Dumpster vs Bagster Comparison
Choose the right debris removal option for your project
When it's time to get rid of debris from a home project, renovation, or cleanout, there are two main options to choose from: rent a traditional roll-off dumpster or use a Bagster disposable dumpster bag. This guide compares the key differences in capacity, cost, convenience, and best use cases.
Overview
When it's time to get rid of debris from a home project, renovation, or cleanout, there are two main options to choose from: rent a traditional roll-off dumpster or use a Bagster disposable dumpster bag. Each has its own advantages depending on your project size, budget, and timeline.
This guide compares the key differences in capacity, cost, convenience, and best use cases to help you choose the right option for your project.
What Is a Bagster?
A Bagster is a heavy-duty disposable dumpster bag that you can buy at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. You can fill it at your own pace, then schedule pickup through Waste Management or a local dumpster company (if Bagster service is offered) when you're ready.
Key Specs:
- Size: 8' × 4' × 2'6" (3 cubic yards)
- Weight limit: 3,300 pounds maximum
- Material: Durable woven polypropylene
- Availability: One size only; not available everywhere
How it works:
- Buy the bag at a retail store ($20-30)
- Fill it over days, weeks, or months
- Schedule pickup when ready ($120-300)
- Waste Management collects it
What Is a Roll-Off Dumpster?
A roll-off dumpster is a large metal container that is delivered to your job site, filled, and then picked up and hauled away to the landfill.
Size Options:
- 10-yard: 14'×8'×3.5' - small renovations, garage cleanouts
- 15-yard: 16'×8'×4.5' - medium projects, flooring removal
- 20-yard: 22'×8'×4.5' - large renovations, roof work
- 30-yard: 22'×8'×6' - major construction, whole-house cleanouts
- 40-yard: 22'×8'×8' - commercial projects, large construction
How it works:
- Call rental company to schedule delivery
- Dumpster gets delivered and positioned
- Fill during rental period (usually 7-14 days)
- Company picks up and hauls away
Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Bagster | Roll-Off Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $20-35 (bag purchase) | Included in rental |
| Pickup/Service Fee | $120-300 | Included in rental |
| 10-yard size | 3+ bags needed ($420-1005) | $250-450 |
| 15-yard size | 5+ bags needed ($700-1675) | $350-550 |
| 20-yard size | 7+ bags needed ($980-2345) | $400-650 |
| Cost per cubic yard | $47-112 | $25-45 |
Bottom line:
Dumpsters are cheaper per cubic yard and better value for larger projects. Bagster might make sense only for very small jobs under 3 cubic yards.
Capacity Reality Check
What 3 Cubic Yards Actually Holds:
- Small bathroom demo (toilet, vanity, some tile)
- 13-15 large trash bags worth of debris
- Light garage cleanout
- About 3 pickup truck loads
What It Can't Handle:
- Full kitchen renovation
- Whole-house flooring projects
- Heavy materials (concrete, brick, stone)
- Large appliances or furniture
- Roofing projects
Convenience Comparison
| Aspect | Bagster | Roll-Off Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fill at your own pace No rental time limits Can be moved when empty | Fixed rental periods Time pressure to fill Can't move once positioned |
| Availability | Buy anytime at retail stores Not available in all areas Only one size available | Professional delivery/pickup Multiple sizes available Must schedule delivery |
| Space Requirements | Fits in tight spaces Within 16 feet of driveway access | Need space for delivery truck May require permits for street placement |
| Project Suitability | Easy to overfill and get charged extra Multiple bags get expensive fast Still requires truck for pickup | Better for heavy debris Walk-in doors on many units More cost-effective for larger jobs |
Weight Limits by Material
| Material | Bagster Capacity | 10-Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed debris | 3 cubic yards | 5-11 cubic yards |
| Drywall | 3 cubic yards | 4-7 cubic yards |
| Concrete | 1 cubic yard MAX | 2-3 cubic yards |
| Roofing shingles | 1 cubic yard MAX | 3-4 cubic yards |
| Wood/lumber | 3 cubic yards | 5-8 cubic yards |
What You Can't Put In Either
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, motor oil)
- Electronics and appliances with refrigerants
- Batteries, tires, propane tanks
- Asbestos or medical waste
Bagster additional restrictions:
- Most large appliances (too heavy/bulky)
- Mattresses (often prohibited)
- Items longer than 8 feet
- Excessive concrete or masonry
Best Use Cases
| Choose Bagster When: | Choose Dumpster When: |
|---|---|
Small projects under 3 cubic yards Uncertain timeline - need flexibility Tight spaces where dumpster won't fit Light materials only Don't want scheduling hassles | Projects over 3 cubic yards Heavy debris (construction, roofing) Need to get job done quickly Have space for delivery Want better cost per cubic yard |
Quick Decision Guide
| Project Type | Debris Volume | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom remodel | 2-3 cubic yards | Bagster | Fits capacity, no time pressure |
| General trash and debris | 1-3 cubic yards | Bagster | Fits debris and weight limits |
| Garage cleanout | 1-4 cubic yards | Bagster or 3-yard dumpster | Depends on timeline flexibility |
| Roof replacement | 10-20 cubic yards | 20-30 yard dumpster | Heavy materials, high volume |
| Basement cleanout | 3-8 cubic yards | 10-15 yard dumpster | Better value for volume |
| Deck removal | 5-12 cubic yards | 15-20 yard dumpster | Heavy wood, high volume |
Final Recommendations
Choose Bagster if:
- Your project is under 3 cubic yards of materials
- You want maximum timeline flexibility
- Your property has limited space
- You prefer convenience over cost savings
Choose a Dumpster if:
- Your project is over 3 cubic yards
- You want better value for money
- You're dealing with heavy materials
- You can accommodate delivery/pickup scheduling
Rule of thumb:
If you're unsure on space and capacity and might need more than one Bagster, opt for a dumpster rental instead. The math works out better $/cubic yard and you'll have ample room for any remaining debris.