Clearing out several loads of junk can be a cathartic process for homeowners. However, they need to decide what to do with the junk once they have cleaned up the inside of their home or completed a home improvement project. Since neighborhood waste management companies do not have the capacity to pick up such large loads, people typically choose between a dumpster rental vs junk hauling service.

Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster

Roll-off dumpsters come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of most residential clean-up projects. Once the homeowner has finished filling the dumpster with construction debris or unwanted items from the home, the company that rented the roll-off dumpster comes to retrieve it. Most companies offer a rental period for roll-off dumpsters of up to 10 days.

People who choose to rent a dumpster typically have less to haul away. Because of this, renting a dumpster may be a cheaper option. The most common items people throw into a roll-off dumpster include:

  • Construction debris such as drywall, leftover lumber, and metal studs
  • Household waste like broken toys and smaller old furniture
  • Leftover debris from a roof replacement
  • Yard debris

Depending on how much junk they have to get rid of, homeowners may need to call for pickup several times. However, some municipalities require permits or do not allow dumpsters to be left on public streets in front of homes. Additionally, some homeowners report issues with items being illegally dumped in the dumpsters before it gets picked up.

Hiring a Junk Hauling Company

People tend to choose a junk hauler when they have more things to get out of the house, the items are heavy, and they do not want to do the lifting themselves. Junk hauling trucks are large enough to fit several loads at once, which can save on fuel and labor costs. Typically, people choose to contract with a junk hauling company when they are moving or downsizing, having an estate cleanout, or decluttering. Mortgage holders also contract with junk haulers to get rid of everything inside a home after a foreclosure.

One of the benefits of working with a junk hauler is that the company will send at least two people to the residence to carry heavy items such as furniture and appliances. Another thing to consider is that working with a junk hauler will not leave scratches and scuff marks in the driveway. The company backs the truck in and loads it directly from the home. Roll-off dumpsters can leave marks from people dragging them back and forth across the driveway.

Types of Items Not Appropriate for Dumpster Rental or a Junk Hauler

Companies that rent roll-off dumpsters and those that provide junk hauling services cannot accept any type of biohazardous or hazardous waste. Homeowners will need to make special arrangements to dispose of each of these such as a bringing them to a local drop-off center.

Cost Considerations for Dumpster Rental vs Junk Hauling

Several factors determine how much homeowners will pay for each service. One of the top considerations with dumpster rental is the number of days rented. Distance from the rental company and items disposed of are additional factors. The further the company has to drive to deliver and pick up the dumpster, the more it will cost. The same is true for how many items the homeowner throws in the dumpster.

Junk removal services usually charge by volume of unwanted items and debris hauled away. Fees for junk hauling depend on whether homeowners require use of one-eight, one-quarter, one-half, three-quarters, or the full truck.