Dumpster Bag vs. Dumpster Rental
If you’ve been to Lowe’s or Home Depot, you’ve probably seen some disposable dumpster bags for sale. These bags are usually advertised as the more convenient and affordable option to renting a dumpster. While dumpster bags are much cheaper than renting a dumpster, does that mean they’re the better option for home waste removal? Well, to answer that you have to consider the scope of your project, and budget. Take a look at the comparisons below to decide which option is best for you!
What’s the Difference Between a Dumpster Bag and a Dumpster?
Dumpsters and dumpster bags are similar in the sense that they are both containers you place on your property, fill with debris and other junk, and haul away. However, they have quite a few different features.
| Dumpster Bags | Dumpsters | |
| Sizes: | One bag size available that holds 3 cubic yards of debris with a 3,300 pound weight limit. | Come in 10, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yard sizes, each with its own weight limit. |
| Dimensions: | 8 feet long by 4 feet wide by 2.5 feet high. | Vary by size. Typically 8 feet wide, 10-20 feet long and 3.5-7 feet high. |
| Placement: | Must be placed within about 18 feet of the street. | Can be placed almost anywhere in your driveway or on your property. |
| Pickup: | Pickup not offered in all locations where bags are sold. | Contact the rental company for pickup on or before the last day of your rental period. |
When making a decision between a dumpster bag or a rental, check with the company offering the service that pick ups are available in your area. Be aware that if your bag is inside your home, or elsewhere outside the 18 foot reach of the truck when it comes time to pick up, they will not be able to remove it for you.
Remember dumpsters are meant for handling larger amounts of debris, if you believe your project is going to generate a lot of waste, estimate the weight of your debris so you can make a wise decision on the dumpster size that best matches your needs.
Pricing for Dumpsters vs. Dumpster Bags
Many people see dumpster bags as the low cost alternative to dumpsters, some brands sell for as low as $29.99. While dumpster bags are definitely cheaper, it’s important that you understand this price only covers the bag itself, if pick up is available you will be charged an additional fee to have the bag removed. Normally the cost of collection for one dumpster bag filled with 3 yards of debris averages to $130.00, on top of the cost of the bag itself, bringing the total to about $160.00 per bag, keep in mind this number may be higher depending on your location and the company offering the service.
Use this chart to compare cost estimates for each option in various situations:
| Scenario | Avg. Amount of Debris | Avg. Dumpster Bag Cost | Avg. Dumpster Cost |
| Minor Home Clean out | 3 cubic yards | $160 (1 bag) | $395 (One 10 yard dumpster) |
| Minor Remodeling Project | 3 cubic yards | $160 (1 bag) | $395 (One 10 yard dumpster) |
| Basement Clean out | 10 cubic yards | $640 (4 bags) | $425(One 15 yard dumpster) |
| Full Kitchen Remodel | 20 cubic yards | $1,120 (7 bags) | $495(One 20 yard dumpster) |
| Multi-Room Renovation | 30 cubic yards | $1,600 (10 bags) | $595 (One 30 yard dumpster) |
From the chart, you can see dumpster bags are the more economical choice for smaller projects and minor home clean outs. If you think your project will generate more than 3 yards of debris or more, then a dumpster rental will always be the cheaper choice.
While dumpster bags can sometimes be a more convenient and affordable option for small scale project, larger projects will always require a dumpster rental. Dumpster bags just do not match up with the affordability of a dumpster rental, remember a roll off dumpster can be used over and over, while a single dumpster bag will only give you one use before it too becomes garbage.
We hope you’ve found this post helpful when deciding whether or not you should get a dumpster bag or rent a dumpster, overall we encourage you to rent if your project is going to generate a good amount of debris. Call us at Dumpster Rental Inc, for an affordable, and reliable dumpster rental today!
