Renting a dumpster is a great way to take care of all the extra mess and junk that’s left behind after a big project. However, it’s not the only option out there when it comes to self-service junk removal. About 10 years ago, the Waste Management company came out with the Bagster, a woven plastic bag meant to be used as a portable single-use dumpster for household projects. Both traditional dumpsters and Bagsters have their own advantages, so it can be tough to tell which option is best when you’re planning a renovation, some spring cleaning, or any other home project. That’s why we’ve put together this little guide to help you make an informed decision next time you have too much debris for your regular weekly trash pickup.

Bagster Vs Dumpster Rentals

The most immediate difference between dumpsters and Bagsters is the size. Bagsters are much smaller and are intended only for minor jobs, holding about 3 cubic yards worth of trash. Dumpsters, on the other hand, come in a few different sizes, typically ranging from 10 cubic yards up to around 40 cubic yards. Put another way, Bagsters can hold about 10 average-sized garbage bags full of trash, while a 10-yard dumpster will hold closer to 35 or 40. This makes a Bagster ideal for minor jobs like cleaning out a garage or some heavy yard work. If you’re doing any renovation, you might want to opt for a dumpster.

There’s also a difference in the overall rubbish removal process. Bagsters are meant to be used only a single time, so you have to buy one from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or any other major hardware store. Dumpsters can be used over and over, so you have to get one from a dumpster rental company. Both dumpsters and Bagsters have to be picked up by professionals, however. Pickup is part of the standard dumpster rental contract, but you’ll have to pay a little extra to get Waste Management to pick up your Bagster when you’re finished with it. The price of pickup will depend on where you live, so make sure to check online before picking up a Bagster for your next project.

The overall costs of renting a dumpster and buying a Bagster are actually more similar than you might imagine. However, the price will depend so heavily on where you live that you should do your own research before making a decision one way or the other.

Choosing the Right Dumpster for Your Project

If you come down on the dumpster side of the “Bagsters vs dumpsters” question, then the next step is to find the right kind of dumpster for your project. Generally, that involves picking out the size, although some waste management services like Junk King offer standard-sized dumpsters with an alternative pricing structure based on the amount of space you use instead of the size of the dumpster itself.

It can sometimes be a little tricky to estimate how much junk your project will generate, especially if you don’t have a ton of experience with renting from garbage removal services. As a general rule, home cleanouts, roofing, and landscaping projects won’t require a dumpster larger than 10 or 20 cubic yards. However, larger projects like remodeling or construction will create a lot more debris than you might think, and you’re probably better off with a 30 or 40-yard dumpster. It’s often a good idea to ask the dumpster rental company for some advice if you’re not sure since they’re the ones with the expertise.

Different Types of Dumpsters That Meet Different Needs

Dumpsters for rent are typically what we call roll-off dumpsters, which means they’re portable and designed to be rented out to different customers on a temporary basis. When you go to a dumpster rental company, you’re not typically going to be deciding on anything other than the size of the dumpster. However, there are other types of dumpsters that are available for rent, typically on a longer contract. Most commercial buildings have front-loader dumpsters rented with a long-term contract; those are the ones you’ll see out back behind most businesses. Front-loader dumpsters are usually smaller than roll-off ones and are designed to be easily lifted and dumped out by garbage trucks. Some commercial dumpsters also include compactors – metal blades that crush the trash down so more can fit in the container.

For very small jobs, a Bagster can actually be the ideal option. While 3 cubic yards isn’t a lot, the ease and overall convenience of a Bagster can be perfect for single-room cleanouts or small yard projects. However, you shouldn’t necessarily expect to save a ton of money by purchasing a Bagster – while the initial price is very low, the cost of pickup is generally in the hundreds.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Bagster Bag

A list of Bagster pros and cons shows that they’re a solid choice for very small projects but very little else. The convenience is a major advantage, and the price is generally lower than a dumpster rental, although rarely by more than $100 or so. The ability to move the Bagster around can come in handy, though you’ll have to be able to get it out to the curb once it’s full so the truck can pick it up.

The cons of buying a Bagster mostly have to do with the size and the restrictions Waste Management places on your trash. 3 cubic yards isn’t enough for even moderately-sized projects, so you could find yourself running out of space pretty quickly. WM also won’t accept Bagsters that are filled with electronics, yard waste, and most recyclables like bottles, cans, metal, and plastic. On the other hand, most dumpster rental companies – Junk King Contra Costa included – will take just about anything short of hazardous waste, including everything on the list above. Dumpster rental generally offers you a lot more flexibility when you’re loading up the container.