15 YD
20 YD
15 Yard vs 20 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.
15 Yard vs 20 Yard: Key Differences
- 20 yard holds 33% more debris (5 extra cubic yards)
- 20 yard costs ~$50 more on average ($350-$500 vs $300-$450)
- 15 yard = 4.5 pickup truck loads, 20 yard = 6 loads
- 20 yard weight limit is 3-4 tons vs 2-4 tons
- Upgrading costs $50, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 15 Yard Dumpster | 20 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14' x 8' x 4' | 22' x 8' x 4.5' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 4.5 pickup loads | 6 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 2-4 tons | 3-4 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $300-$450 | $350-$500 |
| Bag Capacity | 15 cubic yards (about 75-90 33-gallon trash bags) | 20 cubic yards (about 100-120 33-gallon trash bags) |
Best Uses for Each Size
15 YardBest For
- Medium garage cleanouts
- Flooring removal (1,000 sq ft)
- Basement cleanout
- Small kitchen remodel
- Estate cleanout (small home)
Not Ideal For:
- Large construction projects
- Whole house renovations
- Commercial cleanouts
20 YardBest For
- Full garage cleanouts
- Deck/fence removal
- Medium renovation projects
- Roof tear-off (single layer, 1,500 sq ft)
- Estate cleanout (medium home)
- Moving cleanouts
Not Ideal For:
- Multi-layer roof replacements
- Large commercial projects
- Heavy materials only (concrete/dirt)
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose the 15 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 20 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 20 yard costs ~$50 more than the 15 yard, but ordering a second dumpster costs $200-400.
Compare Other Sizes
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Get Free QuotesComparison updated: January 2026