Getting a dumpster rental quote should be simple, but many companies hide extra fees that can quickly increase your total cost. If you're comparing dumpster rental quotes, knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. Here's how to get the best deal with full transparency.
When requesting dumpster rental quotes, it's essential to understand what goes into the pricing. A fair and accurate quote should include:
Not all dumpster rental quotes are upfront about pricing. Here are some common hidden fees:
Some companies today (as of 2025) are advertising a "daily rental rate", and they have what is called "haul plus ton" pricing. This means that, instead of a flat rate with all fees included, they charge you one fee per day based on how long you keep the dumpster. AND, then you have to pay for the disposal costs, which is based on the weight of the dumpster. This allows them to advertise an extraordinarily low rate, but almost every time it means you will pay much more in total than if you had rented with a company with flat rate pricing (like Trash Daddy Dumpsters 😎).
🚨 Our point here: be very cautious and skeptical of companies advertising dumpster rental rates that seem too good to be true. The average dumpster rental price in almost all cities across the country is around $500.
If you get a dumpster rental quote from a company with flat rate pricing (which most companies have today), then each dumpster size will have a weight limit, which is simply the weight that is included in the price. Exceeding it results in per-ton overage fees.
Ask about weight limits and average disposal weights for your type of project. At Trash Daddy Dumpsters, our weight limits are set so that only very rarely does someone exceed that limit, which keeps your price low and consistent with no surprises.
Pro Tip: Be cautious of companies offering a "per pound" disposal rate. The industry standard is to measure disposal costs in tons - i.e. $75 per ton. But a few companies today try to confuse customers by changing their pricing to pounds instead. So instead of $75 per ton, they will say "9 cents per pound if you go over the limit". Well, if you do the math, that equals $180 per ton! These companies are hoping that most customers will not do the math to compare "apples to apples".
Dumpsters must be filled below the rim for safe transport. Overloading can result in refusal to pick up the dumpster. This is because if trash and debris are overflowing over the top, it cannot be hauled safely on the road. This can result in extra fees in the form of what is called a "dry run fee". This is a fee designed to cover the expense of a driver coming to get the dumpster. Normally this fee is around $250. Also, even though it's not a "fee", you would have to deal with the inconvenience of offloading the debris to level it with the top of the dumpster so the driver can come back to pick it up.
Hazardous materials like paint, gas, oil, car batteries, refrigerators (because of the Freon), and more are restricted. Loading those items in your dumpster rental will likely incur fines and extra fees. In addition, there are a few other items that you cannot put in a dumpster like electronics, tires, and a few others. You can see a complete list of what items cannot go in a dumpster on our prohibited items page.
Placing a dumpster on a public street may require a permit in some cities, adding to your overall cost. Always check local regulations. However, for the record, this is NOT an issue in most cities. Only a few cities in the country require permits for street placement.
When comparing dumpster rental quotes, follow these steps to ensure you’re getting the best deal:
📢 Pro tip: the lowest price is NOT always the best deal when it comes to dumpster rental. Make sure you compare "apples to apples". Ultimately the total cost for every dumpster rental will be determined by the weight of the dumpster. Do not be fooled by lower initial prices. Make sure you look at all factors (pricing type, weight limits, rental period) when comparing dumpster rental quotes.
🚨 Company A advertises $250 rental for a 20 yard dumpster. They tell you the price includes 1 ton, 7 days with extra days billed at $25 per day, and any weight overage is billed at 8 cents per pound. Stastically, most 20 yard dumpsters will weigh 2 tons or a little less with normal construction or household material. If the dumpster ends up weighing 2 tons, and if you kept it for 14 days (the price included in most Trash Daddy areas), the total cost for company A would be $585! ($250 + $175 for extra days + 160 for the additional ton). Meanwhile,
✅ Trash Daddy offers $490 flat-rate price for the same size, covering up to 2 tons with 14 days included—no surprises! Total cost would be $490.
Note: our prices vary by area. See our service areas page to find your city and go to that page for more specifics about your area.
At Trash Daddy Dumpster Rentals, we prioritize honest pricing and customer satisfaction. Here’s why we stand out:
Avoid surprise fees and get a straightforward dumpster rental quote from a company you can trust. Contact Trash Daddy Dumpster Rentals today for a hassle-free experience. Get a quote in minutes and schedule your dumpster rental with confidence!
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