Understanding how dumpster rental pricing works and how it varies between companies will make your dumpster rental experience better and will ensure that you don’t rent from a company that overcharges.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways that dumpsters are priced and some fees that you should look out for.

Pricing by Size with Weight Limit

One of the most common pricing methods for roll-off dumpster rentals is to price by the size of the dumpster and the weight of the waste.

This is a simple and straight forward approach to pricing and is what we use to price our dumpsters.

For example, our 15-yard dumpster rental costs $375 with a 3-ton weight allowance.

If you exceed the allowed weight limit, there’s usually a charge per pound after the specified weight limit. In our case, we charge $.03/ pound after our specified weight limit.

Pricing by weight

There are dumpster rental companies that charge by the pound. They usually will have a base fee regardless of the dumpster size and will then charge per pound.

This approach almost always ends up costing customers more and doesn’t let people know in advance how much they might spend.

If you are renting from a company that charges by the pound, make sure to thoroughly think through how much weight will be placed in the dumpster.

Pricing surcharges

Often companies will charge by size with a weight limit, but many will also add in additional charges that you might not be aware of at the time you receive a quote.

A lot of dumpster companies hide fees and don’t explain them to customers until they receive their final bill. We fundamentally disagree with this practice but are very aware that it happens, and you should be too.

The most common surcharges are:

Travel Charge:

Often dumpster rental companies won’t disclose that they charge a travel fee for every mile traveled. This can add a significant cost to your dumpster rental if your home is far from a local dump. Always check to see if travel is included in a quoted price.

Material Charge:

If you are planning on using your dumpster to dispose of concrete, asphalt, or other building materials, it is best to check with a dumpster rental company on their policy. Most companies charge extra for certain materials because they cost more to dispose of at local dumps.

Some of these items include mattresses, asphalt, concrete & tires.

Conclusion

Dumpster rentals will often vary in price between companies. Companies price their dumpsters differently and use different pricing techniques that can make getting an accurate picture of how much it will cost difficult.

You always want to clarify what type of pricing a company uses and check if they have surcharges that aren’t stated in their quote. This will save you money and will keep you from being surprised when you receive your bill.