How Much Does Dumpster Rental Cost? (2026)
The short answer: most dumpster rentals cost between $250 and $750, with the national average around $350–$450 for a standard 20-yard container. Your actual price depends on the size you rent, where you live, how long you keep it, and how much it weighs when it's picked up. This guide breaks down exact prices by container size, city type, and project — plus the hidden fees most renters don't see coming.
Dumpster Rental Cost by Size
Size is the single biggest factor in what you'll pay. Here are the national average price ranges for every standard roll-off container size, based on typical market rates in 2026.
| Size | Avg. Low | Avg. High | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yd | $250 | $350 | Single room cleanout, small remodel |
| 15 yd | $305 | $425 | Kitchen/bath remodel, garage cleanout |
| 20 yd | $375 | $500 | Whole-home renovation, large cleanout |
| 30 yd | $455 | $600 | Construction, large roofing, commercial |
| 40 yd | $555 | $750 | New construction, major demolition |
Prices are national averages for a standard 7–14 day rental including delivery, pickup, and base tonnage. See the full pricing guide for city-by-city breakdowns. Not sure what size you need? Browse the dumpster size guide.
What's Included in the Price?
A standard dumpster rental quote bundles four core services into one flat fee. Understanding what's covered helps you spot when a company is leaving things out of their headline price.
Delivery & Pickup
The quoted price covers both drop-off and pickup by a roll-off truck. Most haulers offer next-day delivery, and you schedule pickup when you're done loading.
Rental Period (7–14 Days)
Standard rentals include 7 to 14 days on-site. Most residential projects wrap up within a week. Extensions cost $5–$15 per additional day.
Weight Allowance (1–4 Tons)
Each rental includes a base tonnage allowance — typically 1–2 tons for small containers and 2–4 tons for large ones. Going over triggers per-ton overage charges.
Landfill Disposal
The hauler handles all tipping fees and landfill disposal. You don't need to arrange separate disposal — it's bundled into the quoted price.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
The base rental price rarely tells the whole story. These five charges catch renters off guard most often — ask about every one of them before signing.
Overage Weight
$60–$100 per ton over your included allowance. The most common surprise charge.
Extra Days
$5–$15 per day if you keep the dumpster beyond the rental period. Adds up fast.
Prohibited Item Removal
$50–$150 if banned materials (tires, paint, batteries, etc.) are found in the bin.
Fuel / Environmental Surcharge
Many companies add a flat fee or percentage surcharge at checkout. Ask upfront.
Street Permit
$20–$100 if the dumpster sits on a public road. Placing it in your driveway avoids this.
Want the full breakdown on saving money? See our cheap dumpster rental guide for more strategies.
Dumpster Rental Cost by City Type
Where you live has a major impact on what you'll pay. Landfill tipping fees, fuel costs, permitting requirements, and local competition all vary by market type.
Rural
$200–$400Lower landfill tipping fees and less competition drive costs down. Rural markets often have fewer haulers, so call ahead to confirm availability.
Suburban
$300–$500The most common price range. Suburban markets have strong competition among local haulers, making it easy to get multiple quotes and negotiate.
Most common marketUrban
$400–$750+Dense cities have higher landfill costs, stricter permitting, and tight delivery logistics. Street permits and fuel surcharges are most common here.
Looking for prices specific to your city? Search dumpster rental near me to find local companies and compare quotes in your area.
How to Get the Best Price
A few simple habits can cut your dumpster rental cost by $50–$150 without any sacrifice in service quality. Here are the five that make the biggest difference.
Get quotes from at least 3 local companies — prices for the same container often vary by 20–30% in the same market.
Book mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) when haulers have more availability and are more likely to negotiate.
Use your driveway instead of the street to skip city permit fees ($20–$100 saved immediately).
Avoid putting heavy materials like concrete, dirt, or asphalt in the bin unless you've confirmed the weight allowance covers it.
Return the dumpster on time — daily extension fees ($5–$15/day) accumulate quickly if your project runs long.
For a deeper dive, see our guides on cheap dumpster rental, small dumpster rental, and large dumpster rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a dumpster?
Dumpster rental costs range from $250 to $750 depending on the container size, your location, and the type of debris. The national average is around $400 for a standard 20-yard roll-off dumpster, which is the most commonly rented size. Smaller 10-yard containers typically cost $250–$350, while large 40-yard dumpsters can reach $555–$750. Prices also vary by market — dense urban areas cost significantly more than rural regions.
What size dumpster do I need?
The right size depends on your project. A 10-yard dumpster handles small cleanouts like a single room, garage, or bathroom remodel. A 20-yard is the go-to choice for whole-home renovations, large cleanouts, and flooring removal across multiple rooms. A 30-yard suits larger construction projects, full roofing jobs, and commercial work. A 40-yard is reserved for new construction, major demolition, and large-scale commercial projects. When in doubt, go one size up — a second rental trip typically costs more than upgrading.
Are there hidden fees in dumpster rentals?
Yes, several fees can increase your final bill beyond the quoted price. The most common are overage weight charges ($60–$100 per ton over the included allowance), extra day fees if you keep the dumpster longer than the rental period ($5–$15/day), prohibited item removal fees if restricted materials are found in the bin ($50–$150), fuel or environmental surcharges added at checkout, and street permit fees if the dumpster must be placed on a public road ($20–$100). Always ask for an all-in quote that includes these potential add-ons.
How can I get the cheapest dumpster rental?
To get the best price on a dumpster rental: (1) Get at least 3 quotes from local companies — prices for the same container can vary 20–30% in the same market. (2) Book mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) when demand is lower and haulers are more flexible on price. (3) Use your driveway instead of the street to avoid permit fees. (4) Stay under the weight limit — avoid throwing heavy materials like concrete or dirt unless confirmed with the hauler. (5) Return the dumpster on time to avoid daily extension fees.
Ready to Find Prices in Your Area?
National averages are a starting point, but your actual cost depends on local haulers. Compare quotes from companies near you to get an accurate number — most markets have same-day or next-day availability.
Not sure what size to order? Browse the dumpster size guide to find the right container for your project.