Buyer Beware: Dumpster Fraud Rampant on Facebook Marketplace

Susan Heavilin
May 28
3 min read

This is the dumpster sitting on my property right now as I'm currently doing a major cleanup. I use Heverly & Sons Dumpster Rentals and they have been reasonably priced and quick to bring a fresh container when I need it. | Click on image to enlarge

Doing a major cleanup on your property? Clearing out that under-used garage that you've been storing junk in for twenty years? Redoing your yard and cutting down branches or even entire trees?

All of these benefit greatly from a dumpster. The company brings you a dumpster, you fill it to the brim, and they return to take it to the local landfill for you. Easy peasy.

If you think that you'll just go on Facebook Marketplace and pick up a dumpster for $300, it's best to think again. I strongly advise you to reconsider if it seems to be too good to be true. There is no free lunch.

Do your due diligence. The dump fees alone start at around $700 unless you just plan to fill the container with marshmallows. You might think it's a headache to investigate the company but it's nothing compared to what will follow if you don't do it.

"Due diligence is the act of thoroughly investigating, researching, and verifying information before signing a contract, making a major purchase, or entering into an agreement. Its primary goal is to evaluate potential risks and ensure you are fully informed before taking action."—Google

Dumpster fraud is the biggest scam in town right now and I'm going to help you avoid it. Let me explain.

How the Scam Works

Here's a post from a company in San Marcos who's been scammed enough times that they decided to warn the community:

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Here are four solid suggestions to follow so you won't find yourself paying for a dumpster twice, the scam price and then what it really costs.

My Personal Recommendation

I did my due diligence and investigation. You should do your own. I called around and spoke to several companies. They all charged a comparable price.

I thought my local trash company would be the best place to start. There was no screaming deal because I was already their customer. I found that I wasn't anything special and they'd pick up my container when they got around to it . . . usually at least a week.

I was in a big clean-up project and was filling the dumpster daily, sometimes twice a day. I discovered a company that could easily accommodate my needs. Some days we had two dumpsters going at once, different materials in each one. A quick call to Anthony usually got a new dumpster headed to my property pronto and the already full container removed.

I usually get a 40-yard dumpster which includes 4 tons of whatever I want to get rid of in the price. I am charged $150 a ton for any thing over the four tons. The majority of the cost is for what the company has to pay to the landfill to dump it. You could do it yourself but the dump fee would be the same and you'd have to drive your truck to the landfill about 30 or 40 times. A dumpster is MUCH easier.

I am very happy with the price and the incredible service I get from Anthony at Heverly & Sons. They have all the dumpster sizes people need. My family uses them, also. If you decide to try them out, here is their information. Be sure to click on the link below to see dumpster sizes, types of contents allowed and customer reviews.