Guide to Dumpster Prices
The national average price to rent a dumpster is $24 a yard. Ranging from 10 to 40 yards, the cost of dumpsters varies greatly depending on size, location, debris weight, and rental length. A smaller dumpster is more expensive, per yard, than a large dumpster. However, it is recommended to get a dumpster for the size you need. This is because larger dumpsters are harder to place, and even though the price per yard is lower, the overall cost is more expensive.
Dumpster Price Factors
There are five factors that go into the price of a dumpster: size, debris type, debris weight, location, and rental period. While some of these factors you can change, some you cannot avoid.
Densely populated areas are also more likely to have multiple rental places. Therefore, prices will be more competitive than towns that only have one rental company in a 60-mile radius.
Also, your project’s timeline often dictates how long you will need the dumpster. While many places have a weekly surcharge, others allow you to use the dumpster for 30 days without additional fees. Again, supply and demand play a factor in this structure.
The size of the dumpster you need will depend on the size of your project. If you are doing a simple garage cleanout, you can typically get away with a 10-yard dumpster. The national average of these is $369.
However, if you are gutting your kitchen and bathrooms, you will most likely want a 30 to 40-yard dumpster; these average $468-521 nationally.
Keep in mind, averages are made up of extremes; the highest and lowest prices. While the cost in one town may be $200 lower than the national average, some places may be $200 higher.
Ways to Save on Rental Costs
When you are searching for a Kalamazoo dumpster rental company, try to find one that has a flat-rate pricing structure. These include your delivery, pickup, weight limit, and rental period. Flat-rate pricing is ideal for total clean outs. If you go with a weighted or item-specific company, extra fees could get tacked on at the end that you were not anticipating making the rental price exorbitantly higher.
Some items that are additional costs are mattresses, tires, car batteries, landfill fees, etc. Make sure that you know whether you are paying a flat-rate fee or if there is a variable price structure in place.
If you are able, call a few companies and compare the costs. If you find a company that has a flat fee, but only a two-week rental, and one with a variable price, but a 30-day rental, try to negotiate the rental period. Many times, you will be able to get a free-extension on your rental period.
Also, make sure that you are renting the correct size dumpster. If you need to have it emptied, before finishing your project, you have essentially doubled the price of your rental fee. If it means paying an extra $100 to get a larger dumpster, that is still cheaper than getting a second one delivered or paying a dumping fee.
At some point in everyone’s life, they will need to utilize a dumpster. When it comes to renting one, be sure that you know what you need and how long you need it. Also, be prepared to call a few different companies and find the best price for your project. Don’t forget to ask about restrictions or additional fees.