Updated March 28, 2025
When renting a dumpster, understanding the costs upfront is important.
In the above video, we walk you through a real-life example, so you know what to expect.
What's Included
First and foremost, regardless of which company you rent from or which dumpster size you choose, dumpster rental pricing always includes both the delivery and pickup of the dumpster.
However, the total cost will vary depending on the size of the dumpster you choose, who you rent from, as well as a few other factors.
Enter your address and the waste type you need to dispose of so you can look more closely at a company’s pricing.
Size
Each company offers different dumpster sizes.
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, most commonly ranging from 10 yards to 40 yards, but some companies offer smaller or larger containers.
To make it easier to visualize, we also translate that into large trash bags. For example, an 8 yard dumpster holds about 48 large trash bags, while a 20 yard dumpster can fit around 120 trash bags.
Now, let’s talk about what’s included in your rental and what could lead to extra charges.
Weight
Each dumpster price also includes a weight limit, or weight allowance. This means that, if you go over your included weight limit, you will be charged a per-ton fee, which for this company is $50 per ton.
When your dumpster is picked up, the truck carrying your dumpster is weighed as they enter the landfill. Then, it’s weighed again as it exits the landfill after emptying the dumpster. The difference is the weight of your debris.
Let’s take the 12 yard dumpster for example…This company’s 12 yard dumpster includes 2 tons of weight. If your debris’ weight comes in at 3 tons, you’ll be charged 50 additional dollars for that extra ton. In many cases, a dumpster company will pro-rate this fee, so if your debris’ weight comes in at 2.5 tons, you may only be charged an additional $25 for the overage.
Keep in mind: Landfill fees vary by location. In Kansas City, it might be around $50 per ton, but in cities like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles, it could be $100 per ton or more. No matter where you are, Hometown clearly spells out how much weight is included in your rental and what you’ll pay if you exceed it.
Rental Period
Another key factor is your rental period. Most rentals include a set number of days, usually between 7 and 14. This company’s rental period is 7 days. Need more time? No problem. Just be aware that keeping the dumpster longer than the included rental period may result in an extra daily charge. For example, this particular company charges $10 per extra day.
With Hometown Dumpster Rental, we make it easy to get instant and transparent pricing, compare company quotes, understand exactly what’s included, and find the best local provider for you.
