Dumpster rental providers near you

Renting a dumpster involves getting it dropped off at your home, keeping it for an allotted period of time, filling it with the items you want to discard — like construction materials, trash, yard debris, old furniture, etc. — and having it picked up and removed from your property. 

Here's how the process works in more detail:

• Contact a dumpster rental company: During your call, discuss the scope of your home improvement or decluttering project. 

• Determine the best size: Let the pro know what you plan to put in the dumpster, and they can help you choose the right size. Dumpster rental sizes typically range from 10 to 40 cubic yards.

• Discuss project timeline: Estimate how long you will need to rent the dumpster. 

• Schedule delivery: Pick a day for your dumpster to be delivered. Your pro can usually place it on your driveway even if you're not home.

• Dumpster pickup: Once your container is full, confirm the pickup date with the company or professional.

Nationally, people spend an average of around $310 to $545* total to rent a dumpster, according to Thumbtack data. Prices will vary, and there are several factors that can impact the cost of the project, including:

• Rental length: Some companies may have a limit on how long you can keep the dumpster (for example, 7 to 10 days). Others may not have a limit, and some may charge you a daily flat rate. The national average cost to rent a dumpster for just a few days is estimated at around $380.

• Dumpster size: Large containers, like a 40-yard dumpster, cost more to rent than smaller containers, like a 10-yard dumpster. 

• Weight of debris: The weight of the debris in your dumpster may impact prices. For example, concrete or construction materials can sometimes add to the weight. Check with your pro to see how they factor weight into their pricing. 

• Additional fees: Some companies might charge additional fees for certain items, like electronics. You might also have to pay overage fees if you go over the weight limit — or trip fees if the dumpster can’t be picked up or dropped off due to access issues.  

*Data on file a Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Directly ask your dumpster rental company what size dumpster you should rent. To help you make the best choice, they’ll need to know:

• Why do you need the dumpster? Do you need it for a kitchen or bathroom remodel? Are you replacing your flooring or roof? Do you plan to remove a deck or start a demolition project? These details can help the pro recommend the right size dumpster for your project.

• What do you plan to put in the dumpster? Do you plan to put household trash in it? Or do you need it for construction materials, yard waste or large furniture?

• How much debris do you plan to put into it? If you already know which old pieces of furniture (or how many trash bags) will go in the dumpster, let the company know. 

Dumpsters are classified by total capacity, with one cubic yard equaling about five or six large trash bags. Here’s a rough estimate of how much a dumpster can hold depending on its size:

• 10-yard dumpster: 50 to 60 trash bags 

• 15-yard dumpster: 75 to 90 trash bags 

• 20-yard dumpster: 100 to 120 trash bags 

• 30-yard dumpster: 150 to 180 trash bags 

• 40-yard dumpster: 200 to 240 trash bags 

Dumpster rental professionals typically allow you to dispose of the following items:

• Construction debris

• Yard waste

• Non-hazardous household waste

• Old appliances and furniture

• Old dishes, clothing, toys

However, some dumpster rental companies might prohibit certain items like:

• Refrigerators and freezers

• Hot water tanks

• Oil, gas and propane tanks

• Car tires and batteries

• Mattresses and box frames

• Prescription medications and medical waste

• Paints, stains and other flammable household waste

When getting quotes, ask the company for a list of specific items you can (and can't) place in your container. You should also ask if they charge a fee for certain items, like electronics.

Typically, rental companies let you keep a trash dumpster for a few days to a few weeks, including both the day of delivery and the day of pickup. 

However, a few factors may impact how long you can have a dumpster in your driveway. For example, ask your HOA if you need pre-approval before renting a dumpster and how long you can keep it in your driveway. You should also check with local regulations and codes — and ask about any time limits.

If you need to extend your rental time:

• Contact your dumpster rental professional early to request an extension.

• Ask about additional fees charged for extra days.

• Consider renting a larger dumpster if the scope of work increases.

In many cases, renting a dumpster can be worth the cost, especially if: 

• It keeps your space debris-free: Having bins, trash bags and large piles of construction debris scattered throughout your property is a potential safety risk. Renting a dumpster helps keep yard waste, household trash and demolition materials contained in a single area.

• It saves you time and fuel costs. Making multiple trips to a landfill can be a hassle and cost you gas. 

• It costs less than hiring a junk removal company. If you’re finding that local junk removal companies are charging much more than a dumpster rental, you might want to rent a dumpster instead. Get a few estimates so you can compare costs. 

Depending on where you are going to put the dumpster, you may need to secure a permit for it. You should check your local regulations to see if a permit is required. For example, you might not need a permit to place a dumpster on your driveway or other area of your private property. But if you're placing the dumpster on a driveway, sidewalk, parking lot or other public area — or doing a commercial construction project — you typically need to get a permit.

If you think you'll need a permit, ask your pro if they can help with the application process.