30 YD
40 YD
30 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.
30 Yard vs 40 Yard: Key Differences
- 40 yard holds 33% more debris (10 extra cubic yards)
- 40 yard costs ~$75 more on average ($450-$700 vs $400-$600)
- 30 yard = 9 pickup truck loads, 40 yard = 12 loads
- 40 yard weight limit is 5-6 tons vs 4-5 tons
- Upgrading costs $75, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 30 Yard Dumpster | 40 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 22' x 8' x 6' | 22' x 8' x 8' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 9 pickup loads | 12 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 4-5 tons | 5-6 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $400-$600 | $450-$700 |
| Bag Capacity | 30 cubic yards (about 150-180 33-gallon trash bags) | 40 cubic yards (about 200-240 33-gallon trash bags) |
Best Uses for Each Size
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)
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 30 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 ~$75 more than the 30 yard, but ordering a second dumpster costs $200-400.
Compare Other Sizes
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Get Free QuotesComparison updated: January 2026