Dumpster Rental Services vs. Junk Removal Services

On the left is a roll-off dumpster from KEI dumpster rental services. On the right is two guys from a junk removal service lugging boxes down a set of stairs.

Dumpster rental services and junk removal services may sound similar, but there are key differences between them. Both are popular options. However, one may be better suited to your waste management needs than the other.

Choosing the right option depends on factors such as project size, duration, and budget. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the common questions asked about both services, including:

What are dumpster rental services?

Dumpster rental services provide roll-off dumpsters of various sizes for commercial and residential waste management assistance. You can use them for garage or basement clean-outs or hauling away construction debris from a remodeling project.

Roll-off dumpsters are larger than the standard dumpsters found at apartment complexes and local businesses. Their rectangular shape and open tops make them convenient for tossing unwanted items without hauling them to the dump yourself.

Most roll-off dumpster rental companies offer door-to-door delivery of the size of bin(s) requested. KEI Dumpster Rental is among the companies that deliver on-site. Our crew returns to collect the full dumpster.

A KEI dumpster rental services truck delivers to roll-off dumpsters to a customer.
Dumpster rental services are ideal for commercial and residential clean-outs or construction projects with ongoing waste and debris-removal needs.

What are the pros and cons of using dumpster rental services?

The number one reason most people use dumpster rental services is convenience. You can choose the size of roll-off dumpster that best accommodates your needs and have it delivered to any location.

Having a dumpster on site allows you to dispose of waste at your own pace. It also gives you control over the loading process, organizing items as needed to ensure you don’t unintentionally toss out anything important.

Other benefits include:

  • Flexible rental periods. Most dumpster rental services let you choose between short-term and long-term options. KEI’s standard rental is 7 days. If you finish before the 7 days are up, just give us a call and we’ll remove it.
  • Cost-effective. Renting a dumpster is more affordable than other waste removal options. It eliminates the need for multiple trips to the landfill or paying for on-site workers to load up the junk for you.
  • Suitable for large projects. If you’re undertaking a project that generates a lot of debris or waste, dumpster rental services are the best option. Construction sites, home renovation projects, and large-scale clean-outs benefit from having a dumpster on-site to efficiently manage the waste.
  • Environmentally-friendly. Dumpster rental services follow local regulations for disposing of debris and unwanted junk to reduce the environmental impact.

There are a few disadvantages to renting a roll-off dumpster. One of the biggest reasons people shy away from them is the physical labor required for loading waste themselves. Anyone with physical limitations may find it difficult to toss bulky items into the bin.

The other consideration is space. You must have adequate space for an on-site dumpster to prevent it from blocking access to public spaces like sidewalks and streets.

What materials can you put in a dumpster?

Rental dumpsters accommodate a variety of debris and waste. Among the most popular uses for them are commercial or residential clean-outs. Safely toss in household junk, construction debris, large furniture – even yard waste.

Items you should avoid putting in your roll-off dumpster rental include:

  • Batteries.
  • E-waste items (computers, monitors, printers).
  • Freon-containing appliances.
  • Gasoline, oil, and other hazardous liquids.
  • Hazardous waste.
  • Items with corrosive/explosive components.
  • Paints.
  • Televisions.
  • Tires.

If you’re not sure whether an item is suitable for your dumpster, reach out to the dumpster rental company to ask.

A roll-off dumpster from KEI dumpster rental services sits curbside at a customer location.
KEI delivers roll-off dumpsters directly to your site for convenience.

How are dumpster rental services provided?

Dumpster rental services are provided by companies that specialize in on-site waste management solutions. Choosing the correct size dumpster to meet your needs is important. Consult with a dumpster rental services provider who can assist if you’re confused about which size you need.

Once you’ve selected the size dumpster you need, pick a delivery date and location. You’ll need enough room to accommodate the dumpster, plus allow the delivery truck ample room to load and unload the bin.

Dumpster rental services pick up the full bin per the agreed-upon schedule. Never overfill your dumpster. Make sure all materials are below the top of the side walls for safe transport. You don’t want any of the debris flying out of the dumpster during hauling, which compromises the safety of the driver and others around them.

A worker from a junk removal service company checks the work order to ensure they've picked up all items.
A junk removal service company may be the best fit for moving a small load of unwanted items, such as old furniture or appliances.

What are junk removal services?

Junk removal services provide one-time assistance for the immediate removal of unwanted junk. Large appliances, furniture, and other heavy objects are difficult for some people to move on their own. Renting a roll-off dumpster may not be suitable in these instances unless the person has help getting their items into the bin.

People who prefer a hands-off approach or lack the resources to remove the junk themselves may instead turn to a junk removal service provider.

What are the pros and cons of using junk removal services?

One of the biggest benefits of a junk removal service is that someone else does the work for you. If you have limited mobility or other physical or time constraints that prevent you from removing junk yourself, hiring a junk removal service is a reasonable alternative.

Another advantage of using a junk removal service is it saves you time. If you’ve been putting off decluttering a space because of time constraints, paying someone else to do the work is a plus.

One disadvantage to junk removal services is the cost. Because you’ve hired labor to do the loading work for you, the price can be higher than having a roll-off dumpster on-site.

Labor isn’t the only factor that affects pricing. Most junk removal services charge by the amount of junk you’re removing. That might be OK if you have one or two items to dispose of, but it can get pricey for clean-outs or construction projects.

A basket filled with electronic waste items like computer parts, keyboards, and other e-waste that can't be thrown in the regular trash.
Junk removal services take e-waste items like computers and mobile devices.

What materials do junk removal services take?

Junk removal services take most of the same waste materials as dumpster rental services companies. Additionally, many haul away e-waste products like old computers or TVs and either recycle them or dispose of them according to local, state, and federal guidelines to protect the environment.

Like dumpster rental companies, junk removal services have limits on what they’ll remove from your commercial or residential property. Among the items they may refuse:

  • Ammunition
  • Asbestos
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Fuel
  • Household cleaners
  • Medical waste
  • Oils
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Paint
  • Pesticides
  • Pressurized containers

How are junk removal services provided?

Junk removal services are one-day projects. Usually, you schedule a time for pick up and their workers arrive, remove the designated items, and haul them from the scene.

Most junk removal companies use small trucks and a 2-person crew to collect items from your commercial or residential property. The less stuff you must move, the smoother the process goes.

If you have an ongoing project that produces debris or other waste, using a roll-off dumpster rental company is a better fit. You can keep the dumpster as long as needed.

A woman with a thought bubble next to her that says "dumpster rental services or junk removal services" as she thinks about which is more appropriate for her needs.
Consider budget, physical constraints, and project size and duration when choosing between dumpster rental services and junk removal services.

How do you choose the right option?

Choosing between dumpster rental services and a junk hauler doesn’t have to be difficult when you consider several factors in your decision. Your budget, labor and physical capabilities, and project size and duration all play a role in making an informed choice.

Budget constraints

For most people, budget plays a significant role in choosing between on-site dumpster rental services and a one-day junk removal service. Dumpster rental services involve a flat fee, which is more cost-effective for long-term projects. Your estimate includes delivery, pick-up, and disposal fees so you’re not surprised by unexpected charges.

Junk removal services charge based on the volume or weight of items. Add-on costs vary, which can make it difficult to predict your total costs for using this option.

Labor and physical capabilities

Dumpster rental services require you to handle the physical labor involved with loading your waste. If you have physical limitations or lack the time required to do the work yourself, using a junk removal service may be a better fit.

Project size and duration

Large projects that generate a significant amount of waste over an extended period are best served by a roll-off dumpster from a local dumpster rental service. Commercial and residential renovations or prolonged clean-outs make renting a dumpster more suitable for the task.

If you have one-time clean-outs or smaller projects like large furniture removal, a junk hauler is a better fit.

Making the right choice

Knowing the differences and similarities between dumpster rental services and junk removal services helps you make the right choice for the job at hand. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each type of waste removal. Don’t forget to consider your budget, labor and physical capabilities, and project size and duration.

If you’re still unsure which model best fits your needs, talk with the team at KEI Dumpster Rental. We’ll review what items you need to remove from your site and help you choose which service to use.

Dumpster Rental Services 101: Dumpster Sizes

A KEI dumpster rental services truck drops off a rental dumpster in a field where a client requested delivery.

Not all dumpster rental services are created equally. They vary in their terms of services, the quality of their customer service, their pricing, and the dumpster sizes they have available.

Choosing the wrong size dumpster can end up costing you more money in the long run. If you have more debris and other junk to remove from your site than can reasonably fit in the dumpster, you’ll end up paying additional fees for removal and return services. Worse yet, you may end up hauling the overage yourself to the local dump.

Dumpster rental services with exceptional customer service help you choose which size dumpster best suits your needs. Before you talk with a customer service representative, review some of the most common questions about dumpster rentals:

  • What are the most common dumpster sizes?
  • How do you choose the right dumpster size for your project?
  • What is the cost of renting a dumpster?
  • What items can you put in a rental dumpster?
  • How do you prepare for a dumpster delivery?

What are the most common dumpster sizes?

Most dumpster rental services offer more than one size of roll-off dumpster for commercial and residential purposes. Ideally, you want to select the size that best suits the type and quantity of debris you expect from your project.

The smallest size roll-off dumpster you can rent is 10 yards. The largest is 40 yards. Not all companies carry the largest sizes. Check with the dumpster rental services company you plan to use to make sure they carry your desired size.

Choosing the right size roll-off dumpster

KEI offers customers 4 sizes of roll-off dumpsters. Here’s how much debris you can fit in each of them to help you make the right choice.

  • 10-yard containers are 12 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 2 tons of material.
  • 15-yard containers are 14 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 2.5 tons of material.
  • 20-yard containers are 16 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 3 tons of material.
  • 25-yard containers are 16 feet long, 6.16 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 3.5 tons of material.
Four red dumpsters from KEI dumpster rental services, each with arrows showing the specific dimensions.

How do you choose the right dumpster size for your project?

Choosing the right dumpster size for your project doesn’t have to be difficult. Considering specific factors when deciding what size roll-off dumpster to order ensures cost-effective results.

Review the sizes available and then compare them to the following factors.

  • Budget. The bigger the dumpster, the more it costs. It’s important not to get more dumpster than you need for this reason if your budget is tight. 
  • Project duration. Longer projects tend to generate more waste. You have options in this scenario. Rent the largest dumpster you can fit on-site. You also can arrange for the dumpster rental services provider to pick up the dumpster once it’s full and return an empty one in its place.
  • Space constraints. Larger dumpsters might not be feasible if you’re working with limited space. Blocking public access to streets and sidewalks isn’t permissible in most communities, so you’ll want to choose a dumpster size that fits your property.
  • Type and amount of waste. Bulky items like furniture and construction debris take up a lot of space in a dumpster. You may need the largest size available or rent more than one dumpster to accommodate your needs.
  • Weight restrictions. Dumpster rental services have weight limits on their dumpsters. If you overfill it, it costs them more to transport it safely. Avoid overage fees by selecting the right size dumpster.

What is the cost of renting a dumpster?

The cost of renting a dumpster depends on the size you request and the length of your project. Another factor is the type and amount of debris and other junk you plan to put in the dumpster. As a rule, the larger the dumpster the higher the price. 

Most dumpster rental services provide an estimate before delivering a roll-off dumpster to your requested location. Here are some tips to help you right-size your dumpster rental to ensure the lowest costs:

Book in advance. Some dumpster rental services offer discounts for bookings made weeks or months in advance.

Spring and summer are the most popular times for renting a dumpster. Choose an off-peak time for your project to enjoy price incentives from dumpster rental services.

A full KEI dumpster rental services dumpster sits on location at a home.
Not all items are suitable for rental dumpsters. Check with your dumpster rental services provider to make sure they can accommodate your needs.

What items can you put in a rental dumpster?

You can put construction debris, large household items, and even yard waste in a rental dumpster. It’s important not to overload your dumpster or put prohibited items in it.

Some examples of items you can’t toss into your dumpster include:

  • Batteries.
  • E-waste items (computers, monitors, printers).
  • Freon-containing appliances.
  • Gasoline, oil, and other hazardous liquids.
  • Hazardous waste.
  • Items with corrosive or explosive components.
  • Paints.
  • Televisions.
  • Tires.

Every dumpster comes with a maximum weight restriction. Make sure you don’t exceed it, or you can end up paying more at pickup time.

If you’re not sure whether an item is suitable for your dumpster, reach out to your dumpster rental services provider to ask.

A red dumpster full of debris from KEI dumpster rental services sits in the driveway of a home. The homeowner placed wooden skids under the dumpster to protect the driveway from damage.
Placing wood pallets o skids under the rental dumpster protects your driveway and other hard surfaces.

How do you prepare for a dumpster delivery?

Before your dumpster arrives, you must follow a few steps to prepare for delivery.

Choosing a suitable location is the most important part of the process.  The spot must be level and provide enough space for the delivery truck to drop it off and pick it up. Make sure it’s not obstructing any public access to sidewalks or streets.

Other key steps include:

  • Clear away obstacles – debris, parked cars, tree branches – that can prevent the delivery truck from accessing the site.
  • Get necessary permits from your local municipality or government agency that oversees waste removal. Depending on your location and the type of waste you’ll be tossing out, you may need a permit. Secure them well in advance of dumpster delivery.
  • Prepare the site by placing plywood or other protective materials on driveways and other hard surfaces. Consider marking off the area where you want the dumpster to help the delivery driver locate it more easily, especially if you won’t be on-site during the scheduled delivery time.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the dumpster delivery services provider with any questions. It’s in everyone’s best interest to have the details worked out before your dumpster arrives.

Dumpster rental services to meet your needs

It doesn’t matter why you need a dumpster. All that matters is choosing the right size to accommodate your needs and working with a dumpster rental services provider that offers exceptional customer service.

Everything to Know About Dumpster Rental Services

A full dumpster from a dumpster rental services company called KEI.

Dumpster rental services come in handy when you’re cleaning out your garage or have a renovation project in the works. Even commercial construction sites need roll-off dumpsters to dispose of debris and other waste safely and efficiently.

Running back and forth to the dump yourself wastes time and money. Dumpster rental services are the perfect solution for disposing of large amounts of debris or garbage.

In this blog, we’ll provide everything you need to know before you schedule a roll-off dumpster delivery. You’ll learn:

What are dumpster rental services?

Dumpster rental services provide you with a large container – usually made of metal – you can fill with debris and other types of waste materials. Most roll-off dumpster rental companies offer door-to-door delivery services for their bins.

Unlike standard dumpsters you find at apartment complexes and local businesses, roll-off dumpsters have a rectangular shape, include wheels for easy movement, and come with open tops so you can easily dispose of debris and other trash items.

KEI Dumpster Rental is among the companies that deliver on-site and retrieve the rental dumpster once it’s full.

Dumpster rental services company KEI delivers a roll-off dumpster to a customer and leaves it in their driveway.
Dumpster rental services can drop off a roll-off dumpster in a convenient location.

How do dumpster rental services work?

Renting a dumpster is easy when you follow a few simple steps.

First, you need to determine the size of the roll-off dumpster you need to get the job done. Dumpster sizes vary, so it’s important you estimate the amount of waste you need to dispose of before you place your dumpster order.

If you’re having trouble deciding what size is best, talk with the roll-off dumpster rental company. They can help you decide based on the reason you need the dumpster.

Second, choose a delivery date and location. Make sure you leave enough room to accommodate the size of the dumpster before requesting a drop-off point. The company then drops off your dumpster at the location on the date you requested service.

Third, fill the dumpster to capacity. Never over-fill the dumpster. All materials placed inside should be below the top of the side walls for safe transport. Make sure you don’t toss anything in the dumpster that’s prohibited (we talk about that later in this blog).

Last, schedule pickup of the dumpster when finished. Some companies like KEI automatically retrieve rental dumpsters after 7 days. If you want it removed sooner, call to request an earlier pickup.

What are the benefits of using dumpster rental services?

There are several benefits to using dumpster rental services for your residential or commercial waste disposal needs.

  • It’s convenient. No one has time to run back and forth to a landfill or other waste disposal site. Renting a roll-off dumpster lets you easily toss out items from garage clean-ups, renovation projects, or construction projects more efficiently.
  • It’s cost-effective. Disposing of a lot of waste can get expensive if you try to do it through your curbside municipal waste collection service or haul it to a dump yourself. With dumpster rental services, you know the cost in advance and can plan accordingly.
  • It’s environmentally friendly. Using a roll-off dumpster ensures the debris and other waste you’re disposing of end up in the right place. Dumpster rental companies must follow strict guidelines about where they send the materials they collect from customers.
Four sizes of roll-off dumpsters from dumpster rental services.
Roll-off dumpster rentals come in four standard sizes.

What are the different sizes of dumpsters?

Most roll-off dumpster rental services carry several shapes and sizes of dumpsters to accommodate most needs. The smallest size dumpster is ideal for cleanouts, concrete disposal, and light demolition projects.

Choosing the right size of roll-off dumpster is important when placing your order. You don’t want to waste money by getting one that’s larger than you need. For instance, if you’re remodeling your bathroom, you probably don’t need a 25-yard dumpster.

Some companies carry dumpsters larger than 25 yards. A 40-yard dumpster is the largest size you can rent in most locations. However, they are most suitable for accommodating a complete building demolition.

Choosing the right size roll-off dumpster

Here’s how much debris and other waste you can fit into the 4 most common sizes of roll-off dumpster to help you make the right choice:

  • 10-yard containers are 12 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 2 tons of material.
  • 15-yard containers are 14 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 2.5 tons of material.
  • 20-yard containers are 16 feet long, 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 3 tons of material.
  • 25-yard containers are 16 feet long, 6.16 feet high, 8 feet wide, and can hold approximately 3.5 tons of material.

If you’re not sure what size dumpster you need, consult with the dumpster rental company to find the perfect fit.

What should you consider when renting a dumpster?

There are several factors to consider when renting a roll-off dumpster. Size is always the most important. If you get the wrong capacity, you can end up paying extra for additional trips to dispose of your waste.

You also don’t want to rent a dumpster that’s too large because you’ll pay for more space than you need.

Lastly, think about the duration of your project and how long you might need a dumpster. KEI Dumpster Rental has a standard 7-day service term. Unless clients request pickup sooner, our trucks automatically come back 7 days after the drop-off date to retrieve the full dumpster.

If you need to rent a dumpster for longer than a week, let the dumpster rental company know when you call to place your order. Most can accommodate your needs for extended service.

A full dumpster from a dumpster rental services company awaiting pickup.
Some items can’t be tossed into your roll-off dumpster rental. Check with the rental company about restricted items to avoid additional fees and possible fines.

What items can you put in a rental dumpster?

Rental dumpsters can accommodate a variety of debris and other waste. Some of the most popular uses for roll-off dumpsters include garage and household clean-outs. You can safely toss in household junk, construction debris, yard waste, large furniture, and mattresses.

Overloading a dumpster or putting prohibited items in it can result in additional fees and fines from your local municipality. When in doubt, check with the rental company before tossing an item into the bin.

Never put these items in a rental dumpster

Roll-off dumpster rentals in Pennsylvania are subject to statewide regulations that prohibit the collection of specific materials. You should never put the following items in your rental dumpster:

  • Batteries.
  • E-waste items (computers, monitors, printers).
  • Freon-containing appliances.
  • Gasoline, oil, and other hazardous liquids.
  • Hazardous waste.
  • Items with corrosive/explosive components.
  • Paints.
  • Televisions.
  • Tires.

Do you need a permit for a rental dumpster?

Yes, you may need a permit for a rental dumpster in Pennsylvania, depending on where you plan to place the dumpster. If you’re putting it on private property, such as a driveway or construction site, a permit isn’t necessary.

If you plan to put your dumpster on public property like a sidewalk or street, then you must obtain a permit from the appropriate government agency first. Check with your local municipality or the dumpster rental service if you’re not sure whether you need a permit for your location.

Get the permit before you have your dumpster delivered to avoid fines and other penalties.

A roll-off dumpster rental from KEI sits next to a construction project full of debris.
KEI’s standard dumpster rental contract is 7 days. If you need it removed sooner or want it longer, just let us know and we can work it out.

How long can you rent a dumpster?

How long you can rent a dumpster depends on the rental policies of the dumpster rental company and the nature of your project. Some companies offer daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms.

At KEI, our standard roll-off dumpster rental time is 7 days. However, we can extend the rental period on request for an additional fee.

It’s important to discuss your project’s anticipated duration with the dumpster company before you place your order to avoid additional rental fees.

Additionally, if you finish your project early and no longer need the dumpster on-site, you can contact the rental service to have the dumpster picked up as soon as possible.  

Renting more than one dumpster at a time

Some larger projects require more than one dumpster. You can request multiple dumpsters on site simultaneously, or stagger delivery based on your needs.

If you don’t have room for more than one dumpster on your property at the same time, you can request an empty-and-return service option. It works by exchanging your full dumpster for an empty one. The cycle continues for the duration of your contract.

A KEI roll-off dumpster sits behind a house that's being demolished because of fire damage.
Dumpster rentals can go anywhere you need them.

Where can you put a dumpster rental?

You can place dumpster rentals in various locations depending on the type of waste you need to dispose of and local regulations for dumpster placement.

Some of the most common places to put a roll-off dumpster rental include:

  • Construction sites usually have designated areas for dumpsters. The area must be easily accessible to construction workers and away from the public for safety reasons.
  • Driveways are a popular location for roll-off dumpster rentals in residential areas. If you have a driveway that’s long and wide enough to accommodate a dumpster, it’s one of the preferred places to put it to ensure easy access to you and the rental company that drops it off. It’s also the best way to avoid paying for a permit if it’s on private property.
  • Parking lots are ideal places for commercial property or events that require a roll-off dumpster rental on site. Make sure you have the property owner’s permission and check for any permit requirements.
  • Streets or public property is the least ideal place to put a rental dumpster. However, sometimes it’s necessary. In these situations, you might need a permit from a local government authority, especially if the dumpster might block access to a public space like a roadway, parking space, or sidewalk.

If you’re not sure where the best location is for a roll-off dumpster on the site where you need it, consult with the rental company. They can help you choose a placement that’s convenient for everyone.

How much do dumpster rental services cost?

The cost of dumpster rental services depends on the size of the bin you request and the length of your project. Most dumpster rental companies provide estimates before delivering a bin to your requested location.

Here are some tips to help you get the best price on a roll-off dumpster rental:

  • Book in advance. Booking a dumpster rental in advance helps you get a better price. Rental companies sometimes offer discounts for bookings made days or weeks ahead of time. It also guarantees you’ll get a dumpster when you need it.
  • Choose the right size dumpster. Ordering a dumpster that’s too small or too large for your needs ends up costing you in the long run. For too-small dumpsters, you’ll need extra trips at an additional fee. If you get one that’s too large and you only fill a small portion of it, that’s also money wasted.
  • Compare prices. Don’t just take a company’s word that they have the lowest prices on dumpster rentals near you. Get quotes from different rental companies and compare the prices and the terms of service to ensure you get the best deal. Don’t forget to check out a dumpster rental services company’s reviews to see what other customers thought of their experience.
  • Rent during off-peak times. Spring and summer are peak times for roll-off dumpster rentals. Choosing an off-peak time like late fall or mid-winter can save you money. Dumpster rental companies sometimes offer discounts to encourage bookings during times of less demand.

Dumpster rentals near me

Dumpster rental services are an affordable solution for anyone who needs to dispose of a large amount of waste. House and garage clean-outs, renovations, and construction projects can rely on a roll-off dumpster on site to improve project efficiency.

Don’t forget to consider the size, duration, and location of your roll-off dumpster rental needs before calling a dumpster rental company to ensure you get the best service possible.