Breaking Down the Costs of Renting a Dumpster
Whether you’re a business managing industrial waste or a homeowner tackling a large cleanout, understanding dumpster rental pricing can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected fees. At Eagle Transfer Services (ETS), we believe in transparent pricing for both residential and commercial customers, ensuring you know what to expect before you rent.
From transportation and disposal fees to rental duration and additional charges, several factors influence dumpster rental costs. This guide will break down the key pricing components and explain how ETS structures its pricing to provide fair, upfront rates for all clients.
What Factors Affect Dumpster Rental Pricing?
1. Transportation Costs
A significant portion of dumpster rental pricing comes from the cost of moving the dumpster.
ETS handles all transportation, including:
Delivering the dumpster to your location
Hauling it to a disposal facility once it’s full
Returning with an empty dumpster (for commercial switch-outs)
Regardless of dumpster size, transportation costs remain relatively constant since the same truck and fuel are required to complete the trip.
2. Disposal Costs
Disposal fees depend on the weight of the waste being dumped. ETS takes filled dumpsters to a state-approved weigh station, where the total weight of the waste is calculated. Our pricing includes a specific weight limit, and if your debris exceeds that limit, overage fees apply.
For example:
Residential customers often discard household items, furniture, or construction debris. Heavier materials, like roofing shingles, can quickly add weight.
Commercial customers may dispose of lightweight materials (e.g., insulation) or heavier industrial debris.
We’re upfront about disposal pricing and help customers estimate their waste weight to avoid unexpected overage charges.
3. Dumpster Size
While transportation costs remain the same, dumpster size impacts disposal costs because larger dumpsters hold more weight. ETS offers roll off dumpsters in various sizes to accommodate different project needs:
10-yard dumpster – Holds ~1 ton of waste
20-yard dumpster – Holds ~2 tons of waste
30-yard dumpster – Holds ~3 tons of waste
40-yard dumpster – Holds up to 4 tons of waste
Choosing the right size prevents unnecessary overages while ensuring you have enough space for your waste. ETS can help you determine the best option based on your project type.
4. Rental Duration
Rental pricing is structured differently for residential and commercial customers:
Residential Pricing – Includes delivery, disposal, and a 10-day rental period. After that, it’s $15 per additional day.
Commercial Pricing – Includes a 30-day rental period, with the option for daily or frequent switch-outs as needed.
For long-term projects, ETS offers contract pricing to lock in rates and eliminate unexpected price changes.
5. Location & Disposal Site Fees
The cost of renting a dumpster varies based on location. Disposal site fees differ between landfills, transfer stations, and recycling centers, affecting overall dumpster rental costs. If your project is located farther from these facilities, transportation expenses may be higher.
ETS works with customers in all over the greater Mid-Atlantic region to develop custom pricing that makes dumpster rentals more affordable.
Additional Dumpster Rental Fees to Consider
Overage Fees
If the total weight of your waste exceeds the included tonnage, an overage fee is applied. ETS ensures you understand weight limits upfront so there are no surprises.
Fuel Surcharges
All customers pay a standard 6% fuel surcharge on their invoice. This ensures fair pricing adjustments as fuel costs fluctuate.
Same-Day Service Fees
For contracted customers, ETS does not charge for same-day service. However, for one-time customers requesting emergency pickups, an additional fee may apply.
Hazardous Materials & Restricted Items
Certain items cannot be disposed of in standard dumpsters, including:
Hazardous materials (chemicals, fertilizers, oils, asbestos)
Tires and mattresses (require special disposal facilities)
Electronics (must be taken to designated e-waste centers)
If prohibited items are found in a dumpster, landfills fine ETS, and these fines are passed on to the customer. To avoid this, ETS offers special waste collection services for hazardous materials.
Pro Tip for Homeowners: If you need to dispose of paint, remove the lid and let it dry completely. Once dried, it is considered solid waste and can be safely placed in the dumpster.
ETS Pricing Options: Transparent & Customizable
Residential Dumpster PricingETS offers an all-inclusive pricing model for homeowners, covering:
This is ideal for home cleanouts, small renovations, or estate cleanouts. | Commercial Dumpster PricingFor businesses, ETS structures pricing to ensure flexibility:
This is perfect for construction sites, demolition projects, and industrial waste disposal. |
How to Get the Best Dumpster Rental Pricing for Your Needs
Estimate Your Waste Volume: Choose the right dumpster size to avoid overage fees.
Know Your Waste Type: Heavier materials (e.g., roofing materials) can increase disposal costs.
Plan Your Rental Period: Avoid unnecessary extensions by scheduling the rental for the correct duration.
Follow Disposal Guidelines: Avoid fines by keeping hazardous materials and restricted items out of the dumpster.
Avoid Common Dumpster Rental Mistakes: Read our pro tips for making your dumpster rental go as smoothly (and affordably!) as possible.
At ETS, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing and work closely with customers to ensure fair, competitive rates. We’re upfront about costs, so you’re never caught off guard.
Renting a Dumpster Made Simple with ETS
Understanding how much it costs to rent a dumpster starts with knowing the factors that affect pricing. At ETS, we eliminate the guesswork with straightforward pricing, upfront weight allowances, and flexible rental options for both residential and commercial customers.
Need a dumpster rental? Contact ETS today for customized pricing and expert guidance!
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