30 Yard Dumpster Guide: Large Project Sizing & Costs
A 30 yard dumpster is perfect for whole house cleanouts, major renovations, and new construction projects. Learn dimensions, weight limits, and when to choose this large-capacity option.
Ideal for Major Projects
When You Need a 30-Yard Dumpster
A 30-yard dumpster handles projects generating 9-12 pickup truck loads of debris. This is the sweet spot for complete home renovations, large cleanouts, and new construction projects.
You need a 30-yard if you're:
- • Gutting an entire 2,400 sq ft home (whole house cleanout)
- • Building a 500+ sq ft room addition with demo work
- • Removing a large two-level deck (500-700 sq ft)
- • Cleaning out a 4-5 bedroom estate with accumulated belongings
- • Handling new single-family home construction waste
- • Removing shingles from 2,000-3,000 sq ft of roof
This is the largest dumpster that still fits in most residential driveways. A 20-yard fills up too quickly for whole-house projects. A 40-yard is overkill unless you're doing commercial work or multi-story demolition.
✅ Perfect For:
- •Whole house cleanouts (3-5 bedroom homes)
- •Complete home renovations (multi-room)
- •Large additions (room additions, garage builds)
- •Large deck removal (over 400 sq ft)
- •New construction (single-family homes)
- •Major landscaping projects (large yards)
- •Estate cleanouts (large properties)
- •Roofing projects (2,000-3,000 sq ft)
- •Commercial cleanouts (small businesses)
- •Shed or garage demolition
❌ Too Small For:
- •Multi-story demolition (need 40-yard)
- •Large commercial projects (need 40-yard)
- •Extensive estate cleanouts (mansions)
- •Major construction sites with heavy volume
- •Industrial facility cleanouts
30 Yard Dumpster Pricing by Market
Pricing Note: The prices shown are general market estimates based on industry averages as of October 2025. Actual costs vary significantly by city, disposal fees, local competition, and debris type. These ranges are for reference only—always get quotes from local providers for accurate pricing in your area.
| Market Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major Metro (SF, NYC, Boston) | $608-$1080 | High disposal fees, strict regulations |
| Mid-Size Cities | $495-$880 | Moderate costs and competition |
| Small Towns | $428-$760 | Lower overhead, less competition |
| Rural Areas | $360-$640 | Lower disposal fees, longer haul distances |
Dimensions & Capacity Details
Physical Dimensions
- Length:22 feet
- Width:8 feet
- Height:6 feet
- Footprint:176 square feet
Capacity Comparisons
- Pickup trucks:9-12 pickup truck loads
- Trash bags:About 170-180 (33-gallon bags)
- Cubic feet:1056 cubic feet
- Weight capacity:3-4 tons
Real Project Examples
Whole House Cleanout - 2,400 sq ft home
Removed: All furniture from 4 bedrooms, appliances and kitchen items, garage and basement contents, years of accumulated belongings
Dumpster fill: 90% full (27 cubic yards used)
Weight: ~4 tons
Result: Perfect for complete cleanout - had room for last-minute items discovered during final walkthrough
Home Addition Construction - 500 sq ft room
Removed: Exterior wall removal debris, old siding and windows, construction waste and cutoffs, packaging from new materials
Dumpster fill: 75% full (22.5 cubic yards used)
Weight: ~3.5 tons
Result: Good choice - had room for ongoing construction waste throughout the 14-day rental
Large Deck Demolition - 600 sq ft two-level deck
Removed: Upper and lower deck boards, railings and stairs, support structure and beams, concrete footings
Dumpster fill: 85% full (25.5 cubic yards used)
Weight: ~3 tons
Result: Excellent size for large deck - breaking down boards was key to fitting everything
Loading Tips
✅ Do This
- Break down large items to maximize space
- Load heavy items first (on the bottom)
- Distribute weight evenly across the length
- Use the walk-in door for bulky items
- Fill gaps with smaller debris
- Keep materials level with top edge
❌ Avoid This
- Don't overfill above the rim
- No hazardous materials (paint, oil, batteries)
- Don't load appliances with refrigerant
- No tires or electronics
- Don't exceed weight limit (3-4 tons)
- Don't pile heavy materials on one end
When to Choose 30 Yard vs Other Sizes
Downsize to 20 Yard When:
Your project is limited to one or two rooms, you have space constraints in your driveway, or you're working with lighter materials that won't fill the volume.
Choose 30 Yard When:
You're doing a complete home renovation, whole house cleanout, large addition, new construction, or estate cleanout. This size handles major residential projects and small commercial work.
Upgrade to 40 Yard When:
You're doing commercial construction, multi-story demolition, or have massive debris volume. Ensure you have adequate space (60+ feet) for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 30-yard dumpster cost?
How long can I keep a dumpster?
What can't go in a dumpster?
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?
Ready to Size Your Project?
Use our free calculator to find the perfect dumpster size
Related Guides
What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
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20-Yard Dumpster Guide
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40-Yard Dumpster Guide
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Whole House Renovation Guide
Major renovation debris management
Roofing Debris Calculator
Calculate shingle weight and disposal needs