What dumpster size do I need? Most common sizes.

Here's a breakdown of how much debris each common size roll off dumpster can typically hold:

Photos are below each size description.

Why are dumpsters measured in yards?

Note: Dumpsters are measured in yards because they are built for the truck or trailer they are meant to be hauled on. So one companies 10 yard dumpster may be 12 feet long with 4 foot sides, while another companies may be 14 feet long with 3 foot sides.

• 10 yard dumpster: This size is ideal for small cleanups, bathroom remodels, flooring replacements, spring cleaning, moving and downsizing clutter. Can hold up to whatever is offered by the company you're renting from (me please), which is roughly equivalent to 3-4 LEVEL pickup truck loads.

GOOD FOR: Single room remodel, kitchen remodel without the "big stuff" like appliances your keeping.

all those Kenny Rogers tapes you haven't used in 20 years.

Better for bathroom remodels and bedroom remodels.

The best for spring cleaning or replacing a couple pieces of furniture like that couch and recliner your friends say they "want but they don't have a truck".

• 15 yard dumpster: This size is great for slightly larger projects and can hold more volume but isn't a very popular size. It will hold approximately 4-5 LEVEL pickup truck loads.

• Slightly bigger not really worth it.

GOOD FOR:

New build leftovers, hoard cleaning, best for kitchen remodels that are "full gut"

a little too large for the average spring cleaning.

• 20 yard dumpster: This size is suitable for mid-sized projects such as basement or garage cleanouts, and can hold quite a bit of weight because the trucks hauling them start getting bigger (remember weight is not volume). This is equivalent to around 6-7 LEVEL pickup truck loads.

GOOD FOR:

Light demo, single story homes SHED TEARDOWNS, or if your last spring cleaning was more than 5 years ago.

• 30 yard dumpster: This size is often used for larger construction or renovation projects and can hold all those walmart bags you saved for 40 years, or roughly 9-10 LEVEL pickup truck loads.

GOOD FOR:

Light home remodels (only interior demo) not bulldozing an entire house down.

Medium hoarding cleanouts. garage teardowns, major roofing projects.

• 40 yard dumpster: This is the largest size available and is typically used for commercial or industrial projects. The weight is according to what your rental provider can haul legally the average is about 8,000 pounds of debris, which is equivalent to 4 ton and is around 15-20 LEVEL pickup truck loads.

GOOD FOR:

That house trailer you cant sell, so its cheaper to just demolish it. You don't really need a 40 yard unless your doing some crazy demo job.

How much does a dumpster cost?

Please note that the weight and prices will vary depending on the dumpster rental company, so it's mandatory to check with them to confirm the exact specifications of the dumpster you are interested in renting. Dumpster pricing is not universal across the country. One 10 yard might be $150 in Michigan while another might be $500 in California.