Hauling your junk, trash, or debris to the landfill isn't something that most people do every day, and for good reason.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe smell alone is enough to deter most people from attempting to tackle the landfill themselves, but in a desperate pinch, you may find yourself contemplating whether or not hauling your trash to the landfill yourself is the most economical option.
\r\n
We'll go over the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nThe first thing you'll need to do if you want to haul your junk to the landfill yourself is make sure that you have a vehicle capable of fitting all your junk in one trip. Once that's confirmed, you'll need to make sure all junk is secure and not at risk of flying out of the vehicle during transport.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live and when you go, there will likely be a line of cars waiting to access the landfill. In large cities, it's not uncommon to wait in line at the landfill, sometimes hours in certain cities.
\r\n\r\nBefore you enter, your car will be weighed so that they'll know how much to charge you when you leave. You'll then be directed to a dumping location—typically towards the top of the trash pile—where you will be able to unload your garbage and debris.
\r\n\r\nBecause so many others are dumping all kinds of different waste in the same area, it's important to be very careful when driving and walking at a landfill site. There are plenty of hazards that could cause you to puncture a tire or damage your car in other ways, so you'll want to drive slow and make sure you're keeping your eyes peeled for any sharp objects.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've emptied your vehicle of waste, you'll drive to the exit where you will be weighed again to determine the weight of waste you've dumped so you can be charged accordingly.
\r\n\r\nLandfill fees vary, but the average cost of landfill fees across the U.S. is around $40-$60 per ton—or around $15-$30 per cubic yard for relatively small loads—but landfill fees aren't the only cost to consider.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to consider the cost of fuel and your time when deciding whether or not to haul your items to a landfill yourself. When gas prices are high, the cost of driving to and from the landfill can add up quicker than you'd expect. Depending on how you value your time, this could influence your decision as well.
\r\n\r\nThe labor of loading your trash into the vehicle or trailer, waiting in line for your car to be weighed, unloading it once you're at the landfill, waiting in line again to exit, and then cleaning your truck or trailer afterwards can easily cost you a full working day or more, not to mention if your car incurs any damage during drop-off.
\r\n\r\nWhen you consider all these factors, it might make more sense to spend a little more money for a significantly more convenient, efficient, and safe disposal option.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/landfill-help.png\")
\r\nThere are two common alternatives for large disposal projects that can save you quite a bit of time and back-breaking labor:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal crew is definitely the most convenient method of the two for most projects because it requires zero heavy lifting or loading on your part.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies send a crew, usually made up of two workers, to come to your location and load all your unwanted items into their truck or trailer. It's as simple as requesting quotes from local companies and showing them what to take once they've arrived. After they've loaded your items, they'll provide you with an invoice that you can either pay on the spot or you can call into their office and pay over the phone.
\r\n\r\nWhile usually slightly more expensive than renting a dumpster, the convenience often outweighs the cost for many and has quickly become one of the most popular methods for large and bulky waste disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you have seven or more cubic yards worth of waste to get rid of, renting a dumpster might make more sense for you. Renting a dumpster is a simple process that involves contacting a dumpster rental company, choosing a container size, scheduling it to be dropped off at your property, filling it up, and having it hauled away.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers have door(s) that swing open, making loading very easy by being able to walk in any large or heavy items. Trailer dumpsters and roll-off bins both feature an open top so that you can easily throw your trash inside without having to worry about navigating a lid. 10 yard dumpsters are one of the most popular sizes for residential projects because they can hold a significant amount of waste for an affordable price, costing between $250-$450 on average.
\r\n\r\nWhen you want to gather more information about these types of services in your area, the best thing to do is to contact different companies and compare quotes. Hometown makes it easy to get free quotes with our single quote-request form. By entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your disposal needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area that are licensed, local, and eager to earn your business.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing quotes, also take into consideration the type of customer service you're given, their availability, and reviews left by other verified customers. Getting quotes from both junk removal and dumpster rental companies in your area will help give you a better idea of what average prices are near you and which service will best fit your budget and timeline.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have large amounts of trash, junk, or debris to get rid of, you may be considering hauling your trash to the landfill yourself. Read about the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n","changed":"2025-05-01T23:06:53+00:00"},{"id":"0d8fa81b-53b9-5f39-bdb8-bfbda4056db7","title":"Why You Should Rent from a Locally-Owned Dumpster Company","url":"/blog/rent-from-locally-owned-dumpster-company","image":{"path":"/static/fb6ea2f9745a7f868db6a3a9fc6dcfe9/dump.png","alt":"Roll-off dumpster on truck driving down dirt road"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"eaa330a8-0d72-5067-8dcf-6c77df0afbab","name":"Temporary Dumpster Rental","slug":"Temporary-Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"b001adc0-1fd8-533a-ad57-be02a4846eff","name":"Roll Off Dumpsters","slug":"Roll-Off-Dumpsters"}],"content":"When it comes to most goods and services, shopping and hiring local is always a great idea.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHiring local is an especially good idea when you're in need of a dumpster rental.
\r\n
Hometown is the best resource for finding locally-owned and operated dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S.
\r\n\r\n![\"Why](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/why-rent-local-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nOne of the most important aspects that dumpster rental customers tend to consider is cost.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to pricing, locally-owned dumpster companies usually cost less than large, nation-wide waste disposal chains.
\r\n\r\nLocal services don't have to navigate transferring their inventory from one city or state to the next in order to service their clients, which can't always be said for large chains.
\r\n\r\nFor example: The average cost to rent a 20 yard dumpster in the U.S. from a local provider is $350-$550, while the same size dumpster typically averages around $100 more in the same area from national chains, like Waste Management. The average cost to rent a 20 yard dumpster from Waste Management is $450-$650.
\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nDumpster companies that only service one general area tend to have more availability and less wait times than their multi-state competitors.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal services generally give all their customers equal priority, while global or national chains offer the best service to large contractors who are their bread and butter.
\r\n
When you're spending hundreds of dollars on a service, you want and deserve to feel like a priority to the company you're giving your business to.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to the dumpster industry, local providers are by far the best choice when you have a specific timeline you're working with.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nProjects that are large enough to require a dumpster rental usually require an organized timeline.
\r\n\r\nSo when you rent a dumpster, it's important that the delivery and pickup time that you schedule is maintained.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPoor service and communication can cause delays in your project schedule which can ultimately cost you money.
\r\n
Some dumpster companies are only brokers who act as middlemen. They take your order and source it out to the highest bidder, which is often the case when you go to a big box store to rent a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nDirect communication with the service providing your dumpster is important in order to avoid miscommunication and a delayed timeline, which is why hiring a local company is ideal for dumpster rentals and deliveries.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Couple](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/quotes.png\")
\r\nLocal dumpster rental companies are both cost-efficient and time-efficient.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to get the best dumpster rental price is to get multiple quotes, and searching for providers on Hometown is the most efficient way to locate and request free quotes from multiple providers in your area at a time.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your project needs, you'll be shown a variety of locally-owned and operated dumpster companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nBeing able to request an unlimited amount of free dumpster rental quotes from one web page is fast, efficient, and easy.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to most goods and services, shopping and hiring local is always a great idea. This is especially true when you're in need of a dumpster rental. Learn why renting local is best and how to find locally-owned and operated dumpster companies for free with Hometown.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T17:06:30+00:00"},{"id":"5ca2a112-221a-5617-9bdb-a8accb28527c","title":"The Cheapest Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Junk","url":"/blog/cheapest-ways-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-junk","image":{"path":"/static/d3cd47800ff8d0de67d3d3fe04e704b6/trash.png","alt":"piles of garbage and trash outside of overflowing garbage bin"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"When it comes to getting rid of unwanted junk and clutter lying around the house, there are several options available.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we understand the importance of fast and affordable junk hauling and waste disposal, so we've gathered the best and most affordable junk removal options available on the market today.
\r\n\r\n![\"The](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-unwanted-junk_0.png\")
\r\nAs the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure.
\r\n\r\nOne of the cheapest ways to get rid of unwanted junk is to list it online as a free item.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Facebook Marketplace is a popular choice to list items for free or for sale.
\r\n\r\nTake a few photos of your unwanted items, give them an accurate and detailed listing description, and set their listing price as $0.
\r\n\r\nIncluding \"FREE\" at the beginning of your listing title and description will draw the attention of those looking for free items.
\r\n\r\nMany people also set the items at the curb with a sign that states it is free so that anyone driving by can pick them up as well.
\r\n\r\nWhile this is a great way to get rid of your unwanted junk at no monetary cost to you, it may require patience.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the area you live and the items you're trying to get rid of, it may take several days, perhaps even weeks, for the right person to see your items and take them off your hands.
\r\n\r\nLeaving items at your curb for too long can result in fines in some areas, so make sure you're aware of local laws and ordinances.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a pinch and need to get rid of items fast, this may not be your best solution.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Who Will Pick Up Used Appliances or Furniture for Free?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother free option to get rid of unwanted items is to drop them off at a local donation center.
\r\n\r\nThe only out-of-pocket cost for this solution is whatever fuel it takes for you to make the round trip.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to understand what type of items are accepted at your local donation centers.
\r\n\r\nMany places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army will not take certain types of furniture or appliances, so do some research before you take the time to load and haul your items.
\r\n\r\nIf your unwanted items are broken, dirty, or in overall poor condition, you should not attempt to donate them.
\r\n\r\nOld junk in poor condition should be properly disposed of or recycled.
\r\n\r\nDid you know that junk removal companies donate a vast majority of the junk they remove from people's homes? If you have large items to donate or a pile of things, simplify the process by hiring a junk removal company to haul the items to the donation center for you. They'll even provide you with a receipt of donation. (Be sure to ask.)
\r\nDepending on where you live, your city or township may offer bulk waste pick-up services.
\r\n\r\nMost areas require you to schedule your pick-up and pay for it ahead of time, while some may have designated dates and times for bulk waste pick-ups.
\r\n\r\nYour weekly trash pick-up service likely offers this service as well, but when the service is available and what items are allowed will vary from one location to the next.
\r\n\r\nIf you aren't on a time schedule and these services are available in your area, these curb pick-up service may be the most affordable option if online marketplaces or donation centers aren't an option for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you have 7 cubic yards or more worth of junk to get rid of, renting a dumpster is a cost-efficient way to get rid of large amounts of junk and trash at once.
\r\n\r\nTemporary dumpster rentals come in different styles and sizes to accommodate disposal projects of all sizes, like garage cleanouts, whole home cleanouts, condo or apartment cleanouts, tenant cleanups, single room cleanouts, and everything in between.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince most dumpster rentals last 5-7 days, renting a dumpster allows you to take your time and really go through all of your belongings to get rid of the most junk at once.
\r\n
10 yard and 20 yard dumpsters are the most popular sizes for residential projects and cost $250-$550 on average.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't think you have enough items to fill up a 10 yard container but like the flexibility that having a dumpster at your property provides, ask your neighbors if they would be interested in sharing one with you. This could split your dumpster rental costs by 50% or more!
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf none of the above solutions fit your schedule or apply to your situation, hiring professional junk removal services to take care of everything for you is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get rid of unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nWhile not always the cheapest, junk removal services are affordable and the convenience it provides is invaluable to many.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are known for their speed and are trained to perform the most thorough job in the shortest amount of time, all while being respectful and discrete.
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many junk removal companies take time to go through the belongings you're getting rid of and set aside any recyclables or items that are in condition to be donated before they haul the rest to a landfill, so you can feel confident knowing your items are being disposed of as responsibly as possible.
\r\n\r\nIf you decide to bring in a professional to either rent a dumpster from or to haul away your items via junk removal services, getting multiple quotes is the best practice to ensure you're paying a competitive price and getting the quality customer service you deserve with the availability that you require.
\r\n\r\nHometown can help you accomplish all that and more.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned, licensed, and insured junk removal and dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S.
\r\n\r\nYou can read all about each companies' services, read reviews from real customers, and request as many quotes as you would like - all for free!
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code in our database, you'll be shown qualified businesses that service your area and are eager to help you reclaim your space, one truckload of unwanted junk at a time.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to getting rid of unwanted junk and clutter lying around the house, there are several options available. Read about the best and most affordable junk removal options available on the market today.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-03T13:04:29+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-allentown-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-pittsburgh-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/dumpsters-allentown.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"The nationwide average cost of renting a 20 yard roll-off container is between $350 and $550. Other charges for overages, tonnage, fuel surcharges, late fees, and certain types of debris may also apply. Always ask the dumpster providers you speak to about what the potential for extra charges so you aren’t surprised by anything. Also, be aware that dumpster prices can vary quite a bit from one location to the next, so check out our ultimate pricing guide and list of dumpster costs in all 50 states to get an idea for what a good price is in your area.
\r\n\r\n20 yard dumpsters are the most commonly rented size due to their versatility. 20 yard bins are an economical choice for a number of reasons.
\r\n\r\n20 yard dumpsters are great for all kinds of projects:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tAmeri-Bin is your full service waste hauling and junk removal service. We provide affordable, professional and prompt service. At Ameri-Bin we know that time is of the essence so we work hard to work within your time and deadlines.&...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAll-Green Services LLC is your best resource for dumpster and storage container rentals as well as recycling services. We maintain a large fleet and have...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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