Rent a dumpster (from $590 for 2 weeks) if you want to load it yourself over several days, or have lots of heavy debris from a remodel. Book junk removal (from $185, loading included) if you'd rather not lift anything, have a smaller load, or need it gone in one visit.
The short version
Both options get rid of your junk. The difference is who does the loading and how much time you need.
| Dumpster rental | Junk removal | |
|---|---|---|
| Who loads it | You | Our crew |
| Time frame | 2 weeks included, then $10/day | One visit |
| Starting price | $590 (10 yard) | $185 (1/8 truck) |
| Best for | Remodels, roofing, big cleanouts done over days | Furniture, appliances, one-day cleanouts |
When a dumpster rental makes more sense
- You're remodeling or doing demolition. Debris comes out over days or weeks, and a dumpster in the driveway lets you toss it as you go.
- You have a lot of material. A 20 yard dumpster holds a whole-house cleanout for $790, which usually beats paying a crew for a full truck plus extra trips.
- You don't mind doing the lifting. Every dumpster has a rear door that swings open, so you can walk heavy items in.
Watch the weight: each size includes a weight allowance (1.5 tons for a 10 yard, 2 tons for a 15 yard, 3 tons for a 20 yard). Anything over is $225 per ton, prorated to the pound. Shingles, concrete, brick and dirt get heavy fast.
When junk removal makes more sense
- You don't want to lift anything. Our crew carries items out of basements, attics, garages and upstairs rooms.
- It's a smaller load. A couch, a few appliances or one room of clutter often fits in 1/8 to 1/3 of our truck, from $185 to $450.
- You need it gone today. There's no dumpster sitting in your driveway for two weeks.
- You don't have room for a dumpster, or your street or HOA makes placement difficult.
Junk removal pricing is based on how much of the truck your items fill, and it includes loading time: 30 minutes on 1/8 to 1/3 loads and the first hour on 1/2 to full loads. Extra time is $85 per worker, per hour.
| Truck volume | Price | Labor included |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 load | $185 | 30 minutes |
| 1/4 load | $325 | 30 minutes |
| 1/3 load | $450 | 30 minutes |
| 1/2 load | $575 | 1 hour |
| 2/3 load | $650 | 1 hour |
| 3/4 load | $750 | 1 hour |
| Full load | $850 | 1 hour |
Still not sure?
Text us a few photos and tell us what's going. We'll tell you honestly which option costs less for your job.