Dumpsters are typically measured in cubic yards, which refers to the volume of waste they can hold. The most common sizes for residential and commercial projects include 10-yard, 15-yard, 20-yard, and larger options for industrial jobs. At Underdog Dumpster, we offer 15-yard and 20-yard roll-off dumpsters, which are the ideal sizes for most homeowners, contractors, and business owners.
Each cubic yard is roughly equivalent to the space taken up by one standard washing machine. So, when you see a dumpster labeled as 15-yard or 20-yard, it means it can hold that many cubic yards of waste.
Common Dumpster Sizes and What They Are Best For
10-Yard Dumpster
This small dumpster is usually about 10-12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3-4 feet high. It holds roughly 50-60 trash bags or four pickup truck loads of debris.
Best for:
- Small garage or attic cleanouts
- Minor bathroom remodels
- Light yard debris and landscaping projects
- Small deck removals (under 250 square feet)
15-Yard Dumpster
A step up from the 10-yard option, this dumpster is about 14-16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4-5 feet high. It holds around 70-80 trash bags or five to six pickup truck loads of debris.
Best for:
- Garage, basement, or attic cleanouts
- Small-to-medium home renovations
- Single-room remodels (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom)
- Landscaping projects with branches, shrubs, or dirt
- Roof replacements (up to 2,500 square feet of shingles)
20-Yard Dumpster
This size is one of the most popular choices for residential and commercial projects. It typically measures 16-22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4-6 feet high, holding around 110-130 trash bags or eight to ten pickup truck loads of waste.
Best for:
- Whole-home cleanouts
- Large-scale remodeling projects
- Major landscaping and outdoor projects
- Roof replacements (over 2,500 square feet of shingles)
- Office, retail, or warehouse cleanouts
30-Yard and 40-Yard Dumpsters
These large dumpsters are usually used for industrial and commercial projects. They range from 22-24 feet long and can hold between 10-15 pickup truck loads of waste.
Best for:
- Large-scale demolition and construction projects
- New home construction debris
- Major building renovations
- Extensive commercial cleanouts
For most residential and light commercial projects, a 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster will be sufficient.
How to Determine the Right Dumpster Size for Your Project
Estimate the Volume of Waste
Before choosing a dumpster size, think about what materials you’ll be disposing of. A small home cleanout may only require a 15-yard dumpster, while a full-home renovation will need something larger. Consider:
- How many large items (furniture, appliances, etc.) will you be throwing away?
- Will there be construction materials like drywall, flooring, or roofing shingles?
- Are you disposing of bulky items like tree branches or yard debris?
Consider the Weight of Your Materials
While dumpster sizes are based on volume, it’s also important to factor in weight. Certain materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and roofing shingles, can add significant weight to a dumpster. Many dumpster rentals have weight limits, and exceeding them may result in extra charges.
For example, a 15-yard dumpster might be large enough for a home cleanout, but if you’re disposing of concrete, you might need a larger dumpster to avoid exceeding weight restrictions.
Think About the Available Space
Dumpsters take up a considerable amount of space, so you’ll need to consider where you’ll place it. If you have a small driveway, a 15-yard dumpster may be a better option than a 20-yard dumpster. Make sure there’s enough clearance for delivery and pickup, as well as room to load the dumpster easily.
If you’re working on a commercial site, ensure there’s enough space for a larger roll-off dumpster without obstructing workflows or creating safety hazards.
Factor in Extra Waste
It’s always better to choose a slightly larger dumpster than you think you’ll need. Many people underestimate how much waste they will generate, leading to overfilled dumpsters. If your dumpster is overloaded, you may need to rent a second one, which can be more expensive than upgrading to a larger size from the start.
A general rule of thumb: If you’re debating between two sizes, go with the larger one to avoid any issues.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Dumpster Size
Picking a Dumpster That’s Too Small
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a dumpster that’s too small for their project. If you run out of space, you’ll either need to rent a second dumpster or pay extra for overloading fees.
Not Accounting for Heavy Materials
Certain materials can reach weight limits before the dumpster is even full. If you’re disposing of bricks, concrete, dirt, or asphalt, consider choosing a larger dumpster to distribute the weight evenly and avoid overage charges.
Ignoring Local Regulations
Some neighborhoods and municipalities have rules regarding dumpster placement, especially if you’re placing it on a public street. Check local regulations before renting to avoid fines or permit issues.
Forgetting About Rental Periods
Make sure the rental period aligns with your project timeline. If you need a dumpster for an extended period, ask about rental extensions to avoid last-minute scheduling issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dumpster size is essential for keeping your project running smoothly and cost-effectively. A 15-yard dumpster is ideal for small to medium projects, while a 20-yard dumpster works best for larger renovations and whole-home cleanouts. By estimating your waste volume, considering weight limits, and planning for extra waste, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure a hassle-free dumpster rental experience.
If you’re still unsure which size you need, contact Underdog Dumpster, and our team will be happy to help you find the perfect fit for your project.