How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster in San Jose?

The Complete 2026 Guide to Dumpster Rental Prices, Sizes, and Fees in San Jose, CA

Category: Guide Read Time: 7 minutes Released Date: 23, December 2025

If you're planning a home cleanout, remodeling project, or handling debris from a construction job, and looking for dumpster rental in San Jose CA, one of the first questions you'll ask is: 'How much does it cost to rent a dumpster in San Jose?

Good news, you're in the right place.

The cost of dumpster rental in San Jose can vary widely depending on size, rental length, debris type, and location. And because San Jose's disposal fees are higher than those in many California cities, prices here follow a unique pattern. This guide breaks down average prices, weekly and monthly rental costs, size-by-size comparisons, residential vs. commercial pricing, and everything you need to budget accurately.

Average Cost of Dumpster Rental in San Jose 

Zebra Dumpster offers both General Debris (light) and Heavy Debris (dense materials) dumpsters. Here’s the breakdown:

Heavy debris dumpsters are designed for concrete, dirt, bricks, and tiles, and include a higher weight capacity. Using the correct type helps avoid overweight fees and disposal issues.

What Factors Affect Dumpster Rental Costs in San Jose?

  1. Dumpster Size: Bigger dumpsters cost more, but the cost per yard decreases as size increases.
  2. Debris Type: Clean dirt, concrete, and green waste are cheaper; Mixed debris, construction debris, and household trash cost more.
  3. Weight: Each dumpster comes with a weight allowance. Overage fees in San Jose typically range from $120 to $160 per ton.
  4. Rental Duration: Weekly prices are standard. Monthly rentals cost more but include discounted long-term rates.
  5. Delivery Distance: Prices inside San Jose proper are stable, but remote delivery areas may add $25–$75.

Residential roll-off dumpster sitting in a driveway for a week-long cleanup project

How Much to Rent a Dumpster for a Week?

Weekly rentals in San Jose usually fall between $399 and $770, depending on dumpster size and debris type

Heavy debris dumpsters are specifically designed for concrete, dirt, bricks, and tiles and include a higher weight capacity.

How Much Is a 5 Yard Dumpster in San Jose?

Perfect for small cleanups, bathroom remodels, and yard waste, the 5-yard dumpster is the most affordable compact option in San Jose. Zebra Dumpster offers fast delivery with a 1-ton weight limit included.

Pricing:

  • General Debris: $399 (Household trash, light renovation materials)
  • Heavy/Inert Debris: $420 (Dirt, concrete, bricks, tiles)

Despite its compact size, it handles both light waste and dense materials efficiently, helping you avoid overweight fees on your next weekend project.

How Much Is a 10 Yard Dumpster in San Jose?

The 10-yard dumpster is a top choice for residential projects in San Jose, offering the perfect balance of capacity and cost. It is ideal for medium renovation projects, garage cleanouts, and bulky items like cabinets.

Zebra Dumpster Pricing:

  • General Debris: $420 (Household trash, light renovation waste)
  • Heavy/Inert Debris: $550 (Dirt, concrete, heavy materials)

Key Features:

  • Capacity: Accommodates small to medium debris and larger household items.
  • Weight Limit: Includes 1–2 tons, helping you stay within limits.
  • Service: Fast delivery and easy access.

For a reliable 10-yard dumpster rental, Zebra Dumpster is your best option for short-term residential needs.

How Much Is a 20 Yard Dumpster?

The 20-yard dumpster is the most versatile choice for home renovation and cleanup projects in San Jose. Whether for kitchen cleanouts or multi-room remodels, it offers the perfect balance of size and capacity.

  • Price: $555 (Competitive rates for residential & semi-commercial use)
  • Capacity: Holds ~110–130 cubic feet (Ideal for mixed materials)
  • Weight Limit: 2–3 tons included

Zebra Dumpster provides both light and heavy debris options, helping you reduce landfill trips. For a reliable 20-yard dumpster rental, this is your top solution.

How Much Is a 30 Yard Dumpster?

Designed for contractors and complete home renovations, the 30-yard dumpster is the reliable choice for large-scale projects in San Jose. It easily handles bulky items like doors, cabinets, and drywall.

  • Price: $670
  • Capacity: ~170–190 cubic feet
  • Weight Limit: 3–4 tons included

Zebra Dumpster offers options for both General and Heavy debris. If you are planning a multi-room remodel and need a reliable 30-yard dumpster rental, this large-capacity container ensures a cost-effective solution.

Placement of a 40 yard dumpster showing the size and capacity for rental cost estimation

How Much Is a 40 Yard Dumpster?

As the largest size offered by Zebra Dumpster, the 40-yard dumpster is built specifically for commercial projects, demolition, and large-scale construction.

  • Price: $770
  • Capacity: ~230–250 cubic feet (Handles high volumes in a single stage)
  • Weight Limit: 4–5 tons included

Note: This size is designed for heavy-duty use and is rarely needed for standard residential projects. For massive cleanups, this 40-yard dumpster rental ensures you manage all debris efficiently without multiple trips.

Residential Dumpster Rental Cost in San Jose

Homeowners typically pay between $399 and $555, depending on the project size.

  • Most Popular Sizes: 5, 10, and 20-yard dumpsters.
  • Why Zebra Dumpster? We specialize in driveway-safe containers, same-day delivery, and transparent pricing to keep your property safe and costs clear.

Commercial Dumpster Rental Cost in San Jose

Commercial and construction projects typically range from $555 to $770+, depending on size and weight requirements.

  • Best Suited For: Construction sites, warehouses, apartment complexes, and retail cleanouts.
  • Contractor Benefits: Zebra Dumpster offers contractor-friendly pricing, flexible long-term contracts, and efficient swap-outs to keep your job site running smoothly

Why Dumpster Prices Are Higher in San Jose

San Jose has some of the highest disposal fees in California due to:

  • Higher landfill rates
  • City environmental regulations
  • Fuel and transport costs
  • Weight fees charged per ton

A typical landfill disposal fee in Santa Clara County is $120–$160 per ton, which directly affects rental prices.

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

  • 5 Yard: Perfect for small yard cleanups, minor home projects, or one-room renovations.
  • Available in both General Debris (light) and Heavy Debris for materials like dirt, concrete, or bricks.
  • 10 Yard: Ideal for small room renovations, garage cleanouts, or light remodeling projects.
  • Offered as General Debris (light) for household waste and Heavy Debris for denser materials such as tiles or roofing debris.
  • 20 Yard: Versatile for most home renovation projects, including kitchen remodels or medium-sized cleanouts.
  • 30 Yard: Suitable for medium construction projects, multiple-room renovations, or contractor jobs.
  • 40 Yard: Best for commercial projects, demolition, or large-scale construction sites.

Zebra Dumpster can recommend the perfect size based on your project and type of debris, ensuring you don’t overpay or run out of space.

Roll-off dumpster delivered to a residential driveway in San Jose for cost-effective waste removal

Ways to Save Money on Dumpster Rental in San Jose

Here’s how to reduce your cost:

Avoid renting too small (overage fees cost more)

Combine debris into one load

Choose the right debris type

Avoid prohibited items (mattresses, tires, refrigerators)

Rent from a local company like Zebra, not national brokers

Final Thoughts: What Should You Expect to Pay?

Here’s a quick overview:

  • Small dumpsters: $399–$555
  • Medium dumpsters: $555
  • Large dumpsters: $555–$770
  • Weekly rentals: $399–$770
  • Monthly rentals: $1710–$3300

Zebra Dumpster Rental offers transparent pricing, no hidden fees, driveway-safe containers, and same-day delivery, which makes it one of the top choices for San Jose residents and contractors.

FAQ

1. How do I know what dumpster size I need?

The right size depends on your project's scale. Generally, use a 5–10 yard dumpster for small cleanups, a 20-yard dumpster for medium renovations, and a 30–40 yard container for major construction. If you are unsure, Zebra Dumpster can recommend the perfect fit based on your debris type.

2. What is the difference between General and Inert dumpsters?

General dumpsters are designed for light waste like furniture and household debris, while Inert dumpsters are strictly for heavy, dense materials like dirt, concrete, and tile. Choosing the correct type is essential to avoid overweight fees.

3. What items are not allowed in any dumpster?

Prohibited items typically include:

  • Paint, chemicals, or hazardous waste
  • Batteries and electronics
  • Tires (depending on local rules)
  • Gasoline, oils, and flammable liquids
  • These items require special disposal to comply with California regulations.

4. Do I need a permit to place a dumpster on my property?

If the dumpster is placed in your driveway or private property, no permit is required.

If it needs to sit on the street or sidewalk, San Jose may require a temporary right-of-way permit. Zebra can guide you if a permit is needed.

5. Can dumpsters damage my driveway?

Dumpsters are heavy, especially Inert options. Although rare, damage can occur on older or softer concrete.

You can place plywood under the dumpster to protect the surface, and Zebra’s drivers take precautions to minimize impact.

6. What happens if I exceed the weight limit?

If your debris goes over the included tonnage, an overweight fee per ton will be added.

Choosing the correct dumpster type (especially General vs. Inert) helps avoid extra charges.

 7. Can I fill the dumpster all the way to the top?

You can fill it up to the top rim, but debris cannot exceed the height of the container. Overfilled dumpsters are unsafe to haul and may require you to remove excess material before pickup.