All About Yard Waste Dumpster Rental Costs in Long Island

March 31, 2025
Homeowner Resources, Learn About Long Island Dumpster Rental Costs | Roll-Off, Commercial, Residential & More

If you’re diving into a big landscaping project, tackling spring cleanup, or finally dealing with those overgrown trees and shrubs, you’re probably going to end up with more yard debris than you expected. Trust us—it adds up fast. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to deal with all that mess? Renting a dumpster made just for yard waste.

These yard waste dumpsters are built to handle the kind of stuff that piles up during outdoor projects—leaves, grass clippings, branches, and all the other organic materials that don’t belong in your regular trash. It keeps the process simple, clean, and way less stressful.

However, like all dumpster rentals, the costs can vary based on several factors.

“Pricing yard waste dumpsters is a bit different because the materials—like leaves, branches, and grass—are lighter but bulkier, so it’s more about volume than weight,” says Bryan Goetz, CEO of S&A Container Service.

“What really complicates things is how towns handle disposal—some have strict rules about separating yard waste, or they only accept it during certain months. Seasons play a big role too—fall cleanup season, for example, can drive up demand. So we always have to stay on top of local regulations and plan ahead based on the time of year. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation.”

This article will guide you through the pricing of these types of containers and the different elements that affect your rental costs.

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Why Choose a Dumpster for Yard Waste?

A dumpster for yard waste is a specialized bin designed to accommodate materials such as:

Grass clippings
Leaves
Branches
Soil
Garden trimmings
Leftover piles of firewood

These types of dumpsters are ideal for residential and landscaping projects where the goal is to clear organic waste from the yard. Because these materials are typically lighter than construction debris, the cost for yard waste containers is generally lower. However, several factors will determine the overall price you’ll pay, such as dumpster size, location, and rental duration.

Need help with local regulations? Try these websites:

Typical Costs of Renting a Yard Waste Dumpster

The cost of renting a dumpster specifically for yard waste will depend largely on the size of the container, location, and how long you need it. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

10-yard container: $450–$500
20-yard container: $650–$750
30-yard container: $750–$850

Smaller containers like the 10-yard are often used for basic cleanups, while the larger 30-yard dumpsters are more suited for bigger landscaping projects or tree removals. Generally, containers for yard waste are priced lower than general waste containers because of the lighter, less hazardous nature of organic debris.

However, tree trunk and stump removal is typically priced at a flat rate or per yard due to their weight and density, which differ significantly from lighter yard debris. Be sure to speak with our dumpster rental team before loading these heavy items, as they require special pricing and handling compared to standard yard waste.

Factors That Influence the Price of Yard Waste Dumpster Rentals

Several factors can affect the cost of renting a dumpster. Here are the primary variables to consider:

Size of the Dumpster

Smaller containers (10–15 yards) are suitable for lighter, smaller projects like lawn mowing or shrub trimming. Larger containers (20–30 yards) are designed for larger-scale cleanups, such as tree removal or extensive overhauls. The bigger the dumpster, the higher the price.

Location

The area where you live can have a significant impact on rental fees. Long Island dumpster rental companies adjust their pricing based on local disposal regulations and disposal site costs.

Rental Duration

Standard rentals usually last between 7 to 14 days, but you may incur additional daily charges if the rental period extends beyond this. These charges typically range from $10–$25 per extra day. Therefore, completing your garden area cleanup within the standard rental period can help avoid unexpected charges.

At S&A Container, we rarely charge for added days to your rental.

Weight Limits and Overweight Charges

Each dumpster comes with a weight limit, and if you exceed that limit, additional charges may apply. Yard waste, while typically lighter, can still accumulate significant weight, especially when handling heavy tree branches or large amounts of soil. If the dumpster exceeds its weight capacity, you could incur additional charges of $100–$200 per ton over the limit.

Disposal Fees

Some rental companies may charge extra fees based on the type of waste you’re disposing of. If you mix non-organic materials like plastics or metals with organic waste, you may incur sorting or disposal fees. Make sure to check with the rental company to confirm which materials are acceptable to avoid these extra charges.

Related articles about rental fees and prices:

Ways to Save on Yard Waste Dumpster Rentals

While renting a dumpster can be a convenient way to clean up your property, there are several strategies to help reduce them.

Select the Appropriate Size Dumpster

Renting the correct size is crucial to avoid paying for space you don’t need or overloading a small container. Take the time to estimate the amount of debris you’ll be removing and choose the dumpster size accordingly. Rental companies can provide guidance if you’re unsure of what size to pick.

Avoid Extra Rental Days

To save on rental costs, try to finish your landscape cleanup within the standard rental period. Extending the rental period could incur daily charges that add up quickly. If you’re done early, be sure to return the dumpster promptly to avoid unnecessary fees.

Be Mindful of Weight Limits

Exceeding the weight limit for your dumpster is one of the quickest ways to rack up additional charges. Try to load the container carefully, ensuring that you don’t place excessive heavy items, like large tree trunks or dense soil. Always double-check with the rental company about the weight limits and avoid overfilling the dumpster.

Place the Dumpster on Private Property

Whenever possible, place your dumpster on private property, such as your driveway or yard. If the container needs to be placed on public property, such as the street, you may need to obtain a permit, which could increase your final bill. Check with local authorities to understand the permit requirements and costs.

Take Pride in Your Yard Being Clean & Get a Good Deal While You’re at It

Using a dumpster is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to clear out your yard and keep your property looking sharp. Whether you’re cleaning up after a big landscaping job or just tired of staring at that growing pile of yard waste, a dumpster keeps things tidy without all the back and forth to the dump. Now, the price can vary depending on a few things—like the size of the dumpster you need, how long you’ll have it, and where you’re located.

To keep things from getting too pricey, it helps to plan ahead a bit. Talk to your dumpster rental company (that’s us!) about the right size for your project and double-check if there are any extra fees, like overage charges or restrictions on what you can toss in. No one likes surprise costs sneaking up on them—especially when you’re just trying to get the job done.

Bottom line? A little upfront planning goes a long way. If you play your cards right, you’ll get your yard cleaned up, stay within budget, and avoid any of those “uh-oh” moments later on.

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