What Size Dumpster Do I Need? Complete Guide
Choosing the right dumpster size is crucial for your project success and budget. Too small and you'll need multiple hauls; too large and you're wasting money. This guide will help you select the perfect size.
Most Common Size: 20-Yard Dumpster
Quick Answer: Most Common Sizes by Project
Bagster Bag (3 yards): Very small cleanouts, closet organization, minor decluttering
10 Yard: Small bathroom remodel, garage cleanout, deck removal
30 Yard: New construction, whole-house renovation, commercial cleanout
40 Yard: Large construction projects, commercial demolition
Understanding Dumpster Measurements
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards. One cubic yard equals 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet (27 cubic feet). Here's what each size actually looks like and what it can hold:
10 Yard Dumpster
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14' × 7.5' × 3.5'
- Capacity: 3-4 pickup truck loads
- Weight Limit: 1-2 tons
- Price Range: $300-$500
Perfect For
- • Small bathroom remodel
- • Garage cleanout
- • Basement cleanout
- • Small deck removal
- • Minor landscaping debris
20 Yard Dumpster
Specifications
- Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 4.5'
- Capacity: 6 pickup truck loads
- Weight Limit: 2-3 tons
- Price Range: $350-$650
Perfect For
- • Large bathroom renovation
- • Kitchen remodel
- • Flooring removal (up to 2,000 sq ft)
- • Roof replacement (up to 1,500 sq ft)
- • Large garage cleanout
✓ Most Popular Choice
This is the most commonly rented size for residential projects, offering the best value and versatility for typical home renovations.
30 Yard Dumpster
Specifications
- Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 6'
- Capacity: 9-12 pickup truck loads
- Weight Limit: 3-4 tons
- Price Range: $450-$800
Perfect For
- • Whole house renovation
- • New construction debris
- • Commercial office cleanout
- • Large roof replacement (2,000+ sq ft)
- • Siding replacement
40 Yard Dumpster
Specifications
- Dimensions: 22' × 8' × 8'
- Capacity: 12-16 pickup truck loads
- Weight Limit: 4-5 tons
- Price Range: $550-$900
Perfect For
- • Large commercial projects
- • Major construction/demolition
- • Warehouse cleanout
- • Multiple home renovation
- • Large-scale landscaping
Factors That Affect Size Choice
1. Type of Debris
Heavy materials like concrete, dirt, or shingles fill weight limits quickly. You might need a smaller dumpster with higher weight capacity to avoid costly overage fees. Light materials like furniture and household items are volume-limited rather than weight-limited.
2. Project Scope
Always estimate 10-20% more space than you think you need. It's better to have extra room than to need a second dumpster. The cost difference between sizes is often only $100-150, much less than ordering a second rental ($300-600+). Check our cost guide to understand pricing differences.
3. Local Regulations
Some areas have size restrictions or require permits for dumpsters over 20 yards. Street placement typically needs permits ($20-150) regardless of size. Check with your local municipality or read our complete permit guide before ordering.
Pro Tips for Choosing Size
When in doubt, go bigger
The cost difference between sizes is often less than ordering a second dumpster. A 30-yard costs only $100-150 more than a 20-yard, but a second 20-yard rental costs $300-600.
Consider access and placement
Make sure the dumpster can fit in your driveway or placement area. Larger dumpsters need more clearance (14+ feet wide including truck, 23+ feet vertical clearance).
Ask about weight limits
Overweight fees can be expensive ($50-150 per ton over limit). Heavy materials like concrete, dirt, and shingles hit weight limits fast - sometimes at just 25-50% container capacity.
Bundle projects for efficiency
If you're doing multiple renovations (bathroom + kitchen), combine them into one rental period to save on delivery fees and get better value from your dumpster.
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.
Kitchen Renovation
Project: Full kitchen remodel with cabinet and appliance removal
- • 12×15 ft kitchen
- • Cabinet removal (15 units)
- • Countertop disposal
- • Old appliances (3 units)
- • Flooring removal (180 sq ft)
- • 20-yard dumpster
- • Filled to 80% capacity
- • Total cost: $500
- • No overage fees
- • 7-day rental period
Whole House Cleanout
Project: Estate cleanout of 2,500 sq ft home
- • Furniture from all rooms
- • Garage full of items
- • Basement storage cleanout
- • Old appliances and fixtures
- • Years of accumulated belongings
- • 30-yard dumpster
- • 95% capacity utilized
- • Total cost: $625
- • Donated usable items first
- • 10-day rental period
Bathroom Remodel
Project: Small bathroom gut renovation
- • 5×8 ft bathroom
- • Vanity and toilet removal
- • Tub replacement
- • Tile removal (80 sq ft)
- • Drywall demo work
- • 10-yard dumpster
- • 85% capacity
- • Total cost: $350
- • No overages
- • 5-day rental
Dumpster Sizing Summary
The 20-yard dumpster is the most popular rental size, perfect for typical home projects like kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, and flooring replacement. It holds 6 pickup truck loads and costs $350-$650 for 7-10 days.
For smaller projects like garage cleanouts or minor renovations, a 10-yard dumpster (3-4 truck loads, $300-$500) works well. Large projects like whole house renovations need 30-yard (9-12 truck loads, $450-$800) or 40-yard containers (12-16 truck loads, $550-$900).
Key factors: heavy materials like concrete and roofing shingles hit weight limits before volume limits, always add 10-20% buffer to your estimate, and check permit requirements before ordering. When in doubt, size up - the small cost difference beats ordering a second rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10-yard dumpster cost?
How much does a 20-yard dumpster cost?
How much does a 30-yard dumpster cost?
How much does a 40-yard dumpster cost?
How long can I keep a dumpster?
What can't go in a dumpster?
What happens if I choose the wrong size?
Ready to Size Your Project?
Use our free calculator to find the perfect dumpster size