Dumpster Size Calculator
This dumpster size calculator answers one question: which box fits your job? Pick your job, say if the debris is heavy, and get a size in seconds. Then book it, or read the size details first.
Quick answer
Small cleanouts take a 10-yard box. Kitchens, multi-room cleanouts, and roofing take a 20-yard box. Whole-house cleanouts and major renovations take a 30-yard box. Full demolition takes a 40-yard box. Heavy debris like concrete always takes a 10-yard box, whatever the job.
How to use this dumpster size calculator
The calculator asks two questions. The first is your job. Ten job types are listed, from a garage cleanout to full demolition. Pick the one closest to yours. The second is your debris. Heavy means concrete, dirt, brick, tile, or shingles. Light means household junk, wood, drywall, and cabinets.
Press "Find my size". The result names one size and explains why. It also links to the booking page with that size, and to the size page with full dimensions. Your exact price is confirmed when you book. Prices on this site are published market ranges, not our prices.
All five sizes at a glance
| Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Pickup loads | Weight allowance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 12-14 ft x 8 ft x 3.5-4 ft | About 3 | 1-3 tons | Small cleanout, one room, heavy debris |
| 15-yard | 16 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft | About 4-5 | 1.5-3 tons | Mid-size cleanout, two rooms, flooring |
| 20-yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 4-4.5 ft | About 6 | 2-4 tons | Kitchen remodel, multi-room cleanout, roofing |
| 30-yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft | About 9 | 3-5 tons | Whole-house cleanout, major renovation |
| 40-yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 7-8 ft | About 12 | 4-6 tons | Major demolition, light bulky debris |
Each size has its own page with photos, dimensions, and job ideas. See the 10-yard dumpster, 15-yard dumpster, 20-yard dumpster, 30-yard dumpster, and 40-yard dumpster pages.
Weight matters more than volume
Most people size a dumpster by volume. They picture how much stuff they have. Weight is the limit that bites. Every dumpster has a weight allowance in tons. Go over it and you pay overage, usually $40 to $100 per extra ton.
Heavy materials fill the weight limit fast. One cubic yard of concrete weighs about two tons. A 10-yard box of concrete can weigh close to 20 tons, far over its limit. That is why heavy debris belongs in a small box, loaded only partway. Shingles are heavy too. A roofing tear-off can weigh several tons before the box looks full. Light materials are the opposite. Furniture, boxes, and wood fill the volume first. A big box suits them fine. The weight limits guide shows the math for each material.
Common sizing mistakes
The first mistake is picking too small. People underestimate their junk. A garage that looks half full often fills a 10-yard box. A whole-house cleanout rarely fits in a 20-yard box. When in doubt, go one size up. The price gap between sizes is smaller than the cost of a second rental.
The second mistake is loading heavy debris into a big box. A 30-yard or 40-yard box full of concrete or dirt will go far over its weight limit. The overage bill can top the rental price. Heavy debris always goes in a 10-yard box.
The third mistake is filling above the rim. Debris heaped over the top edge is unsafe to haul. The driver may refuse pickup until you level the load. Fill to the top edge, no higher. If you run out of room, book a second pickup or a bigger box next time.
The fourth mistake is forgetting the driveway. A 40-yard box is 22 feet long. It needs a long, straight spot and a truck path 60 feet clear. Measure before you book. The size guide covers measuring and placement in full.
What the calculator does not do
The calculator suggests a size. It does not set your price. Prices depend on size, city, rental days, and weight. Your exact price is confirmed when you book. The calculator also does not check permits. A dumpster on your driveway needs no permit in most cities. A dumpster on a public street usually does. Check the permit guide if your placement is on the street.
Frequently asked questions
What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen remodel?
A 20-yard dumpster fits most kitchen remodels. It holds about 6 pickup loads, or 110 to 130 bags. Cabinets, counters, flooring, and drywall all fit. If the remodel covers the whole kitchen plus an adjoining room, step up to a 30-yard.
What size dumpster do I need for a roofing tear-off?
A 20-yard dumpster fits most single-layer roofing tear-offs on an average home. Shingles are heavy, so watch the weight limit. A two-layer tear-off or a large roof may need a 20-yard plus a second load, or a bigger box with a weight check.
Can a dumpster be too big for my job?
Yes. A box that is too big costs more and takes more driveway space. A 40-yard box is also wrong for heavy debris. It will hit its weight limit while it still looks half empty. Match the box to the job, not to the biggest size on the list.
How much weight can a dumpster hold?
A 10-yard usually allows 1 to 3 tons. A 20-yard usually allows 2 to 4 tons. A 30-yard usually allows 3 to 5 tons. A 40-yard usually allows 4 to 6 tons. The exact allowance is set when you book. Overage usually costs $40 to $100 per extra ton.
What if my debris is concrete or dirt?
Pick a 10-yard dumpster. Concrete and dirt are heavy. One cubic yard of concrete weighs about two tons. A small box keeps you under the weight limit. Never load heavy debris into a 30-yard or 40-yard box.
Ready to book?
You have a size. Book it now, or check the market prices first. No payment is taken until we confirm your exact price with you.
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Last updated: November 13, 2026. Prices shown are published market ranges with sources cited. Our exact prices are confirmed at booking.