What Size Dumpster Do I Need? (2024)

When you need to get rid of a large amount of debris and trash, renting a roll off dumpster makes things easier. Whether you’re doing a large scale home cleanup, preparing to move, doing major work on the yardor conducting a large home project or construction project, having a large trash receptacle handy can make a huge difference.

Do You Have Lots of Junk to Get Rid Of?

Coping with trash and debris from a garage cleanout, landscape project, roof installation or other tasks can be overwhelming. It’s not always feasible to place large volumes of trash on the curb, and driving back and forth to the dump with loads of garbage is time-consuming and annoying.

Instead of dealing with those hassles, consider renting a roll-off dumpster for your next major home renovation or another project that will result in lots of unwanted junk. In Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana, Rumpke has you covered for roll-off dumpster rentals. Just tell us about your project, and we’ll recommend a suitable dumpster. We will also drop it off and pick it up, doing the heavy lifting for you.

Understanding Dumpster Sizes

If you need a dumpster for your home or business, you’re probably wondering, “What size dumpster do I need?”

First, it helps to understand the basics of how dumpsters are measured. In terms of volume, or the amount they can hold, dumpsters are measured in cubic yards. Typical volumes for dumpsters include 10 cubic yards, 20 cubic yards, 30 cubic yards and 40 cubic yards.

Dumpsters are also measured by their outside dimensions. That way, you can know the general footprint of the dumpster you’re renting ahead of time to ensure it will fit at the site.

Finally, dumpsters are measured based on the amount of weight they can hold. If you’ll be dealing with heavy debris like concrete, bricks, tree stumps and metal, it’s crucial to ensure that the dumpster you rent can accommodate the total weight of your debris.

Common Dumpster Sizes

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common dumpster sizes and their weight limits:

  • 10-Yard Dumpster – This size measures around 14’ x 7.5’ x 3.5’ and can accommodate 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. It is equivalent to roughly four pickup truck loads and can hold around 60 standard trash bags.
  • 15-Yard Dumpster – This size measures around 16’ x 7.5’ x 4.5’ and can accommodate 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. It is equivalent to approximately six pickup truck loads and can hold around 90 trash bags.
  • 20-Yard Dumpster – This size measures approximately 22’ x 7.5’ x 4.5’ and can accommodate 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. It is equivalent to roughly eight pickup truck loads and can hold approximately 120 garbage bags.
  • 30-Yard Dumpster – This size measures roughly 22’ x 7.5’ x 6’ and can accommodate 7,000 to 10,000 pounds. It is equivalent to approximately 12 pickup truck loads and can hold roughly 180 trash bags.
  • 40-Yard Dumpster – This size measures around 22’ x 7.5’ x 8’ and can accommodate 10,000 to 12,000 pounds. It is equivalent to roughly 16 pickup truck loads and can hold around 240 garbage bags.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Dumpster Size

Some factors to consider when looking for a roll-off dumpster rental include the following:

  • Type of Debris – Is your debris mostly small, light items, or does it consist of large, bulky ones? Is it made up of hefty items like bricks or concrete?
  • Total Volume – Approximately how much debris do you need to dispose of? One cubic yard is equivalent to roughly five or six 13-gallon trash bags. Get a rough estimate of the amount of debris you have to identify the appropriate dumpster size.
  • Total Weight – If you are dealing with heavy items like tree stumps and asphalt shingles, be sure to choose a dumpster with a total weight volume that can accommodate it safely.
  • Delivery Location – Roll-off dumpsters can be placed on the street or in a driveway. However, if you have a very tight space, you may be limited to smaller dumpsters.

Popular Dumpster Sizes By Project Type

You can zero in on the right dumpster size by considering the type of project you are doing. Some examples include the following:

  • Home Cleanouts – If you’re cleaning out an entire house for an upcoming move, estate sale or spring cleaning, a 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster should work.
  • Remodeling Projects – For major home renovations and remodeling projects, it’s wise to choose a dumpster with higher walls for bulky items. A 30-yard dumpster should do the trick.
  • Roofing Projects – If you’re a contractor installing new roofing systems, a 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster should be sufficient for heavy materials like slate and asphalt shingles.
  • Construction Projects – Construction contractors typically opt for 30-yard or 40-yard dumpsters, which can accommodate huge volumes of bulky, heavy items.
  • Landscaping Project – A 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster should suffice for a typical home landscape project. Since you’ll probably be disposing of dirt, stumps and other heavy items, you’ll want a 10-yard dumpster at a minimum.
  • Heavy Debris – If you have a small amount of trash, but it consists of heavy items like concrete, a 10-yard dumpster should work.

Need to Rent a Roll Off Dumpster? Rumpke Can Help

If you want to rent a roll-off dumpster in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana or West Virginia for your homeor business, Rumpke has you covered with flat-rate weekly and monthly rentals. Unlike with many dumpster rental companies, our prices include drop-off and pickup. Our dumpsters can accommodate all manner of non-hazardous waste, including the following:

  • yard waste
  • clothing
  • siding
  • drywall
  • construction debris
  • roofing debris
  • hardware and fixtures
  • carpeting and other flooring
  • furniture
  • toys
  • mattresses

If you are getting ready for an estate cleanout, spring cleaning work, remodeling project or move, or if you require junk removal for your business, do yourself a favor and rent a roll-off dumpster from Rumpke. Please call today for a free quote.

What Size Dumpster Do I Need? (2024)

FAQs

What Size Dumpster Do I Need? ›

In order to help estimate which dumpster size you'll need, you can find the cubic yardage of your debris. If you multiply the length x width x height/depth of your waste (in feet), then divide that number by 27, you will find the number of cubic yards.

How to calculate dumpster size needed? ›

In order to help estimate which dumpster size you'll need, you can find the cubic yardage of your debris. If you multiply the length x width x height/depth of your waste (in feet), then divide that number by 27, you will find the number of cubic yards.

How to choose the right dumpster size for your project? ›

Choosing the Right Dumpster Size for Your Project
  1. Home Cleanouts: Recommended Size: 15 or 20 Yard. ...
  2. Remodeling: Recommended Size: 30 Yard. ...
  3. Roofing: Recommended Size: 10 or 20 Yard. ...
  4. Construction Debris: Recommended Size: 30 or 40 Yard. ...
  5. Heavy Debris: Recommended Size: 10 Yard. ...
  6. Landscaping: Recommended Size: 10 or 20 Yard.
Sep 9, 2023

What is the most common size dumpster rental? ›

The most common dumpster rental size is the 20 Yard Dumpster. Dumpster rentals are an essential service for various projects, from home renovations to construction sites and commercial cleanouts.

How big is a 20 yard bin? ›

A 20 yard container is typically 22 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 4.5 feet high. The exterior dimensions may vary by manufacturer, but the total volume will remain the same. It can hold up to 20 cubic yards of material, which is equal to 110-130 33-gallon trash bags or six pickup truck loads.

What is the measurement of a 20 yard dumpster? ›

The dimensions for a 20-yard dumpster are, 22-feet long by 8-feet wide by 4.5-feet high. This option is the perfect dumpster size for projects of larger residential jobs, moderate commercial or construction projects that include up to 5 tons of debris.

What is the measurement of a 10 yard dumpster? ›

How big is a 10 yard dumpster? The typical measurements are 14 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 3.5 feet high. Keep in mind the exterior dimensions may vary by manufacturer, but the total volume will remain the same.

What are standard dumpster sizes? ›

Standard roll off container sizes are 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The dimensions and exterior may vary by manufacturer, but the volume is always accurate. Additionally, some locations may have non-traditional dumpster sizes, such as 12 and 50 yard bins.

How do you load a dumpster efficiently? ›

Load up evenly

Distribute heavier waste materials, such as appliances and old bricks, along the bottom. Then pile the lighter items on top. Although it can be hard to organize materials by weight, this little extra effort can go a long way.

How many square feet is a dumpster? ›

You also can multiple the cubic yards by 27 (3x3x3) to measure the square footage. Example 20 cubic yards x 27= 540 sq ft. So a 20 cubic yard dumpster can fit approximately 540 sq ft of debris or roughly 20 washing machines.

How big are most dumpsters? ›

Typical Commercial Dumpster Sizes
  • 2 Yard Dumpster. 6 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft. 400 pounds.
  • 4 Yard Dumpster. 6 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft. 800 pounds.
  • 6 Yard Dumpster. 6 ft x 5 ft x 6 ft. 1,200 pounds.
  • 8 Yard Dumpster. 6 ft x 6 ft x 7 ft. 1,400 – 1,600 pounds. *Size options and dimensions vary by market, but volume is consistent.

How many gallons are in a 2 yd dumpster? ›

2 Yard Dumpster Dimensions

The standard size for this bin is 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet high. It can hold 2 cubic yards of garbage, which is equivalent to about a dozen 33-gallon trash bags, or four 96-gallon containers.

What size bins do I need? ›

For a household of two to three people, it's best to get a bin on the smaller side of the range. Families of four to five people should get a midrange kitchen bin, and any household with more than five members should opt for a 50 litre. trash can.

What are standard bin sizes? ›

Why Selecting the Correct Bin Size Matters
  • 3 Yard Bin. 6 feet long x 3.5 feet wide x 4 feet tall. ...
  • 4 Yard Bin. 6 feet long x 4.5 feet wide x 4 feet tall. ...
  • 6 Yard Bin. 6 feet long x 6 feet wide x 5 feet tall. ...
  • 8 Yard Bin. 6 feet long x 6 feet wide x 6 feet tall. ...
  • 10 Yard Bin. ...
  • 15 Yard Bin. ...
  • 20 Yard Bin. ...
  • 30 Yard Bin.

Why is it called a 20 yard dumpster? ›

20 yard dumpster dimensions are typically 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 3.5 feet tall. Every 20 cubic yard dumpster rental will have the same volume of 20 cubic yards, which is why it's called a 20 yard dumpster. A 20 yard roll off dumpster can hold 20 cubic yards of material.

What is the length and width of a 40 yard dumpster? ›

The standard dimensions of a 40 yard dumpster are 22 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 8 feet high. Exact measurements may vary by location, but all of our 40 yard containers will hold 40 cubic yards of debris or 230-250 33-gallon trash bags.

How to calculate cubic yards? ›

Length in feet x Width in feet x Depth in feet (inches divided by 12). Take the total and divide by 27 (the amount of cubic feet in a yard). The final figure will be the estimated amount of cubic yards required.

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