10 YD
30 YD
10 Yard vs 30 Yard Dumpster Comparison
Comparing dumpster sizes to help you choose the right container for your project. See dimensions, capacity, weight limits, and costs side-by-side.
10 Yard vs 30 Yard: Key Differences
- 30 yard holds 200% more debris (20 extra cubic yards)
- 30 yard costs ~$175 more on average ($400-$600 vs $250-$400)
- 10 yard = 3 pickup truck loads, 30 yard = 9 loads
- 30 yard weight limit is 4-5 tons vs 2-3 tons
- Upgrading costs $175, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 10 Yard Dumpster | 30 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12' x 8' x 3.5' | 22' x 8' x 6' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 3 pickup loads | 9 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 2-3 tons | 4-5 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $250-$400 | $400-$600 |
| Bag Capacity | 10 cubic yards (about 50-60 33-gallon trash bags) | 30 cubic yards (about 150-180 33-gallon trash bags) |
Best Uses for Each Size
10 YardBest For
- Small garage cleanouts
- Bathroom remodel debris
- Small deck removal
- Single room cleanout
- Small landscaping projects
Not Ideal For:
- Whole house cleanouts
- Large renovation projects
- Construction debris
- Multi-room remodels
30 YardBest For
- Large home renovations
- Multi-room remodels
- New construction debris
- Commercial cleanouts
- Large estate cleanouts
- Multi-layer roof tear-off
Not Ideal For:
- Small driveways (check clearance)
- Light residential cleanouts (oversized)
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose the 10 Yard If:
- →Your project is small to medium (single room, small cleanout)
- →You have limited driveway space
- →Budget is tight and you're confident about debris volume
- →You're disposing mostly of lightweight materials
Choose the 30 Yard If:
- →You're unsure about exact debris volume
- →Project scope might expand
- →You want to avoid risk of a second haul ($200-400)
- →You have heavier materials that need extra weight allowance
Pro Tip: When in doubt, size up. The 30 yard costs ~$175 more than the 10 yard, but ordering a second dumpster costs $200-400.
Compare Other Sizes
Related Resources
Ready to Rent?
Get quotes from local dumpster companies. Compare prices and book directly with the hauler.
Get Free QuotesComparison updated: January 2026