Junk Removal vs. Dumpster Rental: Which Should You Choose?

Some home projects, like remodeling or a top-to-bottom cleanout, will leave you with a lot of junk to get rid of. Renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service can help you clear out all your unwanted waste, but there are key differences between the two. Learn what sets them apart and how to decide which is best for your project.

Dumpster Rental or Junk Removal: Key Differences

Both a dumpster rental and junk removal service can be good options to consider when removing waste from your home. You will need to weigh out what you are ultimately looking for from a disposal company: more time to throw out large amounts of trash or help remove large items from your home.

The project you’re working on will influence your decision, too. For example, if you’re gutting a bathroom, you’ll want a dumpster so you can easily toss out broken tiles, fixtures, and debris. If you’re deep cleaning your attic storage space and need to get rid of boxes of old clothes and the like, a junk removal service is more your style.

What Is a Junk Removal Service?

So, when is the right time to hire a junk removal company? This service is ideal for situations where you need assistance removing large quantities of unwanted items or materials and want the process to be as hands-free as possible. Plus, this disposal method is fast—the pros will haul away your junk within a few hours.

One sign you need junk removal and should consider hiring a local trash hauler service is if you need to dispose of bulky or hard-to-remove items, like large furniture items or kitchen appliances. Junk removal companies can also get rid of old mattresses and dispose of old box springs.

Pros	Cons
Others do the heavy lifting	Variable cost
Set schedule	Limited time to load
Responsible disposal	May not take all items

Best Items for Junk Removal

If you are throwing out large items that can be dangerous to move and dispose of, junk removal companies may be the best option. Companies may have a list of items they will not take. Examples they will take include:

• Big appliances like refrigerators, washers, and more

• Old mattresses

• Sectionals, dining room tables, or other large pieces of furniture

• Heavy construction materials like bricks or concrete that would be hard to move on your own

Pros of a Junk Removal Service:

• These companies do all the work from start to finish. Whether that be hauling that old freezer out or getting debris from your basement, they manage all the junk removal themselves.

• You can schedule your pick-up time. This means you will know when your trash will be out of your home and that it's guaranteed to be out at that time.

• Junk removal services are pros. They know the proper place to dispose of trash and where and how to recycle old items.

Cons of a Junk Removal Service:

• Junk removal costs can add up quickly and are hard to quote upfront. Whether the service fills up their vehicle multiple times or you find more waste in your home, you’ll likely pay for the junk removal service to come back to your house multiple times. This means added costs to your original budget.

• Generally, time is limited. Most junk removal services have time restraints, so if they are unable to remove your waste in that window, you may be stuck with unwanted trash.

• Junk removal companies may not take certain items, like hazardous waste, and may charge more for appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners.

What Are Dumpster Rentals?

Renting a dumpster is a longer and more hands-on process than hiring a junk removal company. Depending on your agreement, a local dumpster rental company will drop off the bin in your driveway and then return five to 10 days later to haul away its contents. 

Dumpster rental is ideal in scenarios when you need several days to remove your unwanted items or materials. Keep in mind that you’re responsible for the physical labor of filling the dumpster, which can be difficult when dealing with heavy or bulky items.

Pros	Cons
Upfront pricing	Labor-intensive
Can fill it over several days	Size and space limitations
Immediately remove trash as you work	Safety concerns

Best Items for Renting a Dumpster

When considering a dumpster rental, think through the items you will be throwing out. If you have a large amount and a variety of items, consider a dumpster. You will need to avoid hazardous materials like paints or oils. Waste items good for dumpsters include:

• Concrete and construction waste

• Storm and yard debris

• Large amounts of furniture

• Multiple appliances

Pros of a Dumpster Rental:

• You know the cost to rent a dumpster upfront. When you research and ultimately rent a dumpster, the cost is a flat-rate price.

• You keep the dumpster for a period of days, making it ideal for long-term projects. You can slowly fill up the dumpster and adjust your removal timeline if needed.

• With a dumpster rental, you can throw out trash as you go without having to collect it in a central location in your home until it can be picked up.

Cons of a Dumpster Rental:

• You have to fill the dumpster on your own. You will have to haul out heavy items and large amounts of trash unless you hire someone to do so, which will add more money to your trash removal total.

• Some locations limit the size and weight of dumpsters, as well as material. You may also be limited to certain sizes or types of dumpsters by the available space on your property. Be sure to do your research before committing to a dumpster. 

• Since you fill the dumpster yourself, you run the risk of safety issues from carrying and disposing of heavy items. Follow all recommended safety precautions to prevent accidents and injury.  

Dumpster Rental vs. Junk Removal

Price: Dumpster

Dumpster rentals cost less overall for the same size load since you aren’t paying for labor. If you fill your dumpster sooner than expected, you’ll have to pay to have it emptied and replaced, but as long as you get the right size dumpster, it’ll cost you less than junk removal.

Eco-Friendliness: Junk Removal

Many junk removal companies will donate or recycle items, including appliances and electronic waste, while what you throw in a dumpster will most likely end up in a landfill. Ask the junk removal company if they donate or recycle and what their process is to ensure your items are disposed of responsibly. 

DIYability: Dumpster

A dumpster rental allows you to be fully in control of what leaves your house, plus you can get rid of things on your own timeline. With junk removal, other people are doing the labor, so you run the risk of them removing items you want to keep.

Time: Tie

Dumpster rentals let you fill the dumpster on your schedule over a longer time, but junk removal still requires a fair amount of work before pickup day. With either option, you’ll need to sort and collect whatever you’re getting rid of—the only difference is when it leaves your house.

Neighbor-Friendliness: Junk Removal

Having a dumpster sitting in your driveway for several days or longer can be a neighborhood eyesore. Junk removal companies are only at your house for a few hours, leaving quickly and taking your junk with them. 

ROI: Tie

Both dumpster rentals and junk removal let you get rid of large quantities of junk—you’re only limited by the size of the dumpster or the truckload. You’ll pay more for repeat trips with both options if your junk takes up more space than you’ve paid for. Dumpsters have a lower upfront cost, but you’ll be doing much more physical labor.

Jess Lynk contributed to this piece.