Is it cheaper to rent or buy a dumpster? 

Depends on the frequency of dumpsters that you order for the lowest grade dumpster. You will need a diesel truck and about a $15000 $20,000 dumpster setup to get started, many businesses normally order these Dumpsters because they are using them once twice a week and it's just more cost effective for them to have it in house. Normally in Marlets where there's a lot of competition. Each dumpster company will bring something different to the table as far as price or what can be dumped or reliability. Each of these options should be checked out as far as looking for the best rental for your needs. Some are more expensive but offer more. Some are least expensive but may crack your driveway.

Dumpster costs normally relate to the size, volume, accessibility, and whatever add-ons the company may have for that dumpster. This dumpster prices can be very relative but there's normally a drop off a pickup fee or a flat rate for both of those and then a dump fee and also a time frame fee for the time that you have it. 

Our company offers for 14 yd, 20, yarders, 30 yarders and 40 yarders 

Each one has a different price. Typically a 20-yard runs anywhere from $400 to $600 up front and then there will be dump fees. 

And 20 yarders are one of the best sizes because they can handle concrete. Normally they can handle a full garage. They can handle most medium to possibly full sized cleanouts or junk removals.

Here are the cheapest ways to get rid of junk in Lubbock, Texas:

• DIY with Friends and Family (The Absolute Cheapest):

  • Borrow a Friend's Truck: This is often the most cost-effective solution if you have access to a pickup truck and some willing helpers. You'll primarily incur costs for fuel to transport the junk to a disposal site.

  • Recruit Help: Ask friends, neighbors, or family members to lend a hand with loading and unloading. Offering to provide food, drinks, or a small favor in return can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

  • Benefit from Collective Effort: Many hands make light work. For larger items or significant amounts of junk, having multiple people can save you time and prevent injuries.

• Give Away or Sell Items Locally (Can Even Make You Money):

  • Facebook Marketplace/Groups: Lubbock has active Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell/trade groups. List items you no longer need but are still in decent condition. Clearly state "free" or your asking price. People often look for furniture, appliances, building materials, and even usable scrap metal.

  • Nextdoor App: Connect with your immediate neighbors on Nextdoor. It's a great platform for offering items for free or for sale, as people nearby can easily pick them up.

  • Word-of-Mouth: Let friends and family know you have items to give away. Someone you know might be looking for exactly what you're trying to get rid of.

  • Local Charities/Thrift Stores: For items that are still functional and clean, consider donating them to local charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or smaller independent thrift stores in Lubbock. Many offer free pickup services for larger items, saving you hauling effort.

• Utilize a Local, Non-Franchised Junk Removal Company (Cost-Effective Professional Option):

  • Community-Focused Service: Local companies, like Lubbock TX Junk Removal, often have lower overheads than national franchises, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing. They are also more likely to be deeply invested in the community and understand local needs.

  • Flexible and Personalized: Non-franchised businesses often have more flexibility in their pricing and scheduling. They can tailor services to your specific needs, whether it's a small appliance removal or a large-scale cleanout.

  • Direct Communication: You'll typically be dealing directly with the owner or a smaller team, leading to clearer communication and a more personalized customer experience.

  • Appropriate Equipment: Reputable local companies will have the necessary equipment, including dumpsters of various sizes, to efficiently handle different types and volumes of junk.

• Consider Larger, Franchised Junk Removal Companies (Convenient but More Expensive):

  • Recognized Brands: Companies like College Hunks Hauling Junk, 1-800-Junk, or Junk King are widely recognized and offer professional, reliable service.

  • Higher Cost: Be prepared for higher prices, often two to three times more expensive than local, independent companies. This is due to their extensive marketing, national infrastructure, and franchise fees.

  • Limited Dumpster Size/Accessibility: While they offer comprehensive services, their standard dumpster sizes may be smaller than what some independent operators can provide, potentially requiring multiple trips for very large jobs. They might also have less flexibility in scheduling or accessibility for very specific, non-standard removal requests compared to a local business that can adapt quickly.

  • Good for Urgent or Hands-Off Removal: If you need junk removed quickly and prefer a completely hands-off experience, and budget is less of a concern, these larger companies are a viable option.

When time is of the essence what's better to go with a professional in the industry.  in the junk removal service it's mostly about having the right tools at the right time size of trailer  truck and or dumpsters is important.   many times junk removal companies are used when a customer needs something done in a timely and Speedy manner.  like an eviction or a hoarder clean out or the husband is away during work and some of the things that he collects during the day needs to be disposed of before he gets back from work.

junk removal companies can get a volume on in a faster way than normally a customer can with the back of their vehicle SUV normally customers cars.

Here's a list of items that can typically be put into a dumpster, based on the Interactive Dumpster Guide:

• Furniture: Sofas, chairs, recliners, tables (dining, coffee, end tables), dressers, cabinets, bookshelves, beds (frames, headboards, footboards - note that mattresses often have separate rules or fees).

• Appliances (Non-Freon): Washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves.

• Yard Waste (Non-Hazardous): Branches, leaves, brush, grass clippings, small stumps (check size limits), large trees (may have weight limits or require specialized dumpsters), excessive dirt/rock (may have weight limits or require specialized dumpsters).

• Construction & Demolition Debris: Wood (lumber, plywood, drywall scraps), drywall, plaster, shingles, roofing materials, flooring (hardwood, laminate, tile), insulation, non-hazardous concrete (often requires specific 'heavy debris' dumpsters due to weight), bricks (often requires specific 'heavy debris' dumpsters due to weight), asphalt (often requires specific 'heavy debris' dumpsters due to weight), pipes (PVC, copper, etc. - ensure no hazardous residue).

• General Junk & Clutter: Clothes, textiles, toys, books, cardboard, paper, plastics (non-hazardous), general household trash (bagged or loose), old tools (non-motorized, no fuel), garden equipment (non-motorized, no fuel).

Important Reminder: Always double-check with your specific dumpster rental provider and local regulations in Lubbock, TX, as rules and acceptable items can vary. We list off our items in the contract. 

Junk removal companies often encounter items that are difficult to haul, require specialized disposal, or pose a higher cost due to their nature. These items frequently incur additional fees beyond standard junk removal pricing.

Here's a breakdown of such items:

• Difficult/Bulky/Heavy Items (Often More Expensive due to Labor/Equipment):

  • Pianos: Extremely heavy, cumbersome, and often require multiple crew members and specialized equipment to move safely.

  • Hot Tubs/Spas: Large, heavy, and often require dismantling before removal, adding to labor time.

  • Pool Tables: Similar to pianos, they are very heavy, difficult to maneuver, and may need to be disassembled.

  • Large Appliances (e.g., non-Freon refrigerators/freezers/AC units): While non-Freon appliances can be taken, their size and weight make them challenging to load and unload.

  • Oversized Furniture: Very large couches, sectionals, or entertainment centers that don't easily fit through doors or require significant effort to break down.

  • Construction Debris (Large Quantities): While some construction debris is allowed, very heavy items like large amounts of concrete, bricks, or asphalt can drastically increase the weight of a load, leading to higher disposal fees at landfills which charge by weight.

  • Large Tree Stumps/Logs: Their irregular shape and weight make them difficult to handle and often require specialized equipment for removal.

  • Sheds, Decks, or Playhouses: These typically require dismantling services, adding significant labor time and cost.

• Chemicals & Hazardous Items (Often Prohibited or Much More Expensive due to Specialized Disposal):

  • Paints, Solvents, Thinners: Classified as hazardous waste due to flammability and environmental impact. Requires specific hazardous waste disposal facilities.

  • Motor Oil, Antifreeze, Automotive Fluids: These are pollutants and cannot be disposed of in standard landfills. They require recycling at designated facilities.

  • Batteries (Car and Household): Contain various chemicals and heavy metals that are toxic. They must be recycled at designated collection points.

  • Pesticides, Herbicides, Fertilizers: Agricultural and garden chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and public health if not disposed of properly.

  • Asbestos: A highly hazardous material requiring specialized training, equipment, and disposal protocols due to its severe health risks.

  • Propane Tanks/Aerosol Cans: Can be explosive under certain conditions and often contain flammable propellants.

  • Medical Waste/Sharps: Biohazardous materials that pose a health risk and require strict medical waste disposal procedures.

  • Chemicals of Any Kind: Generally, any unidentifiable or toxic chemicals will be refused or require specialized hazardous waste removal.

  • Appliances with Freon (Refrigerators, Freezers, AC Units): Freon (refrigerant) is an ozone-depleting substance. It must be professionally removed and certified before the appliance can be accepted, or the entire item will be refused.

• Tires (More Expensive due to Special Recycling):

  • Tires are not typically accepted in standard landfills because they are difficult to compact and can trap methane gas. They also take a very long time to decompose.

  • They require special recycling processes, which incurs additional fees for junk removal companies that then pass on to the customer.

• Electronics (E-Waste - Often More Expensive due to Recycling/Hazardous Components):

  • Computers, monitors, printers, televisions, cell phones.

  • These items contain various hazardous materials (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) and precious metals, requiring specialized recycling to prevent environmental contamination and recover valuable resources. Many areas have specific e-waste recycling programs.

Why these items are more expensive or difficult:

• Specialized Disposal Fees: Landfills and recycling centers charge extra for items that require unique handling or processing due to their composition (e.g., tires, e-waste) or hazardous nature (e.g., paints, chemicals).

• Safety Concerns: Hazardous materials pose risks to junk removal crews and the environment if not handled with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedures.

• Increased Labor: Heavy and bulky items require more crew members and potentially specialized lifting equipment, increasing labor costs.

• Legal Regulations: Strict local, state, and federal laws govern the transportation and disposal of hazardous waste, e-waste, and certain other materials. Companies must comply with these regulations, which adds to their operational costs.

• Environmental Impact: Responsible disposal often means recycling or specific treatment to minimize harm to the environment, which can be more costly than standard landfilling.

yes and no, we realize the tipping culture can get get out of hand and everyone has different levels of what they want to giive and actually can give. the tip is up to you and your budget although we do recommmned it but we are kinda biased