Bagster vs Dumpster Rental: Which Option Saves You Money?
Deciding between a Bagster dumpster bag and traditional dumpster rental? The Bagster looks cheaper at $30, but pickup fees of $100-$300 change the equation. This guide breaks down real costs, capacity, and when each option makes sense.
⚡ Quick Decision Guide
✅ Choose Bagster When:
- Flexible timeline (no exact pickup needed)
- Less than 3 cubic yards of debris
- No space for full dumpster delivery
- Small cleanout or decluttering
- Can transport bag yourself from store
❌ Choose Dumpster When:
- Need guaranteed pickup date
- More than 3 cubic yards of debris
- Heavy materials (concrete, roofing)
- Large furniture or appliances
- Want better cost per cubic yard
What Is a Bagster?
The Bagster is Waste Management's "dumpster in a bag" - a heavy-duty, collapsible waste container made of woven polypropylene fabric. It measures 8 feet long × 4 feet wide × 2.5 feet tall and holds up to 3 cubic yards or 3,300 pounds of debris.
Bagster Specifications
- Volume: 3 cubic yards
- Weight: Up to 3,300 lbs (1.65 tons)
- Equivalent: ½ of a 10-yard dumpster
- Length: 8 feet
- Width: 4 feet
- Height: 2.5 feet
How Bagster Works:
- Purchase bag from Home Depot, Lowe's, or Amazon ($30)
- Set up bag following instructions (takes 5-10 minutes)
- Fill at your own pace (no time limit)
- Schedule pickup with Waste Management online or by phone
- WM picks up within 5-7 business days (or pay for guaranteed day)
Real Cost Comparison
The true cost difference isn't what most people expect. While the Bagster appears cheaper upfront, per-cubic-yard costs tell a different story.
| Cost Factor | Bagster (3 yards) | 10-Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $30 (bag purchase) | $0 (included in rental) |
| Pickup/Delivery Fee | $100-$300 | Included |
| Disposal Fee | Included in pickup | Included |
| Total Cost | $130-$330 | $250-$400 |
| Cost Per Cubic Yard | $43-$110 | $25-$40 |
💡 The Math:
A Bagster costs $43-$110 per cubic yard, while a 10-yard dumpster costs $25-$40 per cubic yard. If you need more than one Bagster, traditional dumpster rental becomes significantly cheaper.
Hidden Bagster Costs
- • Guaranteed Day Service: $25-50 extra for specific pickup date
- • Multiple bags: Each additional bag costs $30 + full pickup fee
- • Overweight fees: Charges apply over 3,300 lbs
- • Non-reusable: Single-use only, can't reuse the bag
- • Limited availability: Not available in all zip codes
Capacity Comparison: What Actually Fits?
Understanding what fits in each option helps you choose correctly. The Bagster's 3-cubic-yard capacity is about half of a 10-yard dumpster.
✅ Bagster Can Hold:
- • 10-15 contractor bags of debris
- • Small garage cleanout items
- • 5-8 boxes of household items
- • 1 old couch or loveseat
- • Yard waste from small garden beds
- • Equivalent of 1-2 pickup truck loads
🚧 10-Yard Dumpster Holds:
- • 30-40 contractor bags of debris
- • Full room cleanout
- • 20-30 boxes of household items
- • Multiple furniture pieces
- • Small bathroom or kitchen demo
- • Equivalent of 3-4 pickup truck loads
⚠️ Items That Don't Fit in Bagster:
Due to the low 2.5-foot height, these common items won't fit:
- Large appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- Full-size mattresses (won't lay flat)
- Tall furniture pieces
- Sheet goods (plywood, drywall panels)
- Long lumber pieces
Pickup & Scheduling Differences
Bagster Pickup Process
- ✓ Flexible fill time: No rental period, fill at your own pace
- ✗ 5-7 day pickup window: No guaranteed date (unless you pay extra)
- ✗ Strict placement rules: Must be 5+ feet from obstacles, 18+ feet vertical clearance
- ✗ Cannot move once placed: Pickup location must be final
- ✗ Limited service areas: Not available everywhere
Dumpster Rental Delivery
- ✓ Guaranteed delivery date: Schedule exact time window
- ✓ Guaranteed pickup date: Know exactly when it's leaving
- ✓ Flexible placement: Driver can place where you direct
- ✓ Standard rental period: Usually 7-14 days included
- ✓ Can extend rental: Pay $10-25/day for extra time
Material Restrictions
Both options have similar prohibited items, but the Bagster has additional weight-based restrictions.
✅ Both Accept:
- • Household junk and furniture
- • Yard waste and branches
- • Wood and lumber
- • Drywall and flooring
- • Cardboard and paper
- • Non-hazardous debris
❌ Neither Accepts:
- • Hazardous chemicals and paint
- • Electronics (e-waste)
- • Appliances with Freon
- • Tires and batteries
- • Asbestos materials
- • Medical waste
⚠️ Bagster Additional Restrictions:
Heavy materials like concrete, brick, and dirt are extremely limited in Bagster. You can only include small amounts mixed with lighter debris. For heavy materials, traditional dumpsters are required.
Best Use Cases for Each Option
When Bagster Makes Sense:
Small Cleanouts
Closet cleanouts, small garage organization, attic decluttering with limited debris
Flexible Timelines
Projects where you can work slowly over weeks without deadline pressure
Space Constraints
Narrow driveways, HOA restrictions, or areas where full dumpster won't fit
Uncertain Volume
When you're unsure how much debris you'll generate and want flexibility
When Traditional Dumpster Is Better:
Heavy Materials
Roofing, concrete, tile, or any dense construction debris
Time-Sensitive Projects
Need guaranteed delivery and pickup dates with no flexibility
Large Volume
Anything over 3 cubic yards makes traditional dumpsters more cost-effective
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability Factors
Bagster Drawbacks:
- • Single-use product (not reusable)
- • Made of polypropylene (plastic)
- • Bag ends up in landfill after use
- • Separate pickup trips (more fuel)
Dumpster Advantages:
- • Reusable metal containers
- • Decades of use per dumpster
- • Efficient routing of multiple pickups
- • Often includes recycling sorting
Common Questions & Misconceptions
Can I get multiple Bagsters for a larger project?
Yes, but costs add up quickly. Two Bagsters ($260-$660 total) cost more than a single 10-yard dumpster ($250-$400) that holds twice as much. At that point, traditional rental makes more financial sense.
How long can I keep a Bagster before pickup?
Indefinitely. There's no time limit on how long you can keep a Bagster before scheduling pickup. This is its main advantage over traditional dumpsters with their 7-14 day rental periods.
Can I put a Bagster on the street?
Check local regulations - some cities require permits for street placement. The Bagster must also meet strict placement requirements: 5 feet from vehicles/structures and 18 feet of vertical clearance for crane pickup.
What if my Bagster is only half full?
You pay the full pickup fee regardless of fill level (as long as it's under 3,300 lbs). This makes partially-filled Bagsters expensive per cubic yard. Consider filling it completely to maximize value.
Is Bagster available in my area?
Bagster service is limited to areas where Waste Management operates. Check availability on their website before purchasing. Traditional dumpster rental is available nationwide through local providers.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?
Decision Framework:
Choose Bagster if: You have less than 3 cubic yards of lightweight debris, flexible timing, and no guaranteed pickup date needed. Best for small cleanouts under $200 in total debris.
Choose 10-yard dumpster if: You have 3-10 cubic yards of debris, need guaranteed scheduling, or have any heavy materials. Better cost per cubic yard and more flexibility.
Choose larger dumpster if: Any renovation, construction, or project generating more than 10 cubic yards. Significantly better value than multiple Bagsters.
For most homeowners, the Bagster works well for very small, specific projects like closet cleanouts or minor garage organization. However, once you're doing any actual renovation work, room cleanouts, or projects with heavy materials, traditional dumpster rental offers better value and convenience.
Pro tip: If you're uncertain about volume, remember that overage fees on a dumpster ($75-100/ton) are expensive, but so is renting a second Bagster. When in doubt, start with a 10-yard dumpster - it's the sweet spot for most small-to-medium projects.
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Calculate Dumpster Size →Last updated: October 9, 2025 | Written by the Dumpster Calculator Team