If you need more than your regular trash bin, discover whether you should hire a dumpster or engage a junk disposal service.
When you’re in the midst of a home renovation project that generates a lot of waste, you may need to seek an external solution to dispose of your debris efficiently. You have two primary choices: junk disposal or dumpster hire. Examine the alternatives in this guide to ensure a hassle-free experience when dealing with large volumes of waste.
Engaging a Junk Disposal Service
As the name suggests, junk disposal services are businesses that visit your property and remove waste for you. Reliable junk disposal companies can save you from the physically demanding and inconvenient task of clearing your property.
When to Engage a Junk Disposal Service?
When is the best time to engage in a junk disposal service? This option is perfect for those needing help removing substantial quantities of unwanted items or materials and wanting a hands-off approach. Moreover, this method is quick—professionals will remove your junk within a few hours.
You should also consider using a junk disposal service to eliminate bulky or difficult-to-handle items, like oversized furniture or kitchen appliances.
Ideal Items for Junk Disposal
If you’re discarding large items that could be hazardous to move and dispose of, junk disposal companies might be the most suitable choice. Companies may have a checklist of items they won’t accept. Items they typically take include:
- Large appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and more
- Old mattresses
- Sectionals, dining room tables, or other substantial pieces of furniture
- Heavy construction materials like bricks or concrete are difficult to move by yourself.
Pros:
- These companies handle everything from start to finish. Whether hauling away an old freezer or removing debris from your basement, they take care of all the junk disposal tasks.
- You can schedule your pick-up time, ensuring that your waste will be removed from your property at a specific time.
- Junk disposal services are professionals. They know the appropriate places to discard trash and how and where to recycle old items.
Cons:
- The cost can accumulate quickly and is difficult to estimate upfront. Whether the service loads up their vehicle multiple times or you find more waste on your property, you’ll likely have to pay for the junk disposal service to return to your home multiple times. This means additional expenses for your original budget.
- Time is usually limited. Most junk disposal services have time constraints, so if they can’t remove your waste within that period, you may be left with unwanted garbage.
Cost of a Junk Disposal Service
Junk disposal fees vary depending on the quantity and kind of junk, but normally, smaller jobs cost between $50 and $150, while larger jobs range from $130 to $360 or more. A local junk disposal service can help you determine an accurate price.
Since junk disposal companies generally only stay for a few hours, a permit is usually necessary as long as they comply with street parking regulations.
Hiring a Dumpster
A dumpster hire offers flexibility, as the company delivers a dumpster to your property for an agreed-upon duration.
When to Hire a Dumpster?
Hiring a dumpster is a longer and more hands-on process than engaging a junk disposal company. Depending on your agreement, the dumpster hire company will leave the bin in your driveway and return 5 to 10 days later to collect its contents.
A dumpster hire is ideal when you need several days to dispose of your unwanted items or materials. Remember that you’re responsible for the manual labor of filling the dumpster, which can be challenging when dealing with heavy or bulky items.
Best Items for Dumpster Hire
When considering a dumpster hire, think about the items you’ll be discarding. A dumpster might be the right choice if you have a large amount and various items. You’ll need to avoid hazardous materials like paints or oils. Suitable waste items for dumpsters include:
- Concrete and construction waste
- Storm and yard debris
- Large amounts of furniture
- Multiple appliances
Pros:
- You know the cost upfront. When you research and eventually hire a dumpster, the price is a flat-rate fee.
- Keeping the dumpster for several days is ideal for long-term projects. You can gradually fill the dumpster and adjust your disposal timeline if necessary.
Cons:
- You have to fill the dumpster by yourself. You’ll need to haul out heavy items and large volumes of trash unless you hire someone, which will add to your overall waste removal cost.
- Some locations have restrictions on the size and weight of dumpsters and material limitations. Be certain to do your research before engaging in a dumpster.
Cost of Hiring a Dumpster
Several factors affect the cost of renting a dumpster. The placement and weight of the dumpster might require a permit, but most local dumpster firms will assist you with this procedure. A dumpster rental generally costs between $290 and $480, depending on the size required for the task. Confirm the limit beforehand to prevent additional charges if you exceed the dumpster’s weight limit. A nearby dumpster rental business can offer you more specific information.
For smaller tasks, a more budget-friendly alternative is a Bagster, a durable bag available at home improvement stores that can hold up to 3,300 pounds. The typical cost for these bags is around $170.
Both dumpster hire and junk disposal services can be viable options to consider when removing waste from your home. You’ll need to evaluate what you’re ultimately looking for from a waste management company: more time to dispose of big amounts of trash or assistance in removing bulky items from your property.
Making the Right Decision
To make the right decision between a junk disposal service and a dumpster hire, consider the following factors:
- Project Duration: If your project is short-term and needs immediate waste removal, a junk disposal service may be more suitable. A dumpster hire may be the better option for longer projects requiring multiple days to clear debris.
- Labor: If you have the physical ability and time to load the waste into a dumpster, a dumpster hire could be more cost-effective. If you choose a hands-off approach and want professionals to handle the waste removal, consider a junk disposal service.
- Budget: Determine your budget for waste removal. While junk disposal services may have variable costs, dumpster hires often provide flat-rate fees. Keep in mind any additional expenses, such as multiple pick-ups or labor costs, when comparing the two options.
- Types of Waste: Consider the nature of your waste. If you have hazardous materials or items that require special handling, a junk disposal service may be better equipped to manage those items. For a mix of waste types, a dumpster hire might be more appropriate.
- Local Regulations: Research your local regulations regarding waste disposal, permits, and any restrictions on the dumpster size, weight, or materials. Understanding these regulations can help you make an informed decision and avoid fines or complications.
- Environmental Impact: Both dumpster hires and junk disposal services can dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner. However, junk disposal professionals may have more knowledge and resources to ensure proper recycling and disposal. If environmental impact is a priority, consider this when making your choice.
Considering these factors, you can make a knowledgeable decision that best suits your needs, budget, and project requirements. Regardless of your option, proper waste management is crucial for a successful home improvement project and maintaining a clean, safe environment.