What Size Dumpster Do I Need? 10, 20, 30 and 40 Yard Guide

What Size Dumpster Do You Need?

Updated November 5, 2026

What Size Dumpster Do I Need?

A 10-yard dumpster suits a bathroom remodel, small cleanout or heavy debris like concrete; a 20-yard suits a roof tear-off or one-room remodel; a 30-yard suits a large remodel or whole-house cleanout; and a 40-yard suits construction and demolition. Heavy debris hits the weight limit before the box is full, so check the included tons.

Updated November 5, 2026 · Source: equipment.broker size guide; hauler limits and banned items vary, ask yours.

Roll-off dumpsters are sold by volume in cubic yards. One cubic yard is a cube 3 feet on each side. Most U.S. haulers offer four sizes.

Size	Typical uses
10 yard	Bathroom remodel, garage cleanout, concrete, dirt or brick (heavy)
20 yard	Roof tear-off, flooring, one-room or kitchen remodel
30 yard	Large remodel, whole-house cleanout, new construction
40 yard	Major demolition, commercial cleanouts, bulky light debris

Weight Beats Volume

Every price includes a weight allowance (tons). Concrete, dirt, shingles and tile are heavy; a box can hit its limit half full. Haulers often require small boxes or "clean fill" boxes for concrete and dirt. Ask the price per extra ton.

Commonly Banned Items

Hazardous waste: paint, solvents, oil, chemicals, batteries
Tires, appliances with refrigerant, electronics
Mattresses (or extra fee)

Rules differ by hauler and local landfill; ask before loading.

Permits and Placement

A dumpster on your driveway usually needs no permit. On a public street it usually does: check with your city. Ask the hauler for boards under the wheels to protect your driveway, and leave a clear path for the truck.

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