What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
A practical sizing guide comparing 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 yard dumpsters with real project examples.
Dumpster sizes explained
Roll-off dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, which describes the volume of debris they hold. A cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard washing machine. When someone says a 20 yard dumpster, they mean it holds about 20 washing machines' worth of material, or roughly six pickup truck loads.
| Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Holds about | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft | 3 pickup loads | Bathroom remodel, small cleanout, concrete, dirt |
| 15 yard | 14 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft | 4-5 pickup loads | Garage cleanout, roofing up to 25 squares, flooring |
| 20 yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft | 6 pickup loads | Kitchen remodel, whole-home declutter, deck removal |
| 30 yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft | 9 pickup loads | Estate cleanout, home addition, new construction |
| 40 yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft | 12 pickup loads | Commercial build-out, large demolition, bulky light debris |
Match the container to the project
When in doubt, go one size up. The price difference between adjacent sizes is usually small compared with the cost of a second haul when a container overflows. The exception is heavy material such as concrete, dirt, brick or tile, which must go in a 10 yard heavy-debris container regardless of volume because of weight limits.
Consider your space
A 10 or 15 yard container fits in one parking space. A 20 through 40 yard container is about 22 feet long and needs roughly 60 feet of straight approach for the truck to set it down. If your driveway is short or curved, tell us and we will recommend an alternative.
Related services
Residential Dumpster Rental, Construction Dumpster Rental, Roofing Dumpster Rental. Or browse all dumpster rental services.
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