A roll-off dumpster is a heavy-duty trash container used for big cleanup projects. This large, sturdy trash container is rectangular in shape and made of welded steel with an open top for easy, on-location loading of junk, trash and debris. Its large capacity makes it ideal for cleanup, remodelling, renovation or demolition. The industry name for these garbage containers is “roll-off dumpster” because they are delivered by a truck that rolls the dumpster off the back of the truck.

Dumpster Size

The first choice to make when renting a dumpster is what size you need. Dumpsters are sized based on how many 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.

Extra Options

• Wheels are a popular rental choice. They are ideal if your trash container needs to move between or around job sites.
• Locking devices can be part of your rental, too. They make sense when child safety or animal control is a concern. They also deter people tempted to add their trash to your dumpster.
• A roll-off dumpster can also be equipped with a rear swing door. This feature lets workers carry heavy items through the ground-level back door, rather than lifting that object high enough to toss them into the dumpster’s open top.

Rental rates vary across the country, but all rates are dependent on:

1. Type of debris
2. Dumpster size for the job
3. Length of rental
4. Extra options ordered

In weighing your purchase decision for a dumpster rental, consider efficiency and effectiveness. Workers can be much more efficient on a roofing project or driveway replacement at your home or business with access to a centrally located, deep-capacity dumpster to safely contain shingles, sharp and broken debris, garbage, clutter and junk.

WM wants you to be a well informed customer. This is critical to making good rental decisions.

Use these 5 easy steps to estimate your dumpster rental cost.

1. Know the contents of the load to collect and haul away. This helps with estimating volume and weight. Here’s an example: Storm damage covered your property with fallen limbs. You rent a 10 Yard dumpster for one week. When the job is done, the volume of debris almost fills the 10 Yard. The weight of debris you take to the landfill is under 3 tons. This job is on a budget: under the limits for weight and volume.
2. Choose the right size dumpster. Visit our Support Center to speak with one of our friendly team members if you have questions about the right size for your rental.
3. Estimate how long you plan to have your dumpster on site. Daily, weekly and monthly rentals are available at a wide range of prices from various rental companies. We strive to work with your project’s needs, even if they change as your job unfolds. Shop around for what you need. And watch out for hidden fees that can drive up a rental that looks like a bargain!
4. Select options of wheels, locks, plastic liners, rear entry doors and other add-ons that may be helpful for your project.
5. Ask about permitting that may be required in your area. City or county permitting costs will not be included in the cost of your dumpster rental, in most cases.

A word of caution!

Some rental companies charge extra fees that can add up fast.

• Delivery Fee: Charged for dumpster delivery to the site.
• Removal Fee: Charged for dumpster haul-off from the site.
• Shorter Rental: For example, you may be charged full one-week price even if you don’t use the dumpster for a full week.
• 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.
• Special Items Fee: For electronics and bulky household items. Regulations vary across local and state sites.
• Taxes: You will be charged federal and state taxes, in most cases, for your dumpster rental.

We help over 9 million customers across North America each week with trash and recycling services, ensuring safe, speedy, environmentally sound debris removal. Our 43,000+ employees are reliable, focused on safety and committed to our environment.

The right size dumpster for any project

Waste Management offers dumpsters in a variety of sizes, from 2 tons to 6 tons (4,000 – 12,000 pounds), depending on your needs.

Flexible rental periods to fit your schedule

Whether you need a dumpster for one week, several weeks or even months at a time, WM has flexible rental periods.

A focus on sustainability and the environment

WM is committed to environmental stewardship, and only uses certified waste disposal facilities. We have 200+ landfills and 100+ recycling facilities in the USA, making us a leader in the trash, garbage and recycling industries. Our past accolades include recognition as one of the Worlds’ Most Ethical Companies, 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Environmental Gold Leader, and the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award.

WM stands by our guarantee of environmental responsibility. We deliver every load of refuse to only certified disposal facilities and landfills. No shortcuts. No illegal dumping.

Our commitment to the environment is not only the right thing to do, it’s the law. When you work with WM, you’re not only protecting the beauty of your area. You’re protecting your company’s brand and guarding against potential fees.

Regulatory compliance

Save yourself time and avoid potential fines by ensuring you’re compliant with local regulations for dumpster placement. Don’t forget to check with your HOA or neighborhood association too.