Faced with the dilemma, rent a dumpster, buy a “Bagster”, or have someone haul the junk away? What is the best answer?

There is no simple answer to that question. There are several things that must be considered before you make a decision.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each service. Let’s look for some answers to questions that you must ask yourself.

Dumpsters

Cost

Typically you pay a flat rate for the dumpster. This simply means that regardless of how much you put into the dumpster, ¼ full or full, you pay the same price. Dumpster companies however will place an upper limit on the weight of material allowed in the dumpster. Exceed the limit and you will be subjected to a surcharge.

Dumpster providers also set a maximum number of days that you may keep the dumpster. Exceed the days and a surcharge for additional rent will be added.

Labor

Sometimes people overlook the cost associated with filling the dumpster. Remember that YOU will do all of the work to fill the dumpster. How valuable is your time? What are you worth for an hour?

Illegal dumping

It is amazing how people find dumpsters and load them up a night. This happens frequently in remote locations and in big cities. The dumpster company doesn’t care who filled it, it’s your responsibility.

Bagster

If you are unfamiliar with them, they are a tarp like box that can be loaded and then hauled away by one of the national waste management companies. The Bagster is approximately 8’ x 4’ x 2’, the size of the bed of a pick-up truck, (a little more than 1cy).

Cost

You purchase the Bagster from one of the Big Box stores (Lowes, Home Depot etc.). The cost is about $40.

There is also a disposal fee for the bag and contents. The price is a variable based upon your location. The cheapest I have heard was $100.

Schedule

It is our understanding that the company states that the Bagster will be picked up within 3 business days of the request. Understand, that an order placed on Friday may not get picked up until Wednesday.

Labor

You provide all of the labor to fill the bag. Once again, how valuable is your time?

Illegal Dumping

Because the bag must be set next to the road, anyone can get into it during the night and day. Thus, there may be illegal dumping. There may also be some unexpected visitors to the unit, rodents and pranksters.

Hauling Service

Cost

Junk/Trash companies typically charge a fee based upon the volume of trash/junk you are getting rid of. My general rule of thumb says that if I were to load my truck/trailer more than two times for a project, a dumpster is more beneficial.

Schedule

Hauling companies come when needed. Obviously subject to their workload. At AC Trash Hauling, our goal is to provide service within 72 hours of being called.

Labor

The hauling service will provide all of the labor. Your biggest job is to get organized before they arrive. On the day of service, sit back and relax. They will do all of the work.

Which method is better? There is no simple answer to that question. Schedule, volume, space all play into the answer.

Good luck with your decision. AC Trash Hauling & More is willing to guide you through the decision making process.