We place planks under the wheels and the front of the dumpster so that it sits on wood and not directly on the pavement. In most cases, no damage is done to the driveway.

A roll-off dumpster is a large, open-top waste container designed for temporary use in waste removal and disposal. These dumpsters are typically rectangular in shape and have wheels that allow them to be easily rolled on and off specialized trucks. They come in various sizes, with typical dimensions ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards, but smaller and larger options are available to accommodate different project needs.

You would want to rent a dumpster for the convenience and efficiency it offers in handling substantial amounts of waste or debris, typically in scenarios such as construction, home renovations, large-scale cleanouts, or landscaping projects. Dumpsters provide a centralized and organized way to collect and remove materials, making waste management more manageable and cost-effective.

The first choice to make when renting a dumpster is what size to get. Dumpster sizes vary by location, so you'll need to provide your address to determine what options are available to you.

Dumpsters are sized based on the number of cubic yards of waste they hold.

• A 10 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 12 feet long x 3 ½ feet high. It holds 10 cubic yards of waste.
• A 20 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 4 feet high. It holds 20 cubic yards of waste.
• A 30 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 6 feet high. It holds 30 cubic yards of waste.
• A 40 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 8 feet high. It holds 40 cubic yards of waste.

*A cubic yard is 3 feet wide x 3 feet long x 3 feet wide. Weight will vary for a cubic yard. For example, a cubic yard of popcorn will weigh significantly less than a cubic yard of housing shingles.

Dumpster rental prices vary across the country, but all rates are dependent on:

• Type of debris
• Weight of debris
• Dumpster size for the job
• Duration of rental

Other fees that are common across most dumpster rental companies include:

• Delivery Fee: Charged for dumpster delivery to the site.
• Extra Days: Extra day charge may be as little as $5 - $10 per day, or significantly more. Check with the service providers you are considering.
• Overflow Fee: Any debris not beneath the Maximum Fill Line on an open top dumpster may incur this charge.
• Overload Fee: Loads above the Maximum Capacity Weight of a roll-off dumpster are fined for each additional ton.
• Taxes: You will be charged federal and state taxes, in most cases, for your dumpster rental.

Permitting costs should also be taken into consideration. For more information, contact your local city or county as this charge is not included in the cost of your dumpster rental.

Environmental safety is important to WM. That's why we take extreme precaution when handling and disposing of hazardous waste. Batteries, asbestos, harmful chemicals, flammable liquids and more are considered environmental hazards and should not go in any dumpster. You will be asked to remove these items if you put them in a dumpster rental.

Hazardous materials are classified differently by country, state, county and city. Be familiar with, or ask one of our team members, what is acceptable in your area’s recycling centers and landfills. Additional fees may be charged for some materials. Be clear and up-front on what you will be putting into a dumpster to ensure you will not be penalized for hazardous content.

A temporary dumpster rental can help you get a fresh start in your new home by acting as a central disposal place to get rid of large amounts of old or unwanted junk, broken items and trash as you’re packing up one home and preparing to move into another. 

Once you’re all settled, don’t forget to sign up for WM’s regular trash and recycling pickup service at your new home!

If you don’t think you’ll have enough waste to fill a dumpster, or if you’re trying to minimize costs, you may be interested in our lower-price dumpster alternative — the Bagster® bag. This is a 3 cubic yard heavy-duty bag, able to hold 606 gallons of debris or 3,300 pounds of refuse. The bag is 8' long x 4' wide x 2'6" tall, large enough to hold full sheets of plywood or drywall. You can purchase this bag at places like Home Depot, Amazon or Lowe’s, then arrange for special pickup when you are ready.