20 YD
40 YD
20 Yard vs 40 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 40 Yard: Key Differences
- 40 yard holds 100% more debris (20 extra cubic yards)
- 40 yard costs ~$150 more on average ($450-$700 vs $350-$500)
- 20 yard = 6 pickup truck loads, 40 yard = 12 loads
- 40 yard weight limit is 5-6 tons vs 3-4 tons
- Upgrading costs $150, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 20 Yard Dumpster | 40 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 22' x 8' x 4.5' | 22' x 8' x 8' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 6 pickup loads | 12 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 3-4 tons | 5-6 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $350-$500 | $450-$700 |
| Bag Capacity | 20 cubic yards (about 100-120 33-gallon trash bags) | 40 cubic yards (about 200-240 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)
40 YardBest For
- Major construction projects
- Commercial demolition
- Large commercial cleanouts
- Warehouse cleanouts
- Industrial projects
- Multi-unit property cleanouts
Not Ideal For:
- Residential driveways (too tall)
- Small to medium projects (oversized)
- Areas with height restrictions
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 40 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 40 yard costs ~$150 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