What's the Difference Between a Dumpster and a Roll Off?

If you have ever done a big home project such as cleaning out your garage, remodelling your kitchen or managing a construction site then you have probably heard people say, “Just get a dumpster.” But then someone else jumps in and says, “No, you need a roll off.” 

It is interesting to know that both are designed to handle waste. But here the catch is the way they are built, used and delivered as these properties do tend to make a big difference. The Dumpster or a Roll Off can save you a lot of money, time and cleanup stress. So, let us talk about what sets them apart in real world terms.

What Exactly Is a Dumpster?

You need to picture those big, boxy bins that you see behind restaurants, apartment buildings or grocery stores and that is your classic Dumpster. They are typically meant for regular, everyday trash disposal. There are businesses that usually rent them long term and have them emptied on a weekly or bi weekly schedule by a waste company.

The dumpsters are smaller, typically holding between 2 to 8 cubic yards of waste and they usually have lids to keep things tidy and odor-free. So, if you manage an office or a small business that produces a steady amount of trash then this could be your best selection.

What is a Roll Off?

Let us talk about the Roll Off as they are the big guy that shows up when things get serious. A roll off is a large, open top container that can be used for temporary jobs like home renovations, roofing or major construction cleanups.

The roll offs are delivered and picked up by a special truck that literally rolls the container off the back unlike the dumpsters. They are bigger as they are ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards. They do not have lids so you can toss the large debris like furniture, concrete or drywall without worrying about the space.

Dumpster vs. Roll Off: The Real Differences

Let us get started with simplify this once and for all:

• Use: Dumpsters are for the ongoing trash service whereas roll offs are for short term projects.
  
• Size: Dumpsters are smaller (2–8 yards) in size whereas roll offs are much larger (10–40 yards) in size.
  
• Design: Dumpsters have lids but roll offs are open topped.
  
• Pickup Schedule: Dumpsters are emptied on a regular basis but roll offs are removed once you are done.
  
• Common Spots: Dumpsters stay behind businesses whereas roll offs show up on the driveways or job sites.
  
  

It is really that simple as one is your steady partner and the other one is your one time problem solver.

When Should You Get a Dumpster?

A Dumpster can be considered as a perfect fit for you if you run a business, property or multi-unit complex that produces trash every single week. All you need to think of are restaurants, retail stores or apartment communities as they are designed to sit in one spot, get filled slowly and get emptied on the schedule.

They are also great for controlling the messes since the lids prevent pests and bad smells. If you need a long term solution then a dumpster is your go to choice.

When Should You Get a Roll Off?

On the other hand, a Roll Off is a perfect fit for one time or short term projects. Are you remodeling your kitchen? Cleaning out an old house? Tearing down a deck or roofing your home? Then you definitely need a roll off.

It can handle bulky, heavy debris, even a couch or a pile of concrete as well. And the best part is once you are done then the company comes and hauls it away. So there is no mess,  no hassle.

Which One Costs More?

Here is the point where it gets interesting:

• Roll offs usually cost more upfront but you pay once for the rental period.
  
  
• Dumpsters are cheaper per pickup but involve the ongoing service fees.
  
  

What About Environmental Rules?

This is a very good point. It is interesting to know that both Dumpsters and Roll Offs come with rules on what you can and can’t toss. You can’t throw away hazardous materials like paint, batteries or chemicals in either of them. There are most waste companies that would simply focus on eco friendly disposal which is recycling the construction materials like wood, concrete or metal whenever possible.

Wrapping It Up

If you are handling day to day waste from a business or apartment complex then a dumpster keeps things simple and clean. But if you are taking on a major home project or construction job then a roll off is the perfect one time fix to get rid of everything in one go.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between a Dumpster and a Roll Off?
   A Dumpster is for regular, scheduled waste pickup while a Roll Off is for temporary use during large cleanups.
2. Can I use a Roll Off at my home?
   Absolutely! There are many homeowners that rent roll offs for remodeling, yard cleanups or moving prep.
3. How long can I keep a Roll Off container?
   You can keep a Roll Off container for about a week but you can extend it if needed.
4. What can’t I throw into either one?
   The hazardous items like paint, gas, oil and batteries are off limits. 
5. Is it possible to recycle materials from a Roll Off?
   Yes, there are many companies now recycling the debris like wood, metal and concrete to reduce the landfill waste.