20 YD
30 YD
20 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.
20 Yard vs 30 Yard: Key Differences
- 30 yard holds 50% more debris (10 extra cubic yards)
- 30 yard costs ~$75 more on average ($400-$600 vs $350-$500)
- 20 yard = 6 pickup truck loads, 30 yard = 9 loads
- 30 yard weight limit is 4-5 tons vs 3-4 tons
- Upgrading costs $75, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 20 Yard Dumpster | 30 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 22' x 8' x 4.5' | 22' x 8' x 6' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 6 pickup loads | 9 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 3-4 tons | 4-5 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $350-$500 | $400-$600 |
| Bag Capacity | 20 cubic yards (about 100-120 33-gallon trash bags) | 30 cubic yards (about 150-180 33-gallon trash bags) |
Best Uses for Each Size
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)
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 20 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 ~$75 more than the 20 yard, but ordering a second dumpster costs $200-400.
Compare Other Sizes
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Get Free QuotesComparison updated: January 2026