Dumpster Bag or Dumpster Rental?
What’s the Better Choice? A Dumpster Bag or a Dumpster Rental
If you’ve taken a trip to your local Lowe’s or Home Depot, then you’ve probably seen some display stands for disposable dumpster bags. While these bags may be advertised as the more convenient, more affordable alternative to renting a dumpster, they may not always be the better choice. Many people are curious whether or not dumpster bags can beat the traditional dumpster rental, the answer really depends on the scope of your project and budget.
Take a look at the comparisons below to decide which is right for you!
What’s the Difference Between Renting a Dumpster & a Dumpster Bag?
Renting a dumpster and buying a dumpster bag are similar in the sense that they are both containers you can put on your property, fill with debris, and have hauled away. However they’re are a few differences:
| Dumpster Bags | Dumpsters | |
| Sizes: | One bag size available that holds 3 cubic yards of debris with a 3,300 pound weight limit. | Come in 10, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yard sizes, each with its own weight limit. |
| Dimensions: | 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 2.5 feet high. | Vary by size. Typically 8 feet wide, 10-20 feet long and 3.5-7 feet high. |
| Placement: | Must be placed within about 18 feet of the street. | Can be placed almost anywhere in your driveway or on your property. |
| Pickup: | Pickup not offered in all locations where bags are sold. | Contact the rental company for pickup on or before the last day of your rental period. |
If you’re considering a dumpster bag, be sure to double check with the company offering the service that a pickup is available in your area. Keep in mind if you place the bag inside of your home, or somewhere outside the 18 foot reach of the truck, pickup will not be possible.
When considering a dumpster rental, think about the weight of your debris, knowing the weight of your debris will make it easier for you to decide which dumpster size best matches your needs.
Pricing for Dumpster Bags & Dumpster Rentals
Many people see the low prices of dumpster bags and are immediately drawn in. Some brands sell for as low as $29.99. Before you make your purchase, it’s important to know what the price covers, is it just the bag itself, are there additional pickup fees? Most of the time the collection fee for one dumpster bag with 3 yards worth of debris averages to about $130.00, on top of the $29.99. That brings your total to about $160.00 per bag, this may be slightly higher or lower depending on your location and the company offering the service.
Take a look at this chart and compare cost estimates for both options in different situations.
| Scenario | Avg. Amount of Debris | Avg. Dumpster Bag Cost | Avg. Dumpster Cost |
| Minor Home Cleanout | 3 cubic yards | $160 (1 bag) | $395 (One 10 yard dumpster) |
| Minor Remodeling Project | 3 cubic yards | $160 (1 bag) | $395 (One 10 yard dumpster) |
| Basement Cleanout | 10 cubic yards | $640 (4 bags) | $395 (One 10 yard dumpster) |
| Full Kitchen Remodel | 20 cubic yards | $1,120 (7 bags) | $495 (One 20 yard dumpster) |
| Multi-Room Renovation | 30 cubic yards | $1,600 (10 bags) | $595 (One 30 yard dumpster) |
*Keep in mind these numbers may vary depending on rental company, location, debris, etc.
From the prices above, you can clearly see that while a dumpster bag may be the more economical choice for small scale projects, projects that will generate more than 3 cubic yards should be handled with a dumpster rental.
Dumpster bags can be a convenient, economical option for many small scale projects and DIYers. However, as shown above, large scale projects are better off with renting a dumpster. The price just doesn’t match up with a traditional dumpster, remember whereas dumpster bags can only be used once, a roll off dumpster can be used over and over again. If you’re still asking yourself whether you should buy a dumpster bag or rent a dumpster, the answer can be found by the scale of your project. If you’re considering renting a dumpster, call us at Waste Solutions 123! For an affordable, convenient dumpster rental, call the professionals.