Help & FAQs
We do not recycle, treat, or process the materials—our focus is on professional removal, transport, and disposal of waste through authorized facilities in full compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Temporary Roll-Off Dumpster Rental FAQs
Learn the basics of renting and using roll-off dumpsters for your home or business.
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.
A roll-off dumpster is the workhorse of any home or business construction or remodeling project. It’s the perfect way to centrally and safely collect garbage and debris.
The size and depth of a roll-off dumpster makes it perfect for large cleanups, junk and trash removal, managing remodeling, demolition and construction debris, roofing and driveway replacements, yard cleanups, and renovations after a hurricane, fire or flood.
Dumpsters are sized based on the number of cubic yards of waste they hold.
- A 10 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 12 feet long x 3 ½ feet high. It holds 10 cubic yards of waste.
- A 15 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 12 feet long x 3 ½ feet high. It holds 10 cubic yards of waste.
- A 20 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 4 feet high. It holds 20 cubic yards of waste.
- A 30 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 6 feet high. It holds 30 cubic yards of waste.
- A 40 yard dumpster is 8 feet wide x 22 feet long x 8 feet high. It holds 40 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
- Weight 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.
- Extra Days: Extra day charge may be as little as $5 - $10 per day, or significantly more. Check with the service providers you are considering.
- Overload Fee: Loads above the Maximum Capacity Weight of a roll-off dumpster are fined for each additional ton.
- 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.
We help over 9 million customers across North America each week with trash and recycling services, ensuring safe, speedy, environmentally sound debris removal. Our 43,000+ employees are reliable, focused on safety and committed to our environment.
Flexible rental periods to fit your schedule
Whether you need a dumpster for one week, several weeks or even months at a time, WM has flexible rental periods.
A focus on sustainability and the environment
WM is committed to environmental stewardship, and only uses certified waste disposal facilities. No shortcuts. No illegal dumping. We have 200+ landfills and 100+ recycling facilities in the USA, making us a leader in the trash, garbage and recycling industries. Our past accolades include recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Environmental Gold Leader, and the Corporate Conservation Leadership Award.
When you work with WM, you’re not only protecting the beauty of your area, you’re protecting your company’s brand and guarding against potential legal fees.
Regulatory compliance
Save yourself time and avoid potential fines by ensuring you’re compliant with local regulations for dumpster placement. Don’t forget to check with your HOA or neighborhood association too.Environmental safety is important to WM. That's why we take extreme precaution 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.
A temporary dumpster rental can help you get a fresh start in your new home by acting as a central disposal place to get rid of large amounts of old or unwanted junk, broken items and trash as you’re packing up one home and preparing to move into another.
Once you’re all settled, don’t forget to sign up for WM’s regular trash and recycling pickup service at your new home!
If you don’t think you’ll have enough waste to fill a dumpster, or if you’re trying to minimize costs, you may be interested in our lower-price dumpster alternative — the Bagster® bag.
This is a 3 cubic yard heavy-duty bag, able to hold 606 gallons of debris or 3,300 pounds of refuse. The bag is 8' long x 4' wide x 2'6" tall, large enough to hold full sheets of plywood or drywall. You can purchase this bag at places like Home Depot, Amazon or Lowe’s, then arrange for special pickup when you are ready.