A roll-off dumpster is a heavy-duty trash container used for big cleanup projects. This large, sturdy trash container is rectangular in shape and made of welded steel with an open top for easy, on-location loading of junk, trash and debris. Its large capacity makes it ideal for a cleanup, remodel, renovation or demolition. The industry name for these garbage containers is “roll-off dumpster” because they are delivered by a truck that rolls the dumpster off the back of the truck.

The first choice to make when renting a dumpster is deciding what size you need. Dumpsters are sized based on the number of cubic yards of waste they hold.

A 3-yard dumpster is 7.44 feet wide x 4.54 feet long x 3.3 feet high. It holds 3 cubic yards of waste.

A 4-yard dumpster is 7.44 feet wide x 4.54 feet long x 4.24 feet high. It holds 4 cubic yards of waste.

*A cubic yard is 3 feet wide x 3 feet long x 3 feet wide. Weight will vary for a cubic yard. For example, a cubic yard of popcorn will weigh significantly less than a cubic yard of housing shingles.

Dumpster rental prices vary across the country, but all rates are dependent on:

Type of debris

Dumpster size for the job

Duration of rental

Other fees that are common across most dumpster rental companies include:

Delivery Fee: Charged for dumpster delivery to the site.

Removal Fee: Charged for dumpster haul-off from the site.

Shorter Rental: DropSkip tailors rentals as best possible to accurately gain details about the type of debris.

Extra Days: Extra day charges are half the price of the rental per day. Check with the service providers you are considering.

Overflow Fee: Any debris not beneath the Maximum Fill Line on an open-top dumpster may incur this charge.

Overload Fee: Loads above the Maximum Capacity Weight of a roll-off dumpster are fined for each additional ton.

Special Items Fee: For electronics and bulky household items. Regulations vary across local and state sites.

Taxes: You will be charged federal and state taxes, in most cases, for your dumpster rental.

Permitting costs should also be taken into consideration. For more information, contact your local city or county as this charge is not included in the cost of your dumpster rental.

Environmental safety is important to WM. That's why we take extreme precautions when handling and disposing of hazardous waste. Batteries, asbestos, harmful chemicals, flammable liquids, and more are considered environmental hazards and should not go in any dumpster. You will be asked to remove these items if you put them in a dumpster rental.

Hazardous materials are classified differently by country, state, county, and city. Be familiar with, or ask one of our team members, what is acceptable in your area’s recycling centers and landfills. Additional fees may be charged for some materials. Be clear and up-front on what you will be putting into a dumpster to ensure you will not be penalized for hazardous content.