What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Most cleanouts and remodels fit a 15 or 20-yard dumpster. Concrete and dirt go in a 10-yard, and construction jobs take a 30 or 40-yard. Use the picker below or compare every size side by side.
Book by3 PMnext-day delivery$75/tonby the exact pound
Which dumpster size should I pick?
Pick the dumpster size by the volume of your debris, then check the weight. Light cleanout junk fills a box before it gets heavy. Shingles, tile, concrete and dirt get heavy before the box looks full. Answer two questions below for a starting size.
How the picker decides: cleanouts go 10 → 15 → 20-yard; remodels 10 → 20 → 30-yard; roof tear-offs 15 → 20 → 30-yard; construction 20 → 30 → 40-yard; concrete, dirt and brick only 10 or 15-yard, filled halfway. These are typical starting points. Your debris weight still sets the final bill.
How do the four dumpster sizes compare?
Knox Bros rents five roll-off sizes: 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 yards. Each includes delivery and pickup. Included weight steps up from 2 tons in the 10-yard to 4 tons in the 30-yard, and the 40-yard holds 5 to 6 tons. Only the 10 and 15-yard take concrete, dirt and brick.
Heavy debris OK10yard2 tons included7 days rental12 ft × 8 ft × 3.5 ftConcrete, dirt, small bathroom remodelsSee the 10-yard →
15yard2.5 tons included7 days rental16 ft × 7.5 ft × 4.5 ftGarage cleanouts, small roof replacementsSee the 15-yard →
Most popular20yard3 tons included7 days rental22 ft × 8 ft × 4 ftWhole-house decluttering, kitchen remodelsSee the 20-yard →30yard4 tons included7 days rental22 ft × 8 ft × 6 ftLarge construction sites, home additionsSee the 30-yard →
Biggest box40yardHolds 5–6 tons12–16 pickup loads22 ft × 7.5 ft × 8 ftMajor demolition, new construction, large commercial projectsSee the 40-yard →| Size | Outside L × W × H | Pickup loads* | Included weight | Concrete or dirt | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 12 ft × 8 ft × 3.5 ft | about 3–5 | 2 tons | Yes, half full | Concrete, dirt, small bathroom remodels |
| 15-yard | 16 ft × 7.5 ft × 4.5 ft | about 5–7 | 2.5 tons | Yes, half full | Garage cleanouts, small roof replacements |
| 20-yard | 22 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft | about 7–10 | 3 tons | No | Whole-house decluttering, kitchen remodels |
| 30-yard | 22 ft × 8 ft × 6 ft | about 10–15 | 4 tons | No | Large construction sites, home additions |
| 40-yard | 22 ft × 7.5 ft × 8 ft | about 12–16 | Holds 5–6 tons† | No | Major demolition, new construction, large commercial projects |
*Typical estimate: an 8-ft pickup bed loaded level holds about 2 to 3 cubic yards.
What size dumpster do I need for my project?
Most kitchen remodels and whole-house cleanouts need a 20-yard dumpster. Most two-car garage cleanouts and small roofs need a 15-yard. Single bathrooms, concrete and dirt go in a 10-yard. Additions need a 30-yard, and major demolition or new construction needs a 40-yard. These are typical fits; your debris weight still sets the bill.
| Project | Typical size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel (one room) | 10-yard | Tile and plaster are heavy; one bath rarely needs more |
| One-car garage cleanout | 10-yard | Light, bulky items |
| Two-car garage cleanout | 15-yard | Most common cleanout size |
| Roof, about 15–20 squares, one layer | 15-yard | Check tons with the roof calculator |
| Kitchen remodel | 20-yard | Cabinets, counters, drywall, flooring |
| Whole-house cleanout or estate | 20-yard | Size up to 30-yard for large homes |
| Roof, about 20–30 squares | 20-yard | Shingle weight decides overage |
| Home addition or new build | 30-yard | Framing, drywall, packaging |
| Major demolition or large commercial job | 40-yard | Holds 5–6 tons, about 12–16 pickup loads |
| Concrete patio or driveway | 10-yard | Half full only; weigh the slab first |
| Dirt from grading or a dig | 10 or 15-yard | Half full only; dirt is about a ton or more per yard |
Should I size up or size down when I'm unsure?
Size up when the debris is light and bulky, because a second haul is billed as a whole new rental. Size down, or split the load, when the debris is heavy, because a bigger box tempts you to load more weight than its included tons. Concrete and dirt never go above halfway.
Two exceptions catch people. Carpet and pad look light but soak up water. Plaster walls weigh far more than drywall. Tell us about either one when you call.
Prefer pictures? See the dumpster web stories, or read the Knox Bros blog for local disposal answers.
Dumpster size questions
What is the most popular dumpster size?
How big is a 10-yard dumpster compared to a pickup truck?
Can I change sizes after I book?
What if my debris doesn't fit?
Talk to the yard, not a call center
Still between two sizes?
Describe the job on the phone. We help you pick before anything is dispatched.