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✓ Free Calculator • ✓ Weight Estimates • ✓ Local Pricing Info

Find the Perfect Dumpster Size for Your Project

Calculate volume and weight to help avoid overage fees. Quick estimates or detailed material-specific calculations.

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What We Offer

✓Volume and weight calculations for common materials
✓Project-specific dumpster calculators (Roofing, Concrete, Kitchen, Bathroom)
✓Permit requirement guides by city and state
✓Local pricing information for your area
✓No signup or personal info required
Free dumpster size calculator
Easy to Use•100% Free•No Spam
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Planning Your Project?

Calculate your material needs first at JobCalculators.com — Free calculators for concrete, drywall, roofing, paint, flooring, and more. Then return here to size your dumpster for the waste.

How detailed do you need to get?

Choose the right calculator for your project

Quick Estimate

Get a ballpark figure in 30 seconds

  • • Material weight considerations
  • • Multiple debris type options
  • • Fast, accurate recommendation
  • • Volume and space calculations
  • • No account or signup required

Project-Specific Calculators

Get precise sizing with material weight calculations

  • • Concrete calculations
  • • Roofing material weight factors
  • • Bathroom remodel waste calculations
  • • Kitchen renovation debris estimates
  • • Drywall disposal calculations

Looking for a local guide on permits and pricing?

Get location-specific dumpster costs, permit requirements, and rental company recommendations

Or
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Advanced Material-Weight Calculator

Our new calculator considers both volume AND weight to prevent overage fees

Understanding Dumpster Sizes & Weight Limits

10 Yard Dumpster

Best for: Small bathroom remodels, garage cleanouts

⚠️ Weight Limit: 1-2 tons (watch for tile/concrete)

Holds approximately 3-4 pickup truck loads

20 Yard Dumpster

Best for: Large bathroom, kitchen remodels, roofing

⚠️ Weight Limit: 2-3 tons (shingles add up fast)

Holds approximately 6 pickup truck loads

30 Yard Dumpster

Best for: Large home remodels, new construction

⚠️ Weight Limit: 3-4 tons (still applies!)

Holds approximately 9-12 pickup truck loads

40 Yard Dumpster

Best for: Commercial cleanouts (light materials only)

⚠️ Weight Limit: 4-5 tons (never for concrete/dirt)

Holds approximately 12-16 pickup truck loads

Typical Dumpster Rental Costs

Get pricing estimates before you rent - costs vary by location

10-Yard Dumpster

$250-450

7-day rental period

Best for: Small cleanouts, bathroom remodels

20-Yard Dumpster

$300-500

7-day rental period

Best for: Kitchen remodels, roofing projects

30-Yard Dumpster

$400-600

7-day rental period

Best for: Large remodels, new construction

*Prices vary by location, disposal fees, and rental company. Use our ZIP lookup above for local estimates.

Calculate Your Exact Size

Why Weight Matters More Than Size

A 40-yard dumpster filled with concrete will hit weight limits at only 25% full. Our calculator prevents these expensive mistakes by considering your specific materials.

Overage fees typically range from $50-$150 per ton over the limit, making accurate calculations essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about dumpster rentals

Our calculator is highly accurate because it considers both volume and weight limitations. Unlike standard calculators that only estimate based on volume, our tool factors in material density to prevent overage fees.
Overage fees are additional charges when your debris exceeds the weight limit for your dumpster size. These fees typically range from $50-$150 per ton over the limit and can add hundreds of dollars to your rental cost.
Most rental companies prohibit hazardous materials including paint, chemicals, asbestos, tires, batteries, electronics, and appliances containing freon. Liquids, food waste, and medical waste are also typically banned. Always check with your rental company for their specific prohibited items list.
Volume is how much space the dumpster holds (measured in cubic yards), while weight limit is the maximum tonnage allowed. A dumpster can be full by volume but still under the weight limit with light materials, or only half full but over the weight limit with heavy materials like concrete.
Permit requirements vary by location. In most cities, you need a permit if the dumpster will be placed on a public street or right-of-way. Placement on private property (driveway, yard) typically doesn't require a permit.
Standard rental periods are typically 7-10 days, but this can vary by provider. Extended rental periods are usually available for an additional fee. Our local information section provides details specific to your area.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Dumpster?

Use our advanced calculator to get accurate recommendations based on your specific materials and project needs.

Calculate My Dumpster Size