Most everything in life can be negotiated and the same holds true for dumpster rental rates. Many companies will work with customers on the price if you simply know what to ask for and how to approach it. There are several areas in which you might have some wiggle room with the rental company but the main thing to remember is that you will likely only knock off a few bucks. Be realistic about the negotiation. Dumpster companies still have disposal fees, employee wages, fuel costs, profit margins, etc. so don’t expect them to knock off $100 or anything. Even though it might not be a substantial amount, any savings are appreciated and definitely add up in the long run.
Many people assume they can get a dumpster dirt cheap if they don’t keep it for the entire rental period. That just isn’t the case. Whether you rent for one day or a whole week, the price is the same because the company still has the same disposal costs, employee wages, fuel costs, etc. Those prices don’t change so it is unrealistic to think that by only renting the dumpster for a day, they will charge a fraction of the price. Average savings are usually only around $25 to $50 in some regions.
First of all, you may want to deal with a local dumpster rental company. The smaller, independently owned operations are more likely to have a little wiggle room on pricing because it is more beneficial for them to have a quick turnaround and keep inventory stocked. National or regional companies don’t care to cut deals because they have a massive stock and access to more customers. Also, rental companies are usually less busy during mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best) which is a better time to try and cut costs. Weekends are the prime renting time so if you rented mid-week and had the dumpster back to them the next day, they will have it in plenty of time for their rush and may be more likely to shave off a few bucks. You never know unless you ask.
If you live fairly close to a landfill or a transfer station, you might be able to save a few dollars because the dumpster company won’t have to drive as far and waste fuel. Pointing out fuel savings is a great way to negotiate a few bucks off of your rental.
The point is that there should be some benefit to the dumpster rental company whether it’s saving on fuel costs or renting during the slow time instead of the rush. By offering value to the company they are more likely to work with you on a discount. When in doubt, simply ask. You never know what they would be willing to offer you if you don’t ask about it. If they can’t offer you any discounts, at least you tried and now know.
Another thing you can ask about on the phone are general discounts such as veteran or senior pricing. If you are a contractor, ask if they offer any contractor pricing or discounts for renting multiple dumpsters. This comes in handy on large projects where you may go through 3 or 4 large capacity containers.
Our Dumpster Tip of the Week is Courtesy of the Schaumburg Dumpster Rental Service! Thanks, Gang!
