Debris Weight Estimator
Calculate how much your debris weighs to avoid overage fees. Most dumpsters have weight limits—exceed them and you'll pay $50-100+ per extra ton.
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Select each type of debris and enter the quantity. We'll calculate the total weight.
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Weight Reference by Material
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (broken) | 2,000–2,400 lbs | With rebar adds ~10% |
| Asphalt | 1,800–2,200 lbs | Driveway/parking lot material |
| Brick | 1,800–2,000 lbs | Includes mortar debris |
| Dirt/Soil | 2,200–2,800 lbs | Wet soil is heavier |
| Gravel | 2,400–2,800 lbs | Varies by type |
| Sand | 2,400–2,700 lbs | Wet sand much heavier |
| Roofing Shingles | 400–700 lbs | ~250 lbs per 100 sq ft |
| Drywall | 500–800 lbs | Wet drywall 2-3x heavier |
| Wood (construction lumber) | 300–600 lbs | Treated wood is heavier |
| Mixed Construction Debris | 400–800 lbs | Typical renovation mix |
| Household Junk | 150–300 lbs | Furniture, boxes, general items |
| Yard Waste | 400–800 lbs | Branches, leaves, brush |
Understanding Dumpster Weight Limits
Every dumpster has a weight limit, typically measured in tons. Exceed it, and you'll pay overage fees of $50-150 per ton. Understanding weight helps you:
- Choose the right dumpster size (smaller for heavy materials)
- Avoid surprise fees at pickup
- Know when to split heavy debris into multiple hauls
Typical Weight Limits by Dumpster Size
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of concrete weigh?
A cubic yard of broken concrete weighs approximately 2,000-2,400 lbs (1-1.2 tons). Solid concrete is heavier at around 4,000 lbs per cubic yard. Most dumpster rentals for concrete have weight limits of 2-4 tons.
What is the weight limit for a dumpster?
Weight limits vary by dumpster size and company. Typical limits are: 10 yard (2-3 tons), 15 yard (2-4 tons), 20 yard (3-4 tons), 30 yard (4-5 tons), 40 yard (5-6 tons). Heavy materials like concrete often have lower limits regardless of size.
How much do roofing shingles weigh?
Asphalt shingles weigh about 200-350 lbs per roofing square (100 sq ft). A typical 2,000 sq ft roof removal generates 4,000-7,000 lbs of shingles. Multiple layers multiply the weight accordingly.
Why do heavy materials need smaller dumpsters?
Weight limits exist because trucks can only haul so much weight safely and legally. A 10 yard dumpster filled with concrete might weigh 10+ tons—way over limits. That's why "heavy debris" dumpsters are usually 10 or 15 yards max.