Dumpster Sizes Explained: 10, 15, 20, 30 & 40 Yard Guide

Choosing the right dumpster size is the most important decision when renting. Too small and you'll need a second haul (expensive). Too big and you're paying for space you don't use. This guide breaks down each size with real dimensions, capacity in pickup truck loads, and which projects they're best for.

10-Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 12' long × 8' wide × 3.5' tall

Capacity: 10 cubic yards (~3 pickup truck loads)

Weight limit: Typically 2-3 tons included

Best for:

• Small garage or shed cleanout
• Single bathroom remodel
• Yard debris and landscaping waste
• Small concrete/brick jobs (heavy debris)
• Deck removal (small deck)

The 10-yard is compact enough to fit in most driveways and is ideal when you have heavy materials but not much volume. Many companies use this size for "heavy debris only" rentals.

15-Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 16' long × 8' wide × 4' tall

Capacity: 15 cubic yards (~4-5 pickup truck loads)

Weight limit: Typically 2-4 tons included

Best for:

• Medium garage cleanout
• Flooring removal (2-3 rooms)
• Small kitchen remodel
• Basement cleanout
• Attic cleanout

The 15-yard is the "middle ground" between 10 and 20. Not all companies offer this size, so ask specifically if it's available in your area.

20-Yard Dumpster — Most Popular

Dimensions: 22' long × 8' wide × 4' tall

Capacity: 20 cubic yards (~6 pickup truck loads)

Weight limit: Typically 3-4 tons included

Best for:

• Whole garage cleanout (2-car)
• Medium home renovation
• Deck removal (medium deck)
• Single-layer roofing tear-off
• Whole-room remodel (kitchen or bathroom)
• Moving cleanout

The 20-yard is the most commonly rented size for homeowners. It handles most "normal" residential projects without being oversized. When in doubt, this is usually the right choice.

30-Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 22' long × 8' wide × 6' tall

Capacity: 30 cubic yards (~9 pickup truck loads)

Weight limit: Typically 4-5 tons included

Best for:

• Whole-home cleanout
• Large renovation projects
• Multi-layer roofing tear-off
• Large deck removal
• Estate cleanout
• Construction debris (new addition)

The 30-yard saves you from ordering a second dumpster on larger projects. If you're doing multiple rooms or a major renovation, this size prevents the extra haul fee.

40-Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 22' long × 8' wide × 8' tall

Capacity: 40 cubic yards (~12 pickup truck loads)

Weight limit: Typically 5-6 tons included

Best for:

• New home construction
• Major commercial renovation
• Commercial cleanout
• Large-scale demolition
• Industrial projects

The 40-yard is typically used by contractors and commercial projects. For residential use, it's often overkill unless you're doing a complete gut renovation or building an addition.

Quick Size Comparison Chart

• Garage cleanout (1-car): 10-yard
• Garage cleanout (2-car): 15-20 yard
• Bathroom remodel: 10-yard
• Kitchen remodel: 15-20 yard
• Basement cleanout: 15-20 yard
• Whole house cleanout: 30-yard
• Roofing (single layer): 20-yard
• Roofing (multiple layers): 30-yard
• Deck removal: 20-30 yard
• New construction: 30-40 yard

3 Rules for Choosing the Right Size

Rule #1: When in doubt, size up. A second haul typically costs more than the price difference between sizes. It's almost always cheaper to go one size larger than to order twice.

Rule #2: Heavy debris changes everything. Concrete, dirt, brick, and roofing shingles are heavy. You might fill a 10-yard dumpster with concrete before hitting the volume limit, but you'll hit the weight limit fast. Ask about "heavy debris" pricing.

Rule #3: Think in pickup truck loads. Estimate how many trips to the dump you'd make with a full-size pickup. Then match that to the dumpster capacity above.