The Ultimate Guide to Dumpster Sizes: 10, 15, 20, 30 & 40 Yard Explained [2026]
Choosing the right dumpster size is crucial for your project's success. Too small means paying for a second rental. Too large means overpaying for space you don't need. This comprehensive guide helps you make the right choice.
Understanding Dumpster Sizes
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, which indicates the volume of debris they can hold. A cubic yard is a 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot cube—about the size of a standard kitchen stove.
When choosing a size, consider both volume (how much space you need) and weight (how heavy your debris is). Heavy materials like concrete can fill weight limits before filling volume.
Pro Tip: When in Doubt, Size Up
The price difference between dumpster sizes is typically only $50-100. A second rental if you underestimate costs $495+. It's almost always cheaper to size up than to order twice.
10 Yard Dumpster
Best For:
- Small bathroom remodels
- Single room cleanouts
- Small garage cleanouts
- Minor landscaping projects
- Deck removal (small)
Not Ideal For:
- ×Whole house cleanouts
- ×Major renovations
- ×Heavy debris (concrete)
15 Yard Dumpster
Best For:
- Medium renovations
- Full garage cleanouts
- Basement cleanouts
- Small roofing jobs
- Flooring removal
Not Ideal For:
- ×Large construction projects
- ×Commercial jobs
- ×Heavy demolition
20 Yard Dumpster
Best For:
- Kitchen remodels
- Medium roofing projects
- Multiple room cleanouts
- Deck/patio removal
- Estate cleanouts
Not Ideal For:
- ×Small single-room projects
- ×Very heavy materials only
30 Yard Dumpster
Best For:
- Major home renovations
- Large roofing projects
- New construction cleanup
- Commercial cleanouts
- Whole house cleanouts
Not Ideal For:
- ×Small residential projects
- ×Limited driveway space
40 Yard Dumpster
Best For:
- Large commercial projects
- Major demolition
- New construction
- Industrial cleanouts
- Large-scale renovations
Not Ideal For:
- ×Residential driveways (height)
- ×Small projects
Quick Project Size Guide
| Project Type | Recommended Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel | 10 Yard | Limited debris from fixtures, tile, vanity |
| Kitchen Remodel | 20 Yard | Cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring |
| Garage Cleanout | 10-15 Yard | Depends on accumulation level |
| Basement Cleanout | 15-20 Yard | Often more than expected |
| Whole House Cleanout | 30 Yard | Furniture, belongings from every room |
| Roofing (up to 20 squares) | 20 Yard | Shingles are heavy, watch weight |
| Roofing (20+ squares) | 30 Yard | More volume and weight capacity |
| Deck Removal | 15-20 Yard | Wood is bulky but lighter |
| New Construction | 30-40 Yard | Ongoing debris throughout project |
| Landscaping Project | 10-15 Yard | Branches, soil, old plants |
Understanding Weight Limits
Important: Weight vs. Volume
Heavy materials can hit your weight limit before filling the dumpster's volume. Always consider the TYPE of debris, not just the amount.
Light Materials (~300-600 lbs/yd³)
- • Household items & furniture
- • Cardboard & paper
- • Light wood scraps
- • Yard waste (branches, leaves)
These materials will fill volume before hitting weight limits.
Heavy Materials (~2,000-4,000 lbs/yd³)
- • Concrete & brick
- • Roofing shingles
- • Soil & dirt
- • Stone & tile
These materials will hit weight limits before filling volume. Consider a larger size or separate haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular dumpster size?
The 20-yard dumpster is our most popular size. It offers the best balance of capacity and price for most home renovation projects, fitting 6-7 pickup truck loads while still fitting in a standard driveway.
How do I know if a dumpster will fit in my driveway?
A 10-20 yard dumpster needs about 10 feet of width and 60+ feet of length for delivery truck access. 30-40 yard dumpsters need 12+ feet of width. Height clearance should be 14-22 feet depending on size. Most residential driveways accommodate up to 30-yard dumpsters.
What happens if I choose a size too small?
If your dumpster fills up before your project is complete, you'll need to schedule an additional rental, which costs more than sizing up initially. We recommend erring on the larger side—the price difference between sizes is only $50-100, much less than a second rental.
Can I mix different types of debris in one dumpster?
Yes, you can mix most household and construction debris in a single dumpster. However, some heavy materials like concrete should be kept separate if possible, as they can quickly exceed weight limits. Hazardous materials are never allowed.
How much weight can each dumpster size hold?
Weight allowances are: 10-yard (1 ton), 15-yard (1 ton), 20-yard (2 tons), 30-yard (3 tons), and 40-yard (4 tons). Exceeding your weight allowance incurs overage fees of $75 per ton. Heavy materials like concrete, brick, and roofing shingles can hit weight limits before filling the volume.
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