We’ve all heard the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Well, these are some of the most extreme cases you’ll ever hear about.
\r\n\r\nIt’s unbelievable what sort of items people find when digging through the trash, from high-end gadgets to historic relics and priceless items. Let me show you what I mean…
\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/ancient-mayan-artifacts.jpeg\")
\r\nNick DiMola worked at a junk removal company back in 2004 when he was hired to clean out the apartment of an artist who had recently passed away. DiMola discovered a cardboard barrel he mistook for trash and stuffed it away in a warehouse for the next few years.
\r\n\r\nHis curiosity eventually got the best of him, and he opened the barrel to see what was inside. To his surprise, he found $16,500 worth of ancient Mayan artifacts dated between 300 B.C. and 500 A.D., including a stone ax god worth $1,000.
\r\n\r\nVia: NY Daily News
\r\n\r\n![\"Valuable](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/one-valuable-laptop.jpeg\")
\r\nIt was one discarded laptop found lying amidst trash that broke open a highly publicized case involving former Goldman Sachs trader Fabrice Tourre.
\r\n\r\nThe laptop, found in a dumpster by an unnamed person, contained secret emails and other information related to the controversial sales of mortgage securities. The information helped convict Tourre of mortgage fraud.
\r\n\r\nVia: MSNBC
\r\n\r\n![\"Real](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/real-life-treasure1.jpeg\")
\r\nAbandoned storage units are auctioned off to the public all the time, but not all of them contain $500,000 worth of gold bars, silver, and rare coins. The winning bidder, a San Jose man who wishes to remain anonymous, paid $1,100 for the unit. I’d say it was a good investment!
\r\n\r\nThe auctioneer was none other than the husband/wife duo that stars in the A&E hit show Storage Wars, Dan and Laura Dotson. According to Storage Auction Central, the former owner of the storage unit is Daniel David Rigmaiden, a self-proclaimed computer hacker on trial for fraud and identity theft. He allegedly stole about $4 million by filing fraudulent tax returns.
\r\n\r\nVia: ABC News
\r\n\r\n![\"Recycled](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recycled-inheritance1.jpeg\")
\r\nA Kentucky man found $22,000 worth of U.S. savings bonds lying in a barrel of scrap metal at the recycling center he worked at.
\r\n\r\nMaybe even more surprising is the fact that the man, Mike Rogers, tracked down the rightful owner of the savings bonds and returned them to him. He may be the most honest person in the world!
\r\n\r\nVia: ABC News
\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declaration-of-independence.jpeg\")
\r\nA Pennsylvania man purchased a painting for $4 at a local flea market. He liked the frame and thought he could restore it. When he couldn’t restore the frame to its original luster, he nearly tossed the frame and painting into the trash.
\r\n\r\nInstead, he took the painting out of the frame and discovered an old folded up piece of paper behind it. He had found one of 24 known copies of the Declaration of Independence, which were used to spread the good news around the country. The historic document sold at auction for $2.42 million to an Atlanta businessman.
\r\n\r\nVia: AllThingsMundane
\r\n\r\n![\"Lost](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tres-Personajes.jpeg\")
\r\nElizabeth Gibson stumbled upon a painting on the side of a Manhattan street. The painting was sitting there waiting to be picked up by the garbage collectors. She liked the colors used in the painting but didn’t know anything about it, so she took it home and researched it over the next few years. Turns out, it was a lost masterpiece called “Tres Personajes” painted by a famous Mexican artist named Rufino Tamayo. The painting sold at auction for a cool $1 million.
\r\n\r\nVia: PBS
\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/lotto-tickets.jpeg\")
\r\nEdward St. John regularly searched through the dumpsters at a local Massachusetts convenience store looking for lottery tickets. He hit the jackpot, literally, in 2005 when he found a $1 million winner.
\r\n\r\nKevin Donovan, who was apparently the man who purchased the winning Hold’em Poker scratch-off ticket, later sued him. St. John eventually had to give up $140,000 of his winnings in a settlement, although it’s still safe to say he’s one lucky guy.
\r\n\r\nVia: NBC News
\r\n\r\nLearn more about dumpsters:
\r\n\r\nDiscover some of the treasure that people throughout the country have found thrown out with the trash—fine art, historical documents, ancient artifacts, lottery tickets, and more!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-13T11:46:38+00:00"},{"id":"591bc8f7-1adb-5f0a-be30-3bd67f76fe2a","title":"40 Yard Dumpster Guide: Average Costs, Best Uses, and More","url":"/blog/40-yard-dumpster-guide","image":{"path":"/static/bc73f8683b2d59011b9e523c30d4e858/40_yard_dumpster.png","alt":"40 yard dumpster being picked up by dumpster truck"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"e814d78d-e3c3-5606-bb65-731daf3cd048","name":"Dumpster Sizes","slug":"Dumpster-Sizes"},{"id":"35a5742d-fac9-5013-85d5-fdde424c3719","name":"40 Yard Dumpster","slug":"40-Yard-Dumpster"}],"content":"40 yard dumpsters are great options for all kinds of larger (or heavier) projects.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTypically the largest container that dumpster rental companies offer, a 40 yard dumpster can handle big cleanups, large roof removals, demolition projects, large remodeling jobs, and more.
\r\n
This size guide will go over all the details you need to know about 40 yard containers to make the entire rental process easy for you.
\r\n\r\n![\"40](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/40-yard-dumpsters-infographic_0.png\")
\r\n40 yard dumpsters are one of the largest dumpster sizes that rental providers offer. With a maximum capacity of 40 cubic yards, they can hold up to 20 pick-up truck loads' worth of debris. These roll-off containers are typically 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 8 ft H, allowing them to be placed in most residential driveways, construction sites, parking lots, and more. However, if you have a very tight space that the truck needs to navigate to place the dumpster, you may need to go with a smaller size or have the dumpster placed in the street (if possible). Likewise, some companies' 40 yard dumpster dimensions may differ slightly from this.
\r\n\r\nIf you're worried about whether or not a 40 yard dumpster will fit on your property, be sure to ask the rental providers you speak to for exact dimensions.
\r\n\r\n40 yard containers, like most roll-off dumpsters, feature a door at one end that swings open for easy, walk-in loading. This makes it particularly convenient for carrying or wheel-barrowing bulky or heavy items, like furniture, home appliances, and demolition debris, safely into the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nAll dumpster rentals come with specific weight limits that must be followed to avoid additional charges. These limits are in place for several key reasons: ensuring the safety of the driver and vehicle, complying with local road weight restrictions, and protecting the dumpster company’s profit margins.
\r\n\r\nWhile weight allowances vary slightly from one provider to the next, the average weight limit for a 40 yard dumpster is 4 to 6 tons, or 8,000 to 12,000 pounds.
\r\n\r\nExceeding this weight limit can lead to overage fees, typically $75 to $100 per ton, or, in extreme cases, require renting a second dumpster. That can double your costs and delay your project, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unsure whether your debris will push you over the weight limit, talk with the rental company ahead of time. They can help you assess the materials you're disposing of and recommend the best size dumpster for your specific needs.
\r\n\r\nAlthough a 40 yard dumpster is the largest size available from most providers, it’s still possible to exceed the weight limit depending on what you load into it. For example, if you're tossing lightweight debris like household junk, furniture, or cardboard, a full 40 yard dumpster may weigh 2 to 4 tons on average, well within the typical limit. But if your project involves construction or demolition debris, such as wood framing, drywall, or plaster, the weight can quickly climb. A full container loaded with this kind of material might weigh 4 to 9 tons. Roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, can also get heavy fast. A 40 yard dumpster filled to the top with shingles might weigh 7 to 10 tons, depending on the square footage of the roof and shingle thickness.
\r\n\r\nAlways verify acceptable materials and weight limits with your dumpster provider. If you're disposing of extremely heavy materials—like concrete, dirt, or brick—some companies may recommend using a smaller dumpster with a higher weight threshold.
\r\n\r\nChoosing a dumpster isn’t just about volume, it’s also about weight. Below are average weight ranges for a full 40 yard dumpster, based on what you're throwing out:
\r\n
| Debris Type Inside Dumpster | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Weight (Tons) | \r\n\t\t
|---|---|
| Household junk | \r\n\t\t\t2 - 4 tons | \r\n\t\t
| Construction and demolition debris | \r\n\t\t\t4 - 9 tons | \r\n\t\t
| Roofing shingles | \r\n\t\t\t7 - 10 tons | \r\n\t\t
Note: These are general estimates. Actual weight may vary based on moisture content, material density, and how efficiently the dumpster is packed.
\r\n\r\nIf you're close to the weight limit or unsure how heavy your debris is, it may be smarter and more cost-effective to rent multiple smaller dumpsters or discuss flat-rate heavy debris options with your provider.
\r\n\r\nThe nationwide average cost to rent a 40 yard dumpster is about $550-$750. However, your dumpster rental could cost more or less depending on a number of factors.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees vary by rental provider but can range from $60-$100+ per ton depending on where you're located. To be sure you aren't surprised by any fees, make sure you understand exactly what each dumpster rental quote includes.
\r\n\r\nAsk about any potential additional fees that you could incur for things like:
\r\n\r\nAlways factor in the estimated weight of the debris you plan to load into the dumpster, or explain your project in detail to the providers you speak to, as it can get expensive if you go over the weight limit.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\n![\"excavator](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/40-yard-construction-dumpster.jpg\")
\r\nIf the job is big, a 40 yard dumpster is likely the right container for you.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster rental providers you speak to can help you choose the right container size for your specific project.
\r\n\r\n40 yard dumpsters are big enough for most projects, but a smaller container may be a more economical solution for your project. For heavy debris, like dirt or concrete, a 10 yard or 20 yard dumpster may be the best option.
\r\n\r\nSome companies will waive overages for this type of debris and allow you to fill the container to a specified level instead.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you get the best services and the best price possible, we recommend reaching out to at least three different dumpster service providers. We also advise doing so as far in advance as possible. Not only will this allow you to get the dumpster size you need when you need it, but it will also ensure that you don't overpay for mediocre services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBy getting multiple estimates, you'll be able to compare everything each company includes in the price of their 40 yard dumpster rental.
\r\n
For example, Company A may charge $575 for a 40 yard dumpster rental that includes 10,000 lbs for a seven-day period. Company B may charge $650 for a 40 yard dumpster rental that includes 12,000 lbs for a seven-day period. Company B may cost more upfront, but the additional weight included in your price is almost always worth the $75 price increase. If you go with the cheaper dumpster and end up going over your 10,000 lb weight limit, you'll have to pay more than $50 in overage fees. Avoid this issue by reaching out to various dumpster services in your area.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nDiscover if a 40 yard dumpster is right for your project. Learn about its size, weight limits, common uses, and how to avoid extra fees with our complete rental guide.
\r\n","changed":"2025-07-22T12:15:53+00:00"},{"id":"f7683a14-71e9-5689-8a1a-0e04f19c1d4a","title":"How Much It Costs to Empty a Bagster Compared to a Regular Dumpster Rental","url":"/blog/cost-to-empty-a-bagster-vs-dumpster-rental","image":{"path":"/static/55b0bfbeba0c781b8e4c4693e1ae6e32/Bagster-pickup-intro.jpg","alt":"Bagster being picked up by Waste Management truck"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"b6b1c3aa-d203-5c85-a336-698781467625","name":"Dumpster Bags","slug":"Dumpster-Bags"},{"id":"a48cf031-6eb2-5dea-8164-b0d5f901dcdf","name":"10 Yard Dumpster","slug":"10-Yard-Dumpster"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"}],"content":"Bagster is an innovative waste removal option brought to market by Waste Management.
\r\n\r\nToday, there are also similar bag-style dumpster on the market.
\r\n\r\nWhile bag dumpsters do have low initial costs, there is an additional fee to have it picked up; this fee can be several hundred dollars in some cases.
\r\n\r\nThe fee to have the Bagster picked up and disposed of typically ranges from $120 to $300, depending on your location.\r\n\r\n
The total cost of a Bagster is comparable to that of a small roll-off dumpster or trailer dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we’ll compare and contrast these options and their average costs.
\r\n\r\n![\"Is](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bagster-costs.png\")
\r\nBagsters are purchased at various home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and others, at a price of around $20 to $30.
\r\n\r\nThis can be a bit deceiving to some because it does not include the cost to have the filled Bagster picked up by Waste Management.
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, the cost to have the Bagster picked up by Waste Management typically ranges between $120 and $300 (based on 2022 pricing).
\r\n\r\nThe difference in cost is based on location and not on the amount, weight, or type of junk or debris.
\r\n\r\nIt’s important to note that putting prohibited items in the Bagster or overfilling it may lead to additional charges.
\r\n\r\nThe average total cost of Bagster service is $150-$350, including the cost of the bag, pick-up fee, and disposal.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Now that you know approximately how much it costs to utilize a Bagster, it’s a good idea to compare it to other small dumpster options.
\r\n\r\nA widely available option is a 10 yard dumpster, though some dumpster rental companies offer other small container sizes, such as 8 yard or 12 yard dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nThe average total cost of a Bagster is $150-$350 while a 10 yard dumpster costs $250-$450 on average.
\r\n\r\nAs you can see, the average costs of both options are comparable, but the cost per yard of a 10 yard dumpster is quite a bit less than the cost per yard of the Bagster.
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster costs $25-$45 per yard on average, and a Bagster costs $50-$117 per yard on average.
\r\n\r\nClearly, you get much more bang for your buck with a 10 yard dumpster.
\r\n\r\nEven if you don’t believe the debris from your project will require anymore than a 3 yard dumpster, it’s a smart idea to consider a larger dumpster.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt’s not uncommon for customers to rent a dumpster that’s too small for the project, which is why we suggest getting a larger dumpster than you think you need to complete the cleanup.
\r\n
Because Bagsters and similar bag-style dumpsters only have about 3 cubic yards of loading capacity, it can be easy to exceed this limit.
\r\n\r\nBy renting a dumpster instead, you can avoid potential overage fees or having to buy a second Bagster to finish the job.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Cost](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cost-of-two-bagsters.png\")
\r\nEach Bagster pick-up incurs a fee.
\r\n\r\nWaste Management offers a slight discount on the pick-up of additional Bagsters, but the Bagsters must be picked up at the same time in order to receive this discount, and not picked up in separate trips.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if a customer uses two Bagsters in the Grand Rapids, MI area, they will pay $30 for each bag at their local home improvement store ($60 total). They then fill up their Bagsters and contact Waste Management to come pick them up. The pick-up fee in Grand Rapids is $199 for the first Bagster and $146 for the second Bagster, making this customer's pick-up cost $345 and the grand total cost $405 for 6 yards of loading capacity or less.
\r\n\r\nAs you can see, the customer could’ve rented a small dumpster and saved money while also having more loading capacity.
\r\n\r\nThis is a great example of why it’s important to do your due diligence when preparing to rent a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes renting a dumpster easy.
\r\n
\r\nBrowse dumpster rental companies based on your zip code, read customer reviews for each company, and request quotes from multiple dumpster rental providers to ensure you pay a fair price for great service.
Find out more:
\r\n\r\nThe initial upfront cost of a Bagster can be as low as $20 to $30, but the much larger fee is when it comes to the pick-up and disposal. Find out how renting a small roll-off dumpster can save you money rather than buying a Bagster.
\r\n","changed":"2022-05-25T17:14:45+00:00"}],"populars":[{"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":"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":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/allentown-pa.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":"Most 20 yard roll-offs are big enough and strong enough to hold as much as 10+ tons of debris, but dumpster rental companies almost never allow this.
\r\n\r\nThere are 3 main reasons for this:
\r\n\r\nThe truck that picks up the dumpster cannot lift or haul that much weight.
\r\n\tYour city/county’s weight limit restrictions for truck hauling may prohibit it.
\r\n\tDumpster rental companies are charged a per-ton rate at the landfill, and dumpster rental costs would be much higher if there were no customer weight limits.
\r\n\tThe average 20 yard dumpster weight limit is 3-4 tons, or 6,000-8,000 lbs. To determine how much you will be able to put in your 20 yard dumpster, you’ll need to determine your specific dumpster’s weight allowance. Each dumpster rental provider will offer a different weight allowance for the rental price they quote you, so make sure you reach out to multiple providers to get the best price. Once you know how much weight is included in your dumpster quote, you can estimate the approximate weight of the junk or debris you need to put into the dumpster. Local dumpster rental companies are pros at estimating how much debris weighs, and they will be able to help you choose the perfect dumpster for your needs.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"ZTERS](\"/static/836c6a00625e14e9f314f60093ba092e/1064329107644bc21a782b2.jpg\"/)
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe 20 yard roll-off from Zters is a great choice for a wide range of cleanups, such as renovation, home cleanouts, roofing, or small demolition projects. The 20 yard dumpster measures 22’ x 8’ x 3.5’ (LxWxH) and comes with a 3-ton weight allowance.\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFish’s Hauling & Removal is a locally-owned and family-run business by Zach and Ashley, dedicated to making dumpster rental and junk removal easy, affordable, and...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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