Dumpster Rental in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a working city — heavy on renovation, demolition, and real estate turnover — and dumpster rental here reflects that. Whether you're gutting a bungalow in Midtown (38104), doing a roof replacement in Bartlett, or managing a commercial tear-out near the Medical District, roll-off containers are the practical choice for keeping job sites clean. Pricing in Memphis runs $340–$805 depending on container size, debris type, and how long you need it.
Memphis Dumpster Rental Pricing by Container Size
Dumpster rental costs in Memphis are competitive given the number of local and regional providers serving Shelby County. Here's what to expect across common sizes:
- 10-yard dumpster: $340–$430 — right-sized for single-room demos, bathroom gut jobs, and small attic cleanouts in areas like Cooper-Young (38104) or Binghampton (38112)
- 20-yard dumpster: $405–$530 — the most frequently rented size for full kitchen tearouts, flooring replacement, and mid-scale residential projects across East Memphis (38119) and Whitehaven (38116)
- 30-yard dumpster: $530–$665 — roofing jobs, additions, and larger renovation scopes; handles more weight before overage fees kick in
- 40-yard dumpster: $600–$805 — full home cleanouts, estate clearances, commercial demolition, or new construction framing debris throughout Memphis and Shelby County
Most Memphis providers include a 10-day rental period with 1–2 tons of weight allowance at base price. Overage fees typically run $65–$90 per ton above the included limit. Daily extension fees average $15–$20. If your project stretches beyond 10 days, negotiate the extension rate upfront.
Heavy material note: Concrete, roofing shingles, and dirt are far heavier than general household junk. A 20-yard box loaded exclusively with shingles can push 6–8 tons — well past the standard tonnage cap. Ask your provider about heavy-load pricing before you start loading.
Memphis Permit Requirements for Roll-Off Containers
Whether you need a permit in Memphis comes down to one factor: is the dumpster on private property or in a public right-of-way?
Private property placement — no permit required. If the container lands on your driveway, parking lot, or yard with no overhang into the street or sidewalk, you don't need to file anything with the city. This covers the majority of residential rentals.
Street or right-of-way placement — permit required. Memphis requires a Right-of-Way Obstruction Permit from the Engineering Division when a dumpster blocks or partially occupies a public street, sidewalk, or curb lane. Key details:
- Permit cost: approximately $25
- Permit valid for up to 14 days
- Applications must be submitted at least 3 business days before delivery
- Contact the Memphis Engineering Division or submit through the city's online portal
In dense urban neighborhoods — Downtown (38103), South Main Arts District, and Overton Square area in Midtown — street placement is often unavoidable. Factor in the permit timeline when scheduling your delivery. Skipping this step can result in the city issuing a violation or requiring immediate removal.
Most established local providers — Jake's Dumpsters, Affordable Dumpster Rental Memphis, and Alpha Dumpsters — are familiar with the city's ROW process and can advise on lead times.
Where Does Memphis Dumpster Debris Go?
Memphis has several solid waste and construction debris disposal facilities serving Shelby County. Knowing where your material goes helps confirm your provider is operating legitimately.
Primary facilities for C&D debris:
- Eco 2 Development Recycling Center / North Memphis Landfill — 382 Klinke Avenue, Memphis, TN 38127. Accepts construction waste, demolition debris, land clearing material, concrete, dirt, and pavement. Class III C&D landfill.
- WM Memphis Transfer Station — 3750 Hatcher Circle, Memphis, TN 38118. Accepts construction and demolition debris, municipal solid waste, and yard/green waste. A common destination for mixed residential loads.
- South Shelby Landfill (Republic Services) — 5494 Malone Road, Memphis, TN 38118. Serves the south Shelby County area.
- North Shelby Landfill (Republic Services) — 7111 Old Millington Road, Millington, TN 38053. Handles material from northern Shelby County and surrounding areas.
Tennessee classifies disposal facilities into four classes. Class III and Class IV sites are where most C&D material — shingles, lumber, drywall, concrete — ends up. Ask your provider which facility they use and whether tipping fees are included in your rental quote or billed separately.
Accepted and Prohibited Materials in Memphis Dumpsters
Memphis roll-off containers accept most standard renovation and cleanout debris without any complications. Prohibited items are consistent with Tennessee DEA regulations.
Accepted in most Memphis dumpsters:
- Lumber, plywood, studs, and framing material
- Drywall, plaster, and insulation
- Roofing shingles, felt, and flashing
- Concrete, block, and brick (within weight limits)
- Flooring — carpet, tile, hardwood, and vinyl
- Furniture and household goods from cleanouts
- Appliances with refrigerants properly evacuated by a certified tech
- Metal scrap (check if your provider separates for recycling)
Prohibited — do not load these:
- Hazardous liquids: gasoline, motor oil, paint, solvents, acetone
- Batteries — lead-acid and lithium
- Tires — most Memphis providers refuse entirely, some charge a surcharge
- Electronics — TVs, monitors, computers (Tennessee DEA prohibition)
- Medical waste, sharps, or pharmaceutical waste
- Asbestos-containing materials — requires licensed abatement contractor
- Refrigerant-containing appliances unless Freon is already evacuated
Asbestos note: Older Memphis properties — particularly those in Midtown, Orange Mound, and South Memphis neighborhoods built before 1980 — may contain asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, or drywall compound. If you suspect asbestos, stop work and bring in a licensed abatement contractor before loading any material.
Matching Dumpster Size to Common Memphis Projects
Memphis has a wide mix of project types — from historic bungalow renovations in Midtown to large commercial work near the Port of Memphis and Memphis International Airport corridors. Picking the right size upfront avoids costly swap-outs.
| Project Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Bathroom or kitchen demo | 10–15 yard |
| Whole-home cleanout or estate sale prep | 20–30 yard |
| Roof replacement (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | 20–30 yard |
| Rental property turnover | 15–20 yard |
| New construction framing debris | 30–40 yard |
| Commercial demolition | 40 yard (multiple hauls) |
| Concrete or dirt only | 10 yard (weight fills fast) |
Memphis-area providers include Jake's Dumpsters, Affordable Dumpster Rental (ADR), Alpha Dumpsters, Bin There Dump That Memphis, Dumpster Champs, and national carriers like WM and Budget Dumpster. Local companies often have faster delivery windows and more flexibility on rental terms than national carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dumpster rental cost in Memphis, TN?
Memphis dumpster rentals typically run $340–$805 depending on the container size. A 10-yard averages $340–$430, a 20-yard runs $405–$530, a 30-yard costs $530–$665, and a 40-yard goes up to $600–$805. Overage fees for weight beyond the included 1–2 tons average $65–$90 per ton extra.
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster in Memphis?
Only if the dumpster sits in a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way. In that case, you need a Right-of-Way Obstruction Permit from the Memphis Engineering Division — cost is approximately $25, valid for 14 days, and must be applied for at least 3 business days in advance. Dumpsters placed entirely on private property require no permit.
Where do Memphis dumpster providers haul debris?
Common disposal destinations include the North Memphis Landfill (Eco 2 Development, 382 Klinke Ave, 38127), WM Memphis Transfer Station (3750 Hatcher Circle, 38118), and the South Shelby Landfill (Republic Services, 5494 Malone Road, 38118). Ask your provider which facility they use and whether tipping fees are bundled into your quote.
Can I put roofing shingles in a Memphis dumpster?
Yes, roofing shingles are accepted by Memphis roll-off providers and hauled to C&D disposal facilities. That said, shingles are dense — a full load of shingles in a 20-yard container can easily exceed the standard weight allowance. For a full roof replacement on a home over 2,000 square feet, consider a 30-yard container to avoid overage charges.
What size dumpster do I need for a full home cleanout in Memphis?
A 20-yard container handles most single-family home cleanouts in Memphis. If the property has accumulated years of furniture, appliances, and junk — common in estate cleanout situations — bump up to a 30-yard to avoid needing a second haul.
Are there restrictions on where I can place a dumpster in Memphis?
The city requires dumpsters in public streets or on sidewalks to have a ROW Obstruction Permit and not block traffic flow or impede pedestrian access. On private property, placement is generally unrestricted. In tight neighborhoods like Midtown or the South Main corridor, confirm that your driveway or site can fit the container before scheduling delivery.