Garbage Bin Rental Vs DIY Trips to the Dump: Which Is Better For Your Project?
- marco2669
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
It's one of those decisions that seems simple on the surface but gets complicated fast. Trust me, I've seen plenty of homeowners start with good intentions about "just making a few trips" only to find themselves on their tenth run to the landfill, wondering why they didn't just rent a bin in the first place.
Let's break this down so you can make the right choice for your project.
The DIY Dump Run Reality Check
Let's be honest – there's something appealing about the DIY approach. You think, "How hard can it be? I'll just load up my pickup and head to the dump." And for some projects, that actually works.
When DIY Makes Sense:
You're doing a small bathroom refresh with maybe half a truck load of debris
You've got a reliable truck or trailer that can handle the weight
The local dump is close by (lucky you!)
You don't mind spending your Saturday mornings in dump lines
Your project is spread out over several weekends
I've had customers tell me they saved a few bucks going this route on smaller jobs, and honestly, good for them. If you're replacing a single vanity or doing some light demo work, a couple of trips might be all you need.
But Here's Where It Gets Tricky:
That "quick trip to the dump" turns into an all-day affair when you factor in:
Loading time (and trust me, renovation debris is heavy and awkward)
Drive time to the dump
Waiting in line (especially on weekends when everyone else has the same idea)
Unloading time
Drive time back home
Repeat... and repeat... and repeat
I had one homeowner in Barrie tell me he made seven trips to dispose of debris from his kitchen reno. Seven! By trip number four, he was kicking himself for not just renting a bin.
The Bin Rental Game-Changer
Now let's talk about the bin rental approach. Yes, it costs more upfront, but stick with me here because the math gets interesting.
Here's What Happens When You Rent:
We drop off a bin at your place
You fill it up as you work (no rush, no schedule pressure)
We pick it up when you're done
You get back to actually finishing your project
The beauty of this approach isn't just convenience – it's about keeping your momentum going. Renovation projects are tough enough without having to stop every few hours to load up debris and drive to the dump.
Size Options That Actually Make Sense:
At Tor Contracting, we typically recommend:
10-yard bins for bathroom renovations or small bedroom projects
14-yard bins for kitchen renovations or basement cleanouts
20-yard bins for whole-floor renovations or major outdoor projects
The 15-yard bin is our most popular size – it holds about 6 pickup truck loads worth of material, which gives you a good idea of how many trips you'd be making otherwise.
Real-World Cost Comparison
Let's crunch some numbers with a typical kitchen renovation in Simcoe County:
DIY Dump Runs:
Gas for 5-6 trips: $60-80
Dump fees per trip: $15-25 each = $75-150 total
Your time: 6-8 hours over multiple trips
Wear and tear on your vehicle: Hard to calculate but it's real
Total out-of-pocket: $135-230
14-Yard Bin Rental:
Rental fee including delivery and pickup: Around $350-450
All debris handled in one shot
Your time saved: 6-8 hours to work on your actual project
Total cost: $350-450
At first glance, DIY looks cheaper. But here's what that comparison doesn't show:
What's your time worth? If you value your weekend time at even $20/hour, those 6-8 hours of hauling add $120-160 to your DIY cost. Suddenly, the bin rental doesn't look so expensive.
Plus, there's the stress factor. I can't tell you how many times customers have told me that having a bin on-site just made their whole renovation feel more manageable.
The Time Factor Nobody Talks About
Here's something I learned from 20+ years in construction: renovation projects take longer than you think, and interruptions kill momentum.
When you're in the zone – demo hammer in hand, making real progress – having to stop and load debris breaks your flow. By the time you get back from the dump, you've lost that momentum. Maybe it's getting dark, maybe you're tired, maybe you just don't feel like getting dirty again.
With a bin rental, you stay focused. Debris goes straight from demo to bin. No sorting, no multiple loading sessions, no lost momentum. You finish faster, which in the construction world, saves money.
Safety and Convenience Factors
Let's talk about something that doesn't always make it into these discussions: safety and wear-and-tear.
Renovation debris isn't just heavy – it's sharp, awkward, and sometimes hazardous. Loading broken drywall, old flooring, and construction waste multiple times increases your chances of injury. Plus, you're putting serious wear on your vehicle's suspension and potentially overloading your truck.
I've seen pickup trucks with saggy rear ends from too many overloaded dump runs. That's real money for repairs down the road.
When Each Option Makes the Most Sense
Go With DIY Trips If:
Your total debris is genuinely less than 2 pickup loads
You're doing the work over several months (not weeks)
You live within 10 minutes of a transfer station
You genuinely enjoy the trips (hey, some people find it therapeutic!)
Budget is extremely tight and time isn't a factor
Choose Bin Rental If:
You're generating more than 2-3 truck loads of debris
You want to finish your project efficiently
You value your weekends and free time
You're doing structural work or major demolition
You don't want the hassle of multiple trips and dump fees
The Local Advantage
Here's something that matters if you're in our area: we know Simcoe and Dufferin County. We know which permits you might need, what can and can't go in the bins, and how to navigate local regulations.
That local knowledge matters when you're dealing with construction debris. The last thing you want is to get to the dump and find out you've got materials they won't take, or discover you needed a permit for that bin in your driveway.
Making Your Decision
At the end of the day, both options work – it just depends on your specific situation. If you're doing a small project and don't mind the trips, DIY can save you some money. But for most renovation projects I see in our area, bin rental wins on convenience, time savings, and often total cost when you factor in everything.
The real question isn't whether you can do dump runs yourself – of course you can. The question is whether that's the best use of your time and energy when you're already tackling a renovation project.
If you're on the fence, give us a call at Tor Contracting. We're happy to talk through your specific project and help you figure out what makes the most sense. Sometimes a quick conversation can save you hours of headaches later.
After all, renovation projects are challenging enough – your waste disposal shouldn't be.