Standard Dumpster Sizes
The standard dumpster size will vary from company to company. Most dumpster rental companies have three sizes. Occasionally other sizes can be available. The three most common sizes are 15 yard, 20 yard and 30 yard dumster sizes. Other sizes that may be available are 10 yard, 12 yard, and 40 yard dumpsters.
How Dumpster Sizes Are Calculated
Dumpster sizes are calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the dumpster together. The result is typically given in cubic yards or cubic feet.
Dumpster Capacity = Length x Height x Width
For example, a 20-yard dumpster that is 14 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and 4.5 feet high would have a capacity of 660 cubic feet (14 × 7.5 × 4.5 = 455).
To convert from cubic yards to cubic feet, multiply the cubic yards by 27. To convert from cubic feet to cubic yards, divide the cubic feet by 27.
Dumpster Size by Project
If you are unsure of what size dumpster you need, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get a larger one. This will give you plenty of room for all of your debris, and you won’t have to worry about overfilling the dumpster. Or you can contact Simplicity Dumpster for professional help with your decision.
Project Scope
The single biggest factor that will go into your decision to rent a dumpster will be the scope of the project. The most common reasons why people rent dumpsters are:
Home Renovation and Remodeling:
Bathroom Remodeling: Demolishing old bathroom fixtures, removing tiles and flooring, disposing of construction debris
Kitchen Remodeling: Removing old cabinets, appliances, and countertops, disposing of renovation waste
General Remodeling: Tearing down walls, removing old flooring and drywall, disposing of construction debris
Home Decluttering and Cleanouts: Discarding old furniture, appliances, household items, and general clutter
Yard Work and Landscaping:
Demolition of Sheds, Decks, or Patios: Removing old structures and disposing of debris
Yard Cleanup: Disposing of large amounts of yard waste, such as branches, leaves, and grass clippings
Landscaping Projects: Removing old plants, shrubs, and trees, disposing of landscaping waste
Roofing Projects: Removing old shingles and disposing of roofing waste
Construction and Demolition:
New Construction: Disposing of construction debris, such as concrete, drywall, and wood
Demolition Projects: Tearing down old structures and disposing of demolition debris
Home Additions: Removing old materials and disposing of construction waste
Garage or Shed Construction: Disposing of construction debris and general waste
Other Types of Projects:
Estate Sales and Cleanouts: Removing and disposing of items from large estates or properties
Eviction Cleanouts: Disposing of belongings left behind by evicted tenants
Hoarding Cleanup: Removing and disposing of excessive amounts of accumulated clutter
Disaster Cleanup: Disposing of debris from natural disasters or other emergencies
It is important to note that the type of dumpster required will depend on the specific project and the type of waste being disposed of. For example, a construction project will likely require a larger dumpster than a yard cleanup project. It is also important to check with local regulations to ensure that you are disposing of waste properly.
Home Remodel
The size of dumpster you need for a home remodel will depend on the size and scope of your project, as well as the type of debris you will be generating. Here’s a general guide to dumpster sizes for different types of home remodels:
Small projects (e.g., bathroom remodel, kitchen update): 10-yard dumpster
Medium projects (e.g., adding a room, replacing flooring): 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster
Large projects (e.g., whole-house renovation, demolition): 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster
Consider these factors when choosing a dumpster size:
Debris type: Heavier materials like concrete or drywall will take up more space.
Project duration: A shorter project may require a smaller dumpster, while a longer one might need a larger one.
Bathroom Remodel
The size of dumpster you need for a bathroom remodel will depend on the size of the bathroom and the extent of the renovation. However, in general, a 15-yard dumpster should be sufficient for most small to medium-sized bathroom remodels. This size dumpster can hold approximately 330 cubic feet of debris, which is equivalent to about six pickup truck loads.
If you are doing a more extensive bathroom remodel, such as one that involves gutting the entire bathroom or removing a wall, you may need a larger dumpster, such as a 20-yard dumpster. These larger dumpsters can hold up to 500 cubic feet and 660 cubic feet of debris, respectively.
Kitchen Remodel
The size of dumpster you’ll need for a kitchen remodel depends on the size of the kitchen, the extent of the renovation, and the type of debris you’ll be generating. Typically, a small to medium-sized kitchen remodel will require a 10-yard or 15-yard dumpster, while a larger kitchen remodel might need a 20-yard dumpster. If you’re doing a complete gut renovation of your kitchen, you may need a 30-yard dumpster.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a larger dumpster than you think you’ll need. This will prevent overfilling, additional rental fees, and ensuring you have enough space for all your kitchen remodel debris.
Residential Cleanout
The size of dumpster you’ll need for a residential cleanout depends on the size of your home, the amount of clutter, and the type of debris you’ll be discarding. Here’s a general guide to dumpster sizes for different types of residential cleanouts:
Small cleanout (e.g., single room, attic or garage): 10-yard dumpster
Medium cleanout (e.g., multiple rooms, small apartment or condo): 15-yard dumpster
Large cleanout (e.g., entire house, hoarding situation): 20-yard or 30-yard dumpster
Consider these factors when choosing a dumpster size:
Amount of clutter: The more clutter you have, the larger the dumpster you’ll need.
Type of debris: Heavier items like furniture and appliances will take up more space and may require a larger dumpster.
Accessibility: If you have limited space for the dumpster, consider choosing a smaller size or opting for a dumpster with a smaller footprint.
Residential Construction
The size of dumpster you need for residential construction depends on the size and scope of your project, as well as the type of debris you will be generating. Here’s a general guide to dumpster sizes for different types of residential construction projects:
Small projects (e.g., roofing, small additions): 10-yard or 15-yard dumpster
Medium projects (e.g., garage or shed construction, major home repairs): 20-yard or 30-yard dumpster
Large projects (e.g., new construction, demolition): 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster
Consider these factors when choosing a dumpster size:
Debris type: Bulky items like drywall, roofing shingles, and construction debris will take up more space. Heavier materials like concrete and brick will also require a larger dumpster.
Project duration: If you’re only working on the construction project for a few days or weeks, a smaller dumpster might suffice. However, if the project will take longer, a larger dumpster might be necessary to avoid frequent trips to the landfill.
Permits and regulations: Check with your local municipality for any permits or regulations regarding dumpster placement and size restrictions.
Commercial Construction
The size of dumpster you need for a commercial construction project depends on the size and scope of your project, as well as the type of debris you will be generating. Here’s a general guide to dumpster sizes for different types of commercial construction projects:
Small projects (e.g., interior renovations, minor repairs): 10-yard dumpster
Medium projects (e.g., tenant improvements, small additions or expansions): 20-yard dumpster
Large projects (e.g., new construction, major renovations, demolitions): 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster
Consider these factors when choosing a dumpster size:
Consider the project’s waste stream: If you’re generating a lot of heavy debris, such as concrete or brick, you’ll need a larger dumpster. If you’re mostly generating lighter debris, such as wood or drywall, a smaller dumpster may be sufficient.
Think about the project’s timeline: If you’re working on a project with a tight deadline, you may need a larger dumpster to handle the increased volume of waste. If you have more time, you can get away with a smaller dumpster.
Factor in the cost of disposal: The cost of disposing of construction waste varies depending on the type of waste and the location. When choosing a dumpster size, be sure to factor in the cost of disposal fees.
Cement and Other Heavy Materials
When disposing of heavy materials like cement, concrete blocks, and bricks, it is generally recommended to use a 15-yard dumpster. This size dumpster can accommodate approximately 2 to 3 tons of debris, which is sufficient for most small to medium-sized projects involving heavy materials.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a dumpster size for heavy materials:
Quantity of debris: The amount of heavy debris you need to dispose of will determine the size of dumpster you need. A 10-yard dumpster is typically sufficient for small to medium-sized projects, while larger projects may require a 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster.
Type of heavy materials: Different types of heavy materials have different densities. For example, concrete is denser than bricks, so you will need a larger dumpster to dispose of the same amount of concrete as bricks.
Weight restrictions: Some municipalities have weight restrictions on dumpsters placed on public roads. If you are unsure of the weight restrictions in your area, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a smaller dumpster.
Landscaping and Yard Waste
The size of dumpster you need for landscaping and yard waste will depend on the amount of debris you need to dispose of. Here’s a general guide to dumpster sizes for different types of landscaping and yard waste projects:
Small projects (e.g., cleaning up small areas of yard waste, removing a small tree): 10-yard dumpster
Medium projects (e.g., cleaning up a medium-sized yard, removing a few trees): 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster
Large projects (e.g., extensive yard cleanup, removing multiple trees or shrubs): 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster
Consider these factors when choosing a dumpster size:
Consider the type of landscaping project: If you’re removing trees or shrubs, you’ll need a larger dumpster to accommodate the heavier debris. If you’re mostly cleaning up leaves and grass clippings, a smaller dumpster may be sufficient.
Think about the time of year: If you’re doing landscaping or yard work in the fall when there are a lot of leaves, you’ll need a larger dumpster than if you’re doing it in the spring when there are fewer leaves.
Factor in the cost of disposal: The cost of disposing of yard waste varies depending on the type of waste and the location. When choosing a dumpster size, be sure to factor in the cost of disposal fees.
Roofing
The type and size of dumpster you need for roofing will depend on the size of your roof and the type of shingles you are removing. Here is a general guide:
Shingle Type Dumpster Size
3-tab shingles 10-yard dumpster
Laminate shingles 15-yard dumpster
Slate shingles 20-yard dumpster
Concrete tiles 30-yard dumpster
Roof Size Dumpster Size
1,500 sq ft (15 sq) 10-yard dumpster
2,500 sq ft (25 sq) 20-yard dumpster
If you have a large roof or are removing heavy materials, such as slate or concrete tiles, you may need a larger dumpster. You may also want to consider renting a dumpster with a roll-off door, which will make it easier to load and unload the dumpster.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a dumpster for roofing:
The number of layers of shingles: If you are removing multiple layers of shingles, you will need a larger dumpster.
The type of debris: If you are removing other materials, such as gutters, fascia, or soffits, you will need a larger dumpster.
The cost of disposal: Dumpster rental prices vary depending on the size and type of dumpster, as well as the location. Be sure to get quotes from multiple companies before you make a decision.
Type of Materials
Different types of materials may require different dumpsters. This is because different materials have different properties, such as weight, volume, and hazardousness. Here are some examples of different types of materials and the dumpsters they require:
Construction and demolition debris: This type of debris includes materials such as concrete, wood, drywall, and roofing shingles. These materials can be heavy and bulky, so they typically require a large dumpster, such as a 20-yard or 30-yard dumpster.
Yard waste: This type of waste includes materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and branches. These materials are not as heavy or bulky as construction and demolition debris, so they can typically be disposed of in a smaller dumpster, such as a 10-yard or 15-yard dumpster.
Hazardous materials: This type of material includes materials such as asbestos, lead, and paint. These materials can be dangerous to human health and the environment, so they must be disposed of in a special dumpster that is designed to contain them.
Recyclable materials: This type of material includes materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. These materials can be recycled, so they should be disposed of in a separate dumpster that is specifically for recyclables.
In some cases, you may need to rent multiple dumpsters to dispose of different types of materials. For example, if you are doing a home renovation project that generates both construction and demolition debris and yard waste, you may need to rent a 20-yard dumpster for the construction and demolition debris and a 10-yard dumpster for the yard waste.
It is always best to check with your local waste disposal company to determine the specific requirements for disposing of different types of materials in your area. They will be able to advise you on the type and size of dumpster you need, as well as any special handling or disposal procedures.
Weight Limits
In many places there are weight limits for dumpsters. These weight limits are in place to ensure the safety of the dumpster itself, as well as to prevent damage to roads and bridges. The weight limit for a dumpster will vary depending on the size and type of dumpster, as well as the local regulations in your area.
Here are some general weight limits for different types of dumpsters:
10-yard dumpster: 2-3 tons
15-yard dumpster: 4-5 tons
20-yard dumpster: 5-6 tons
30-yard dumpster: 7-8 tons
40-yard dumpster: 9-10 tons
It is important to note that these are just general weight limits, and the actual weight limit for a dumpster may be lower. You should always check with the dumpster rental company to confirm the weight limit for the dumpster you are considering.
Here are some additional factors that can affect the weight limit of a dumpster:
The type of debris: Heavier materials, such as concrete or brick, will weigh more than lighter materials, such as leaves or grass clippings.
The moisture content of the debris: Wet debris will weigh more than dry debris.
The way the debris is loaded into the dumpster: Debris should be loaded evenly throughout the dumpster to prevent it from tipping over.
Property Size
Property size is one of the most important things to consider when renting a dumpster. Do you have enough room for the dumpster to fit comforatbly on your property. Most jurisdictions will not allow dumpster to be placed on the road or any place it could obsturct traffic or pedestrians.
You may have enough room on your property to accomodate a dumpster, but how close is it to the project. If you have limited space for the dumpster, consider choosing a smaller size or opting for a dumpster with a smaller footprint.
How to Calculate The Right Dumpster For Your Needs
To calculate the right size dumpster for your project, you will need to consider the following factors:
The type of project you are doing: Are you doing a home renovation, landscaping project, or commercial construction project?
The amount of debris you will be generating: How much debris do you expect to generate from your project?
The type of debris you will be generating: What type of debris will you be generating? Will it be heavy or light? Bulky or compact?
The space you have available: How much space do you have available for the dumpster?
The length of time you will need the dumpster: How long do you think you will need the dumpster?
Please note that these are just general guidelines, and the right size dumpster for your project may vary depending on the specific details of your project. It is always a good idea to contact us with your project details.