What are the standard dumpster sizes?
Roll off dumpsters come in five standard sizes: 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The 20 yard is the most commonly ordered, because it is the largest container that still fits a normal residential driveway and its 4.5 foot walls are low enough to load by hand. Heavy material always needs a 10 yard. Call 1-833-520-0680 for pricing in your ZIP.
Compare the sizes
10YARD 10 yard roll off dumpster 12 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft · 3 to 4 pickup loads
- Approximate dimensions12 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft
- Pickup truck loads3 to 4 pickup loads
- Typical weight allowance1 to 2 tons included, varies by provider
- Typical projectsSmall bathroom remodel, single room cleanout, up to 1,500 sq ft of shingles
Typical range
$325 to $575 7 to 10 day rental. Typical price ranges reported by providers. Your provider quotes the exact price, including any weight, mileage or permit fees, before booking.
Call for today's price 15YARD 15 yard roll off dumpster 14 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft · 4 to 6 pickup loads
- Approximate dimensions14 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft
- Pickup truck loads4 to 6 pickup loads
- Typical weight allowance2 to 3 tons included, varies by provider
- Typical projectsKitchen remodel, garage clearout, medium deck tear off
Typical range
$360 to $625 7 to 10 day rental. Typical price ranges reported by providers. Your provider quotes the exact price, including any weight, mileage or permit fees, before booking. Call for today's price 20YARD 20 yard roll off dumpster 20 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft · 6 to 8 pickup loads
- Approximate dimensions20 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft
- Pickup truck loads6 to 8 pickup loads
- Typical weight allowance2 to 4 tons included, varies by provider
- Typical projectsFull floor remodel, large cleanout, 2,500 sq ft roof tear off
Typical range
$400 to $700 7 to 10 day rental. Typical price ranges reported by providers. Your provider quotes the exact price, including any weight, mileage or permit fees, before booking. Call for today's price 30YARD 30 yard roll off dumpster 20 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft · 9 to 12 pickup loads
- Approximate dimensions20 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft
- Pickup truck loads9 to 12 pickup loads
- Typical weight allowance3 to 5 tons included, varies by provider
- Typical projectsFull house cleanout, new build framing waste, large addition
Typical range
$475 to $825 7 to 10 day rental. Typical price ranges reported by providers. Your provider quotes the exact price, including any weight, mileage or permit fees, before booking. Call for today's price 40YARD 40 yard roll off dumpster 22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft · 12 to 16 pickup loads
- Approximate dimensions22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft
- Pickup truck loads12 to 16 pickup loads
- Typical weight allowance4 to 6 tons included, varies by provider
- Typical projectsCommercial demolition, major renovation, bulky light debris
Typical range
$550 to $950 7 to 10 day rental. Typical price ranges reported by providers. Your provider quotes the exact price, including any weight, mileage or permit fees, before booking. Call for today's price All five sizes side by side
| Size | Dimensions | Pickup loads | Typical weight | Space needed | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft | 3 to 4 pickup loads | 1 to 2 tons included, varies by provider | 45 ft | $325 to $575 |
| 15 yard | 14 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft | 4 to 6 pickup loads | 2 to 3 tons included, varies by provider | 50 ft | $360 to $625 |
| 20 yard | 20 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft | 6 to 8 pickup loads | 2 to 4 tons included, varies by provider | 60 ft | $400 to $700 |
| 30 yard | 20 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft | 9 to 12 pickup loads | 3 to 5 tons included, varies by provider | 60 ft | $475 to $825 |
| 40 yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft | 12 to 16 pickup loads | 4 to 6 tons included, varies by provider | 65 ft | $550 to $950 |
Which size suits which project?
| Size | Typical projects |
|---|---|
| 10 yard | Small bathroom remodel, single room cleanout, up to 1,500 sq ft of shingles |
| 15 yard | Kitchen remodel, garage clearout, medium deck tear off |
| 20 yard | Full floor remodel, large cleanout, 2,500 sq ft roof tear off |
| 30 yard | Full house cleanout, new build framing waste, large addition |
| 40 yard | Commercial demolition, major renovation, bulky light debris |
What can go in the container?
Usually accepted
- Household junk, furniture and mattresses
- Drywall, lumber, trim and flooring
- Asphalt shingles, in a heavy debris container
- Yard waste, branches and sod
- Appliances with the refrigerant already removed
- Carpet, padding and cabinetry
Not accepted
- Paint, solvents, fuel and motor oil
- Tires and vehicle batteries
- Asbestos and other regulated materials
- Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
- Medical waste and chemicals
- Electronics in states that ban them from landfills
Accepted material varies by landfill and by provider. Confirm your list on the call before the container is dropped.
Placement checklist
The same checks apply to every size. Larger containers need more approach length, but the overhead clearance requirement of about 23 feet is the same throughout.
- Put plywood under the wheels and the rear roller to spread the load.
- Leave a straight approach of roughly 60 feet so the truck can back in.
- Allow about 10.5 feet of width and 23 feet of overhead clearance.
- Move cars well clear of the drop zone before the delivery window.
- Tell the driver which way you want the barn doors to face.
- Keep debris level with the top rail so the load can be tarped.
Browse by container type
Dumpster size questions
What are the standard dumpster sizes?
Ten, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The 20 yard is the most commonly ordered because it is the largest container that still fits a normal residential driveway.
Which size is right for my project?
A 10 yard suits one room or any heavy material, a 20 yard a full floor remodel or a 2,500 square foot roof, and a 30 yard a whole house cleanout. Heavy debris always needs a 10 yard.
What is the difference between a 20 and a 30 yard?
Wall height, not length. Both are about 20 feet long, but the 30 yard has 6 foot walls instead of 4.5, which adds ten cubic yards on the same footprint.
How much driveway space do I need?
Roughly 45 to 65 feet of straight approach depending on the size, about 10.5 feet of width, and 23 feet of overhead clearance.
Can I put concrete in any size?
No. Concrete, brick, dirt and asphalt need a dedicated 10 yard heavy debris container, because a larger one would exceed the truck legal road weight.
Should I size up if I am unsure?
Usually yes. The step between sizes is typically $35 to $75, while a second haul costs the full delivery and disposal charge again.
Who wrote this page
Written and fact checked by the Dumpster Porta Potty USA editorial team. We check container sizes, servicing intervals and price ranges against published provider rate sheets and federal guidance, then update the page when those change.
Last updated . Read our editorial policy.