Dumpster bags hold a small amount of debris for cleaning out your home or a very small remodel job. Depending on the amount of debris you have a dumpster bag may be large enough.
The main idea behind purchasing a dumpster bag is for a small amount of debris. They are a nominal fee for small jobs. If you have more debris than will fit in a dumpster bag, you would need to buy additional bags or rent a dumpster. In some cases, renting a dumpster will be less expensive and easier to use.
What are the Differences Between Dumpster Bags and Dumpster Rentals?
There are several differences between a dumpster bag and a dumpster rental such as:
- Size
- Weight limit
- Ownership or renting
- Placement near the job
- Ordering process
- Terms of dumpster rentals
- Availability
- Pricing variations
Sizes of Dumpster Bags and Dumpster Rentals
A dumpster bag is 8 feet long x 4 feet wide x 2.5 feet high when it is fully opened. So it doesn’t really take up that much room on your lawn or your project’s yard. A rental dumpster size is typically 8 feet wide and 10 to 20 feet long and 3.5 to 7 feet tall. So, a dumpster does take up more room and needs enough space for it.
Weight Limits of Dumpster Bags and Roll off Dumpsters
The weight limit of a dumpster bag is 3,300 pounds or 3 tons. This is the only size available. Roll-off dumpsters can hold 4 to 12 tons of weight, and they are available in different sizes that work better with heavy objects. The most popular sizes to rent are 12, 15, and 20-yard dumpsters.
Ownership of a Dumpster Bag or Rental of a Roll Off Dumpster
If you have a small remodel or cleanup job and are going to use a dumpster bag, you will buy one either online or in a home improvement store. The prices vary greatly from one retailer to another and they may range between $30 and $80 for one bag. Dumpster rentals in St. Louis have a set price that you will know upfront when you call to get a quote from a local dumpster rental company. This means no surprises.
Placement Near the Job of Each Type of Disposal Method
A dumpster bag needs to be placed within 18 feet of the street for it to be picked up. Of course, as you fill the bag it becomes too heavy to move, so you need to place it first before you start to fill it. This can mean making many more trips back and forth to put your materials in it, making your job take longer and more expensive if you have hired labor to fill the dumpster bag. An experienced dumpster rental company has drivers that can put your roll-off dumpster in very tight spots and right near your project. This means a shorter time to fill it and less labor if you hired help.
Ordering Process of each Service
To order a dumpster bag, you simply pick one up in a nearby home improvement store or order it online. You should compare prices though because they only come in one size and the price varies greatly. Also, check for shipping charges that will add to the price of a dumpster bag. Renting a dumpster from a local company is simple. You give them a call and tell them what you are putting in it and they can help you determine the perfect size for your job. You will get upfront pricing and they will tell you about any rules that need to be followed, such as the weight limit and prohibited items. You will also be advised of the terms and the length of the rental.
Terms of Dumpster Rentals and Dumpster Bags
Since you buy a dumpster bag and own it, you can take your time loading it with your debris or unwanted items. There is absolutely no time limit involved. A dumpster rental is for a set amount of time and ranges from 5 to 7 days. That is when you should be finished loading it, however, for a nominal fee, you may be able to add another few days to your lease on a dumpster rental in St. Louis.
Availability of Each Type of Service
If you decide to order a dumpster bag, you need to make certain that when it’s time to be picked up that there is a service to remove it in your particular zip code. It would be a big waste of time and money if you fill your bag and then it can’t be picked up by anyone. Dumpster rental services in your area will always pick up your filled dumpster because the dumpster itself is their property.
Pricing Variations
Dumpster bags have varied prices for the bags, shipping charges, and pick-up fees. The pick-up fees can range from about $200 to $400 for each filled bag depending on where you are located. There may also be other local fees and taxes that will be applied to your bag collection as an extra cost that is not outlined in advance. Dumpster rental companies outline all fees possible when you order them and it’s on a lease. This is the most transparent service you can find for debris and waste removal.
Pros and Cons of a Dumpster Bag and a Dumpster Rental
There are some instances where a dumpster bag is better than a dumpster rental and others where the dumpster rental is hands down the best method.
Dumpster Bag Pros
- Good for very small jobs
- Can take your time to fill it
- Has a small footprint on the property
Dumpster Bag Cons
- Can be too small and need to purchase a second one
- A second bag incurs more purchase, shipping, and removal costs
- Placement near the street means more walking to fill it
- Placement near the street and more walking costs more for labor hours
- The pick-up schedule can be quite long after you call for it to be removed
Dumpster Rental Pros
- A variety of sizes to fit your job
- Skilled drivers can place it near your working area to decrease filling time and labor associated with it
- Local companies know about any fees associated with a dumpster rental by the city or your subdivision
- Upfront pricing and terms
- Picked up quickly so a dumpster doesn’t keep sitting in your yard
Dumpster Rental Cons
- Has a larger footprint
- Can’t load prohibited items in it
- Extra fees for overloading it, but discussed in advance
If your debris removal job is very small such as decluttering a small area or removal of a small amount of drywall as well as a small room of carpeting or flooring, then a dumpster bag may work well for you. Any job larger than this that has heavy materials is more likely to need a roll-off dumpster rental.
At Tidy Bug Dumpsters, our knowledgeable staff can help you to decide the exact size of a dumpster you will need for your job and the type of debris. Our expert drivers can deliver your dumpster in extremely hard areas to access for your convenience. We have 100% transparency in prices and services so there are no surprises whatsoever. Our rental week includes 7 days instead of 5 like some other companies. We are local to the St. Louis area and strive for 100% customer service. Call us for all of your dumpster rental needs for a friendly and fair service.
