If you need to rent a dumpster, there’s more to consider than just the cost of the dumpster when hiring the right dumpster company for the job.
\r\n\r\nQuality of service is just as, if not more, important.
\r\n\r\nA company with the lowest prices might have a reputation for being late for deliveries or non-responsive to customer inquiries.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to weigh several factors when choosing the best dumpster service beyond just the bottom price.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen dumpster shopping, you should be asking, \"Which company offers the best value?\" not just, “Which company offers the best price?”
\r\n
Generally speaking, that means hiring a local dumpster rental company.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to dumpster rental service providers, going local is almost always better.
\r\n\r\nWhy? Because we're talking about a service, not a product.
\r\n\r\nSaving a couple bucks means nothing when it gets you bottom-of-the-barrel service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to customer service, small, local companies’ personal approach far surpasses the cookie-cutter style of bigger name brands.
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The bigger companies’ business model is pretty simple: Profit through quantity and speed.
\r\n\r\nTheir \"customer service\" is better designed to pacify customers than actually assist in solving their problems.
\r\n\r\nThat's why you oftentimes hear big company customer service reps reciting standardized answers in a monotone voice with little evidence of concern.
\r\n\r\nAccording to the Harvard Business Review, smaller companies value “sincere empathy over indifferent calmness and common sense over the standard operating procedure.”
\r\n\r\nThe emphasis on customer service over revenue is why local companies’ services are typically more personalized and reliable than those of big-name brands.
\r\n\r\nNot to mention, in this industry, some large waste disposal companies claim to offer dumpster rental when in reality they outsource the service to another dumpster provider.
\r\n\r\nThis whole 'sub-contracting' situation ultimately leads to increased costs for you.
\r\n\r\nIf you're not communicating directly with the company that's supplying your dumpster, there is a greater chance of miscommunication and poor dumpster service as well.
\r\n\r\nLocal companies are more inclined to establish an ongoing relationship with customers due to their dedication to the community and that passion shows in their will to do right by the customer time and time again.
\r\n\r\nThey’re not just out to make a buck, they want to see a fellow member of the community succeed in completing their project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"woman](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/calling-a-company.jpg\")
\r\nWhen calling or emailing companies for quotes (we recommend a minimum of 2-3 to be safe), listen to their tone as well as what they’re actually saying.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGood customer service should last from the first phone call to final pick-up, and one bad customer service experience is usually a good indicator that more will follow.
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If you have an unpleasant experience simply getting a quote from a company over the phone, then chances are you won’t like the way they do business otherwise either.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you’re like 70% of consumers, you’re willing to pay a little bit more for quality service.
\r\n\r\nAccording to Business News Daily, a majority of consumers are willing to spend an average of 13% more if we think it will get them exceptional customer service.
\r\n\r\nHowever, that doesn’t mean you should adopt a “money is no object” outlook when it comes to getting extraordinary service from a local professional, especially when it comes to dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nInstead, you should shop around just like you do everything else, assessing a company’s level of service in addition to their price.
\r\n\r\nThis is why we recommend getting 2-3 quotes or more when possible to ensure you get great dumpster rental services for a fair price.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we screen and verify local companies to help you find the best one in your area, and we publish only authentic customer reviews.
\r\n\r\nSo, you can trust that all of the information published on the Hometown site is accurate.
\r\n![\"hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/simple-and-affordable.jpg\")
\r\nSimply search for dumpster rental companies serving your zip code, learn more about dumpster rental services available in your area, and call the companies you’re interested in to request a quote from them.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re unsure of which dumpster size you’ll need, don’t worry—these companies are experts and will be able to help you pick the right one for your project.
\r\n\r\nHometown sponsors locally-owned dumpster companies that answer their own phone and process their own dumpster requests. There's no national call center or anything like that to deal with; you're connected straight to the company you dial.
\r\n\r\nWe survey waste dumpster and construction dumpster prices in each geographic area across the United States and work with our local affiliate to ensure they are offering dumpster service at a fair and competitive price.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nQuality customer service is just as important as pricing. Learn why hiring a locally-owned dumpster rental company is your best disposal option.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-23T01:15:52+00:00"},{"id":"59dce125-0cb4-5974-a7da-12a05191f452","title":"How Much Does It Cost to Pick Up a Dumpster Bag?","url":"/blog/cost-to-pick-up-dumpster-bag","image":{"path":"/static/4fb5021ee058e2cb069ff866bad45b6f/Bagster-pickup.jpg","alt":"Bagster dumpster being picked up by Waste Management"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"b6b1c3aa-d203-5c85-a336-698781467625","name":"Dumpster Bags","slug":"Dumpster-Bags"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen utilizing a dumpster bag for a project, there are two costs involved: the actual cost of the bag and the cost to have it picked up and disposed of.
\r\n
The cost of obtaining the bag dumpster from the manufacturer or an authorized retailer (e.g., Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes, etc.) varies but generally costs $25 to $35. However, this fee does not include the pickup/disposal cost.
\r\n\r\nBelow, we'll give some examples of the average pick-up costs for popular dumpster bags as well as traditional roll-off dumpster costs to help you make the best, most cost-effective choice for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\n![\"bag](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/bag-dumpster-vs-dumpster-costs-infographic.jpg\")
\r\nThe Bagster from Waste Management is currently the most well known and widely available dumpster bag option.
\r\n\r\nThis dumpster offers 3 yards of capacity, unless you are loading heavy debris, then you are limited to 1 yard.
\r\n\r\nPricing varies by location.
\r\n\r\n![\"Bull](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/bull-bag-pickup_0.jpg\")
\r\nBull Bag is a Bagster alternative that is not as widely available.
\r\n\r\nAs of 2022, Bull Bag is available in select locations within the following states: Connecticut, New York, Florida, Rhode Island, Maine, Texas, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
\r\n\r\nThere are several dumpster bag capacities available, including 4, 6, 8, and 10 yards.
\r\n\r\nAvailability is minimal for YellowSack.
\r\n\r\nAs of 2022, YellowSack is only available in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
\r\n\r\nThe large dumpster bag option offers 2.6 yards of capacity.
\r\n\r\nPick-up costs vary based on the type of waste or debris.
\r\n\r\n![\"Gator](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/gator-dumpster-bag-pickup.jpg\")
\r\nThe Gator Dumpster Bag is another dumpster bag option that is only available in a few states.
\r\n\r\nAs of 2025, these 3.2 yard capacity dumpster bags are available in Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rental companies provide all-inclusive prices that include pick-up and disposal. For example, the average cost of a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450 to rent and this cost includes drop-off, pick-up, and disposal up to a certain weight limit.
\r\n\r\nThe only potential additional fees include overage fees for going over your included weight limit or overfilling the dumpster, or for disposing of items that are prohibited. However, these additional fees could apply to any type of dumpster rental, including dumpster bags. It all depends on the dumpster company’s policies.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Bag](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/roll-off-container-vs-bag-dumpster.jpg\")
\r\nWe encourage anyone in need of bulk waste disposal to explore their options. It’s easy to be drawn in by the low upfront costs of dumpster bags, but there's more to consider. Bag dumpster pick-up costs add more than $300 to the cost in many cases.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost dumpster bags have limited capacity, and this is a limitation you need to consider before using one.
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It’s easy, and quite common, to underestimate the amount of debris or junk you have to dispose of. That 3 yard Bagster can fill up fast, and if there’s debris leftover, you may need to order a second (or more) Bagster to complete the job. This is an expensive mistake and one you can avoid with some due diligence. Bagster does offer discounts on multiple bag pick-ups, but the costs can still add up quickly.
\r\n\r\nA Bagster purchased in Austin, TX costs $30 for the bag and $219 for the pick-up once you’re finished loading it. This makes the total cost approximately $249 for 3 cubic yards of loading capacity.
\r\n\r\nHowever, let’s say there is 2 yards of debris leftover. A second Bagster to complete the job costs $30 plus a discounted pick-up rate of $179. When it’s all said and done, the total cost comes out to $458 for disposal of 5 cubic yards of debris.
\r\n\r\nA traditional 10 yard dumpster rental in Austin, TX can cost as little as $300 ($400 is typical) for a 7-day rental. This saves you money and gives you more loading capacity compared to the cost of the Bagster.
\r\n\r\nThe moral of the story is to make sure you compare your options when determining the best means of disposal for your particular project. Consider the whole scope of the project—from the type and amount of debris to the total out-the-door cost for disposal—when choosing whether to buy a bag dumpster or rent a traditional roll-off container or trailer dumpster.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to get quotes from local dumpster rental companies near you. Search dumpster rental (and junk removal) companies by zip code or city, read customer reviews for the companies in your area, and easily request quotes from multiple dumpster providers.
\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nFind out how much money you can save by renting a traditional roll-off dumpster instead of buying a Bagster or another bag dumpster in many situations.
\r\n","changed":"2025-04-17T16:23:12+00:00"},{"id":"dae1e54f-cbd8-5018-9b7b-fda861f519ee","title":"From Trash to Treasure: 7 of the Most Valuable Items Ever Found in a Dumpster","url":"/blog/from-trash-to-treasure-7-of-the-most-valuable-items-ever-found-in-the-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/560aac51c69760d22fc05cd5ae6afdc9/valuable-items-found-in-the-trash.jpeg","alt":"valuable items found in trash"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"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"}],"populars":[{"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"},{"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":"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":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","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"}],"tips":[{"name":"Roll Off Containers","body":"This will vary based on rules and regulations in your area.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, the most common wastes prohibited from being disposed of in dumpsters include:
\r\n\r\nThese items should be taken to local HHW processing facilities or collected during HHW collection events. E-wastes can be recycled at most major electronics stores, including Best Buy and Staples. Locate a scrap tire yard in your area to dispose of used tires, or take them to a tire store for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster can range from $250 up to $750 or more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The wide variability in pricing is influenced primarily by the following factors:
\r\n\r\nRead more: Lower Your Cost to Rent a Dumpster
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