How Much Does a 20 Yard Dumpster Hold?
The 20 yard is our most popular size for good reason. Here's exactly what fits, real project examples, and how to know if it's right for you.
The Simple Answer
A 20 yard dumpster holds about 6-8 pickup truck loads of debris
That's 20 cubic yards of space with a 3-ton (6,000 lb) weight limit. Perfect for medium-to-large home projects.
Will Your Project Fit? Real Examples
Kitchen Remodel
FitsCabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall, old appliances from an average kitchen
Coverage: 150-300 sq ft kitchen
Perfect size—most kitchen remodels fill 70-90% of a 20-yard
Full Bathroom Remodel
FitsTub, toilet, vanity, tile, drywall, flooring for 2-3 bathrooms
Coverage: Multiple bathrooms or 1 + other debris
Single bathroom typically needs only 10-15 yards
Roofing (up to 25 squares)
FitsAsphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, nails from a medium roof
Coverage: 1,500-2,500 sq ft roof
Watch weight—shingles are heavy at 250 lbs/square
Single Room Addition Demo
FitsWalls, flooring, ceiling, fixtures from a 12x15 room
Coverage: 150-200 sq ft
Leaves room for associated renovation debris
Deck Removal
FitsWooden deck boards, framing, railings, stairs
Coverage: Up to 400 sq ft deck
Wood is bulky but light—plenty of capacity
2-3 Room Cleanout
FitsFurniture, belongings, junk from multiple rooms
Coverage: Garage + basement + attic
Our most popular size for estate cleanouts
Whole House Cleanout
May Not FitFull contents of a 3+ bedroom home
Coverage: 2,000+ sq ft home
May need 30-yard or multiple loads for full home
Large Concrete Project
May Not FitDriveway, patio, or foundation concrete
Coverage: Heavy materials
Concrete weighs 4,000 lbs/yd³—weight limit exceeded quickly
Capacity by Material Type
Weight matters as much as volume. Here's how different materials affect capacity:
| Material | How Much Fits | Weight Class | Limiting Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Junk | 2,500 lbs fills it | Light (200-400 lbs/yd³) | Volume |
| Wood/Lumber | Full dumpster | Light-Medium (300-500 lbs/yd³) | Volume |
| Drywall | Full dumpster | Medium (500-600 lbs/yd³) | Volume |
| Roofing Shingles | 12-15 cubic yards | Heavy (750 lbs/yd³) | Weight |
| Tile/Ceramic | 8-10 cubic yards | Heavy (1,000 lbs/yd³) | Weight |
| Concrete/Brick | 3 cubic yards MAX | Very Heavy (4,000 lbs/yd³) | Weight |
Important: Heavy materials like concrete and brick will hit the 3-ton weight limit long before filling the volume. For heavy debris, consider a larger dumpster for the extra weight allowance, not the extra space.
20 Yard vs. Other Sizes
Better for: Single room projects
Perfect for: Kitchen/bath remodels, roofing, cleanouts
Better for: Major renovations, construction
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pickup truck loads fit in a 20 yard dumpster?
A 20 yard dumpster holds approximately 6-8 standard pickup truck loads (based on a full-size truck bed that holds about 2.5-3 cubic yards). This varies slightly based on how efficiently you load the dumpster and truck.
What are the dimensions of a 20 yard dumpster?
A standard 20 yard dumpster measures approximately 22 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 4.5 feet high. The walls are about waist-to-chest height on most adults, making it easy to load debris over the sides or through the rear walk-in door.
How much weight can a 20 yard dumpster hold?
Most 20 yard dumpsters include a 3-ton (6,000 lb) weight allowance. You can exceed this, but expect overage fees of $50-100 per ton. For heavy materials like concrete or roofing, the weight limit is more restrictive than the volume.
Is a 20 yard dumpster big enough for a kitchen remodel?
Yes, a 20 yard dumpster is ideal for kitchen remodels. It comfortably holds cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall, and old appliances from an average kitchen. Most kitchen remodels fill 70-90% of a 20-yard dumpster.
What's the difference between 20 yard and 30 yard dumpsters?
A 30 yard dumpster holds 50% more volume (30 vs 20 cubic yards) and typically includes 1 more ton of weight allowance (3 tons vs 2 tons). The footprint is similar (same length and width), but the 30-yard is about 1.5 feet taller. The price difference is usually $100 ($595 vs $695).
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