Updated August 31, 2022
There are two options available when it comes to removing large amounts of trash: dumpster rental or junk removal services.
So, you're likely wondering when renting a dumpster is the best option and when it would make more sense to hire a junk removal service.
We've compiled all the information you need to know to make the best decision for your project.
We'll go over:
Find a junk removal or dumpster rental service in your area
Cost Comparison
The pricing in both cases can vary significantly based on your location and the type and amount of material you're getting rid of.
In most cases, dumpster rental prices fall between $250 and $550 for a seven-day rental.
The pricing structure for most junk removal services is based on the type of junk you’re removing and how much of it.
In general, if you need to get rid of only a few larger items like appliances or furniture, a junk removal service is the more cost-effective option.
Renting a dumpster is more economical for bigger jobs where you’ll be throwing out at least 7-cubic-yards of material or more.
The following charts will give you a rough estimate of how much each service will cost based on national average prices.
Average Dumpster Rental Prices
| Dumpster Size | Average Cost |
| 10 Yard Dumpster | $250-$350 |
| 20 Yard Dumpster | $350-$450 |
| 30 Yard Dumpster | $400-$500 |
| 40 Yard Dumpster | $450-$550 |
Average Junk Removal Prices
| Project Type | Average Cost |
| Minimum Charge | $75-$100 |
| A Few Pieces of Furniture | $100-$300 |
| Whole House Cleanout | $500-$1,500 |
| Attic, Basement, or Garage Cleanout | $200-$800 |
| Hoarding Cleanup | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Foreclosure/Estate Cleanout | $800-$2,000 |
Continue reading:
- Comparing the Cost of Junk Removal to Dumpster Rental
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster for a Day?
- What Junk Removal Companies Will and Won't Take
Material Considerations
If the material you plan to throw out is heavy and bulky, it’s a job better left to the professionals.
Junk removal companies have all the tools necessary to safely dispose of larger items.
Appliances and furniture of our grandparents' era tend to be extra heavy and bulky, so junk removal services are especially useful for estate cleanouts.
If you've ever attempted to move an old freezer or entertainment center up a flight of stairs, you know what we're talking about.
The amount of stuff you need to get rid of is also something to consider.
In circumstances involving large cleanout projects, like foreclosure or hoarding situations, renting a dumpster will be the most economical option.
Most home cleanouts can be accommodated with a 20 yard or 30 yard roll-off container, which will likely cost you somewhere between $350-$500 for a seven-day rental.
But a dumpster is only helpful if you have the time and manpower to handle the cleanout yourself.
If the overall scale of the cleanout is simply too much for you to handle, hiring a junk removal service is definitely the best option.
Learn more:
- Junk Removal Tips and Alternatives
- Finding a Reputable Dumpster Company to Rent From
- 5 Advantages to Keeping an Organized Company Office
Project Duration
For new construction or certain remodeling projects, hiring a junk removal service may not always be the ideal solution.
Renting a dumpster is the better option in cases where you’ll be removing junk over a period of several days or weeks.
If you’re in a situation where you need a pile of junk or debris removed quickly and without you having to lift a finger, paying a little extra to hire a junk removal service is certainly a good way to go.
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