Attic Cleanout Dumpster Size Guide
Attic cleanouts involve unique challenges from insulation removal to decades of stored items. Learn how to calculate the right dumpster size based on attic square footage, insulation type, and stored belongings.
•7 min read•Project Guides
Attic Cleanout Quick Reference
Typical Size: 15-20 yard dumpster
Estimated Debris: 2-3 tons
Common Items: Insulation, stored boxes, old furniture
Project Duration: 1 week
Key Consideration: Old insulation may require special handling
Very Small Cleanout?
For minimal attic cleanouts with just a few boxes of seasonal items, you might not need a traditional dumpster. Consider a Bagster bag for a more cost-effective solution.
Sizing by Attic Type
10-Yard Dumpster: Small Storage Attics
Perfect For:
- • Small homes (800-1,200 sq ft attic)
- • Storage-only cleanouts
- • Minimal or no insulation removal
- • Apartment or condo attic spaces
Typical Contents:
- • 20-30 boxes of stored items
- • Small furniture pieces
- • Holiday decorations
- • About 3-4 pickup truck loads
Capacity: 10 cubic yards | Dimensions: 14' × 7.5' × 3.5'
15-Yard Dumpster: Medium Attic Cleanouts
Perfect For:
- • Medium homes (1,200-2,000 sq ft attic)
- • Storage plus partial insulation removal
- • Decades of accumulated items
- • Preparation for insulation upgrade
Typical Contents:
- • 40-60 boxes and containers
- • Medium furniture and appliances
- • Partial insulation removal
- • About 4-5 pickup truck loads
Capacity: 15 cubic yards | Dimensions: 16' × 7.5' × 4.5'
20-Yard Dumpster: Large Attic Overhauls
Perfect For:
- • Large homes (2,000+ sq ft attic)
- • Complete insulation replacement
- • Multi-generational storage clearance
- • Structural renovation preparation
Typical Contents:
- • Complete insulation system
- • 80+ boxes and stored items
- • Large furniture and equipment
- • About 6 pickup truck loads
Capacity: 20 cubic yards | Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 4.5'
✅ Perfect For:
- •Small attic storage cleanouts (holiday decorations, boxes)
- •Medium attic with partial insulation removal
- •Large attic with complete insulation replacement
- •Estate cleanouts with decades of storage
- •Pre-renovation attic clearing
- •Pest damage cleanup and restoration
❌ Too Large For:
- •Very small cleanouts (few boxes) - consider <a href="/blog/bagster-vs-dumpster" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Bagster bag</a> instead
- •Single furniture piece removal
- •Minimal storage items only
Insulation Removal Volume Guide
Insulation removal significantly increases debris volume. Different insulation types require different amounts of dumpster space, and most materials compress by 30-50% when loaded properly.
| Insulation Type | Volume per 1,000 sq ft | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blown-in cellulose | 4-6 cubic yards | High volume, compacts well |
| Fiberglass batts | 2-4 cubic yards | Compressible, requires <a href="/blog/diy-vs-professional-dumpster-loading" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">protective gear</a> |
| Rock wool | 3-5 cubic yards | Heavy, requires dust protection |
| Spray foam | 1-3 cubic yards | Must be cut/scraped, very dense |
| Vermiculite | Professional only | May contain asbestos - requires testing |
Asbestos Warning
Vermiculite insulation installed before 1990 may contain asbestos. Have professional testing done before disturbing any insulation. Professional asbestos removal costs $1,000-$11,000 depending on attic size. Some homeowners may qualify for up to 55% reimbursement through the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust.
Cost Breakdown by Region
| Region | 10-Yard | 15-Yard | 20-Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $350 - $500 | $400 - $550 | $500 - $650 |
| Southeast | $250 - $400 | $350 - $500 | $400 - $550 |
| Midwest | $275 - $425 | $375 - $525 | $425 - $575 |
| West Coast | $400 - $550 | $450 - $600 | $550 - $700 |
Prices include standard 7-10 day rental periods and vary by specific location. Additional costs may include overage fees ($50-$100 per ton), extended rental ($10-$50 per day), and permit fees if placing dumpster on public property ($20-$150).
Safety & Loading Guidelines
✅ Safe for Dumpsters
- • Most insulation types (fiberglass, cellulose, rock wool)
- • Cardboard boxes and paper
- • Old furniture and household items
- • Clothing and textiles
- • Non-electronic decorations
- • Wood materials and lumber
- • Small appliances (non-refrigerated)
❌ Requires Special Disposal
- • Vermiculite insulation (asbestos risk)
- • Electronics and batteries
- • Paint cans and chemicals
- • Fluorescent light fixtures
- • Refrigerators and AC units
- • Propane tanks
- • Tires and automotive fluids
Essential Safety Equipment
Before starting your attic cleanout, gather this protective gear: N95 masks or respirators (dust and fibers), long sleeves and pants (insulation protection), safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves, proper footwear with good traction, and a headlamp or flashlight for visibility.
Real Project Examples with Exact Calculations
These examples show complete calculations for common projects. Use them as templates for estimating your own project's disposal needs.
Case Study: 1,500 sq ft Ranch Home
Project: Complete attic cleanout with partial insulation removal
Contents removed:
- • 45 boxes of stored items
- • Old bedroom furniture set
- • 30% of blown-in insulation (approx 450 sq ft)
- • 20+ years of holiday decorations
Result:
- • 15-yard dumpster used
- • 85% capacity utilized
- • Total cost: $425
- • 2-day rental period
Case Study: 2,400 sq ft Colonial
Project: Full insulation replacement and complete storage clearance
Contents removed:
- • Complete fiberglass insulation system (2,400 sq ft)
- • 80+ boxes accumulated over 30 years
- • Large furniture pieces and appliances
- • Old HVAC ductwork sections
Result:
- • 20-yard dumpster used
- • 95% capacity utilized
- • Total cost: $575
- • 5-day rental period
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20-yard dumpster cost?
A 20-yard dumpster costs $350-$650 for a 7-10 day rental period. <a href="/blog/dumpster-rental-cost-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Costs vary by location</a>, with higher prices in urban areas. Factor in potential overage fees of $50-$100 per ton if you exceed the 2-3 tons weight limit.
How long can I keep a dumpster?
<a href="/blog/dumpster-rental-duration-calculator" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Standard rental periods</a> are 7-10 days, with extensions typically available at $10-50 per day. Some companies offer flexible rental terms. Always confirm the rental period and extension costs before booking.
What can't go in a dumpster?
You cannot dispose of <a href="/blog/prohibited-items-dumpster" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">hazardous materials</a> (paint, chemicals, asbestos), electronics, batteries, appliances with refrigerants (refrigerators, AC units), tires, propane tanks, or medical waste. Check with your rental company for specific restrictions as they vary by location.
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?
<a href="/blog/do-i-need-dumpster-permit" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Dumpsters on private property</a> (your driveway) typically don't require permits. Street placement usually needs a permit from your municipality, costing $20-$150. Check local regulations or ask your rental company about requirements in your area.
Ready to Size Your Project?
Use our free calculator to find the perfect dumpster size