Insightz

Dumpster Rental vs. Junk Removal: Which Is Right for You?

Whether you’re in the middle of a major home renovation project, have a lot of construction debris, or just need to get rid of some things fast, there’s one job that can be overwhelming: disposing of all your stuff. 

Luckily, there are two easy options to choose from: renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service. People tend to think that a dumpster rental and junk removal are the same thing, but there are in fact some differences.

Here are the major differences between a dumpster rental and junk removal. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about which option is the right fit for your needs.

What Is A Dumpster Rental?

Renting a dumpster is a longer, more independent process. Once the dumpster is dropped off, you’re responsible for loading everything up yourself. The dumpster retinal company will return a few days later to haul the full dumpster away. Most residential dumpster rentals are either 10 or 20 yards, which can hold 2 to 3 tons respectively. Dumpsters generally have restrictions against dumping things like refrigerators, mattresses, and electronics.

What Is Junk Removal Service?

Junk removal services allow you to take a hands-off approach. With junk removal, a company will come to your house for a few hours and take everything away for you. This makes it a good option for items that are too large or heavy for you to handle yourself. Junk removal services are provided by experts who can properly haul bulky items and know the correct way to dispose of them.

Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine which you need: 

1. What do you need to get rid of? 

The first thing you need to do is determine what you’re trying to get rid of. A junk removal service may be your best option if you have a few large items that can be dangerous to move and dispose of, like old furniture or appliances–which are frequently dumped illegally. On the other hand, if you have a lot of trash and a variety of items, renting a dumpster is likely more economical.

2. What is your project timeline?

For long-term projects, a dumpster rental is definitely your best bet. You keep the dumpster for multiple days, which allows you to take your time filling it up. 

Junk removal services are great when you need something gone fast. However, most services have strict time constraints, so if they’re not able to remove all your waste in that window, you could be stuck with unwanted trash.

3. How much space do you have?

Dumpsters can be large, and not everyone has the space to keep one sitting in their yard or driveway for several days. (ZTERS has a dumpster sizing tool to give you a sense of how the container would fit on your site.) However, if you have a lot of junk it’s possible you may need that much room in order to avoid racking up steep junk removal costs.

4. What is your budget?

Speaking of cost, a dumpster generally costs more than junk removal, but it allows you to get rid of more stuff. The price for a dumpster is a flat rate, and as long as you avoid overfilling it or putting in banned items, you should know the whole amount upfront.

Junk removal costs can add up quickly and are hard to quote upfront. If the service fills up their truck multiple times or you find more waste for them to take in the process, you may pay more for junk removal than you anticipated.

Regardless of which option you choose, ZTERS is here to help you get the job done. If you have any any more questions about dumpster rental vs. junk removal services, reach out and we’ll help you find the best solution for your project.