promotions or offer discounts for seniors or veterans, which is another reason we strongly encourage you to request multiple quotes to compare services and pricing.
Location
Waste haulers generally charge more if they are required to travel long distances to drop off or pick up. Fuel costs and wear-and-tear on trucks are a substantial overhead cost for a waste hauling company, which is why, if possible, we recommend going with a company located nearby.
On top of distance from the rental company, where you're located within your region will also make a big difference. For example, the cost of living in your area impacts landfill fees, meaning higher disposal fees for you.
Dumpster Size
Smaller dumpsters cost less than larger dumpsters. This is true for temporary residential dumpster rentals and commercial dumpster service. However, sometimes larger dumpsters provide a better overall value. Going with the smallest size dumpster to save money can end up costing you more if you underestimate the amount of junk or debris you need to get rid of, causing you to have to rent a second dumpster or pay for your dumpster to be emptied and returned.
For example, one 20 yard dumpster will cost less than renting two 10 yard dumpsters, saving you money and time in the long run.
Read on:
- Why Large Dumpsters Sometimes Cost Less Than Small Dumpsters
- Why You Shouldn't Necessarily Rent the Cheapest Dumpster
Type of Waste
Recycling dumpsters typically cost less than general waste dumpsters because the tipping fees cost less at the recycling facility than the landfill/processing facility. Non-recyclable waste requires special considerations that can influence pricing.
Clean loading a dumpster, meaning only dumping one type of material into the container, usually allows for a discounted dumpster rental price.
Learn more:
- Dumpster Rental Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Prepare for Dumpster Drop-off
- What’s Included in Dumpster Rental Costs
How to Save on Dumpster Rental Costs
Dumpster rental costs are not set in stone, especially when working with smaller local waste haulers trying to earn your business.
It's worth inquiring about any special deals they might be running, discounts for seniors/military/etc., or volume discounts for a large ongoing project. These discounts can add up and are a great way to reduce your total dumpster rental costs.
The best way to ensure you're getting the best price for your dumpster is to contact several different locally-owned service providers in your area to compare dumpster rental quotes. We recommend getting at least three quotes to be sure you get a clear picture of the services offered, fair pricing for the area, and the quality of customer service being offered.
At Hometown, we make it easy to find, contact, and compare local dumpster rental companies in your area. Read real, verified customer reviews and request free quotes from multiple companies so you can be sure you're hiring the best dumpster rental company near you for the best price.
Additional Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Rent during the offseason (winter months). If you live in a part of the country that gets snow, rental providers are typically eager for business during the winter months.
- Opt for a shorter rental period if that can get you a small discount.
- Share dumpster costs with a neighbor if they have things to dispose of as well.
- Follow the dumpster rental provider’s rules to avoid additional fees (ex. overage fees, charges for hazardous wastes, loading the dumpster too high).