Dumpster Rental Size Guide

Whether you’re cleaning out your home attic, overhauling your office landscaping, or launching a brand new construction project, making arrangements to collect and dispose of the debris you’ll produce is a necessary step of the planning process. Major jobs require smart solutions, and your everyday waste removal service generally isn’t equipped to cart off heavy construction materials like asphalt, flooring, or large pieces of furniture. 

Instead, many people find that the best solution is to rent a roll-off dumpster. Available in a range of sizes, they offer space, durability, and easy removal for an array of commercial, construction, and residential projects.

Are you thinking of renting a dumpster, but aren’t sure where to start? Check out this complete guide to dumpster sizing for help in finding the rental dumpster that’s best for your project.

What To Consider When Choosing a Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is a convenient way to collect and remove large quantities of waste from your construction site, rennovation, or event. Homeowners, contractors, and business owners alike can rent dumpsters whenever a project churns up more waste than your average garbage bin can fit. In general, that includes projects like: 

• Construction
• Cleaning
• Landscaping 
• Renovations

For example, many homeowners turn to rental dumpsters to help manage debris when they’re remodeling their kitchens, replacing their roof, adding a new bathroom, or installing a swimming pool. Others rent dumpsters for large-scale home cleanouts before a move, or when large storms fell trees or flood basements. 

Likewise, businesses of all sizes rent dumpsters for projects like office remodels, building expansions, and company relocations. 

Why? Because dumpsters are an effective option for efficiently storing project waste until it can be removed and taken to the landfill. They keep your home or worksite safe while junk accumulates, and can reduce the environmental impact of your project by keeping waste from creeping into neighboring areas. 

That said, there are a number of considerations to make before you schedule a dumpster rental. Individual projects require individualized waste management solutions, which can complicate the dumpster rental process if you haven’t given proper thought to:

• Your project – The nature of your project significantly impacts your dumpster rental needs. Large, commercial projects are likely to create more waste and may require more dumpster space than smaller, residential ones. Likewise, your options may change depending on whether you’re cleaning up natural debris from a landscaping project or large, bulky pieces of furniture or construction materials from a remodeling project. 
• Your budget – Dumpster prices vary depending on your location, the nature and duration of your project, and dumpster size. Taking these factors into consideration before you rent can help ensure that your waste removal needs don’t exceed your budget. 
• The type of debris – Various dumpster types are intended to remove specific kinds of waste. They aren’t universally suited to all projects, so you should understand the type of waste your project is going to generate before you rent.
• Weight limits – Each dumpster type is subject to specific weight limits. These are usually set by the rental company but remain fairly standard across the industry. Before you start filling a dumpster, you should understand these weight limits so that you can avoid the extra fees that come with exceeding them.
• Dumpster regulations – The location of your project is another key factor to consider. If you’re remodeling your company headquarters downtown, you may need to seek special permits from your city. On the other hand, residential projects may require approval from HOAs or other organizations. 

Once you’ve factored in these considerations, you’re ready to begin choosing the dumpster rental options that are best suited for your project.

Types of Dumpster Rentals

With your project in mind, it’s time to begin your dumpster search. In general, you’ll find that your dumpster options are classified into one of two categories. Whether you’re looking for a temporary waste management solution or something that’s more permanent, you can choose between:

Roll-off dumpsters

Roll-off dumpsters are much larger than commercial dumpsters and are better suited for temporary use and projects that generate waste in high volumes. They’re also the best option when you need to store and remove large waste items like furniture, flooring, and home appliances.  You will see these units at every construction site.  The two most common sizes are 20 yard dumpsters and 30 yard dumpsters.  

Roll-off dumpsters are rectangular in shape and feature open or lidless tops with wheels that facilitate placement. They’re attached to roll-off trucks for transportation to and from work sites, where drivers roll the dumpster of the truck and into place. 

Roll-off dumpsters are suitable for a range of waste removal projects. Construction companies rent them when they’re putting up new buildings or demolishing old ones. You may have spotted one in your neighbor’s driveway when they had their basement renovated last year. 

Like commercial dumpsters, roll-off dumpsters are sized by yard, from 10 yards to 40 yards, and often come in a range of size options depending on the rental company.

Commercial dumpsters

Commercial dumpsters are smaller, square-shaped dumpsters that offer medium capacity in sizes ranging from two to eight yards. They’re generally used for managing regular, recurring waste from businesses like office buildings, restaurants, and apartment complexes. 

There are two types of commercial dumpsters:

• Front-loaded
• Rear-loaded 

Both can be suitable for general use, and their main differences lie in how a garbage truck lifts and dumps the dumpster after use. However, front-loaded dumpsters may be preferred by some for everyday disposal needs, as they often offer an opening closer to the ground, facilitating easier disposal of waste. Meanwhile, rear-loaded dumpsters can often accommodate a slightly larger volume.

Dumpster Size Chart

Once you’ve considered the specifics of your project, including the volume and type of waste you expect to produce, reviewing a dumpster size chart can give you at-a-glance insight into the dumpster size you need for your project. 

Below, take a peek at our dumpster size guide for most standard sizes of dumpsters to learn which option might suit your project.

Roll-Off Dumpsters

Because roll-off dumpsters are typically used when you’re dealing with a much greater volume of waste on a temporary basis, you’ll want to consider a few additional factors when choosing the right size. The dumpster’s weight limit, the type of project you plan to use it for, and the kind of waste you’ll need to dispose of can all factor into your decision.

Let’s take a look at what some common roll-off dumpster sizes can handle:

10-yard roll-off dumpster 

This is the smallest size roll-off dumpster available, but they’re still big enough to manage debris from smaller home or commercial projects, even if that debris includes heavy construction materials like flooring or brick. 

• Dimensions – Approximately 3.5 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 10 feet long
• Weight limit – Around 2,000 pounds 
• Project type – Single-room remodels, cleanouts, and small landscaping jobs
• Debris type – Materials such as natural debris and construction materials 

 

15-yard roll-off dumpster 

At 15 yards, this roll-off dumpster size is roomy enough for moderate amounts of large waste. This makes them perfect for residential cleanouts and construction jobs. If you’re remodeling a single room at home and plan to throw out things like sofas, tables, or drywall, this is the option for you.  These units are less common so availability may be limited in your area.  

• Dimensions – Approximately 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 12 feet long
• Weight limit – Approximately 2,000 pounds 
• Project type – Residential cleanouts and construction 
• Debris type – Materials like large furniture, drywall, and concrete 

 

20-yard roll-off dumpster

These dumpsters are suitable for both residential and commercial projects, offering plenty of space for various types of heavy waste from a range of project types.  This is the most common unit size for residential projects. 

• Dimensions – Approximately 4.5 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 22 feet long

• Weight limit – Approximately 4,000 pounds 

• Project type – Medium-scale renovations or remodels 

• Debris type – Heavy construction materials, large furniture items 

 

30-yard roll-off dumpster 

If you need more room than the 20-yard dumpster offers, you can opt for the 30-yard roll off dumpster.  This is the most common unit size for construction projects. 

• Dimensions – Approximately 6 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 22 feet long

• Weight limit – Around 4,000 pounds 

• Project type – New constructions, large-scale renovations, and demolitions 

• Debris type – Heavy construction materials, large appliances 

 

40-yard roll-off dumpster 

They don’t come any larger than the 40-yard roll-off dumpster. When you have very large amounts of heavy waste but lack the space on-site for multiple smaller dumpsters, the 40-yard is likely the best solution.  Availability for these units may be limited in your area so also look to see what the cost and availability is for a 30-yard dumpster.  

• Dimensions – Approximately 8 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 22 feet long

• Weight limit – Approximately 8,000 pounds 

• Project type – Commercial construction and landscaping, disaster clean-up 
• Debris type – Heavy construction materials, bulky debris 

 

Commercial dumpsters

Generally suited for minor but recurring needs and small business use, commercial dumpsters are best for those who need to dispose of a small amount of waste on a routine basis. Front load commercial dumpsters come in a range of smaller sizes, with common options including:

• 2-yard dumpsters – These dumpsters are approximately 3 feet high, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long. At the smallest size, these are suitable for small companies with 25 or fewer employees, medical clinics, and small shops or restaurants.
• 4-yard dumpsters – These dumpsters are approximately 5 feet high, 5.5 feet wide, and 6 feet long. With a slightly increased capacity, 4-yard dumpsters can accommodate mid-sized restaurants and retail stores, as well as larger offices with up to 100 employees.
• 6-yard dumpsters – These dumpsters are approximately 5 feet high, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet long. With expanded capacity, these front-load dumpsters are suitable for medium to large-sized retails stores, clinics, and companies with up to 250 employees.

• 8-yard dumpsters – These dumpsters are approximately 5.6 feet high, 6 feet wide, and 6.8 feet long. At the largest front-load dumpster size, this option offers significantly more capacity suitable for large retailers and medical facilities, high-traffic restaurants, and offices serving up to 500 employees.

 

Dumpster Prices

On average, dumpster rental prices begin at around $300 per week for the smallest size dumpsters. Dumpster sizing is the largest variable when it comes to pricing, but companies may adjust their rates according to a range of factors.

Because of the variation in dumpster rental costs, the pricing is best expressed in terms of range. The average price range for commercial front-load dumpsters are:

• 2-yard dumpsters: $75 to $125 per week

• 4-yard dumpsters: $125 to $200 per week

• 6-yard dumpsters: $200 to $275 per week

• 8-yard dumpsters: $225 to $300 per week

 

Meanwhile, the average price range for various roll-off dumpster rental sizes is based off of the haul, the number of times you fill up a dumpster and have it hauled away:

• 10-yard dumpsters: $200 to $575 per haul
• 15-yard dumpsters: $250 to $650 per haul
• 20-yard dumpsters: $275 to $700 per haul
• 30-yard dumpsters: $300 to $725 per haul
• 40-yard dumpsters: $350 to $800 per haul

 

In addition to the rental cost, keep in mind that you may need to set money aside for adjacent expenses like any permit fees your city requires. 

 

Benefits of ASAP Marketplace

You don’t have to be an expert on the subject of rental dumpster sizing to find a company for your upcoming project. You just need ASAP Marketplace.

ASAP Marketplace is your tool for finding the most affordable and reliable vendors for renting dumpsters and other temporary on-site equipment. Our platform gives you access to an easily searchable catalog of over 3,500 vendors in the United States and Canada. And when you have questions, our dedicated ASAP Advisors are just a phone call away. 

Why use ASAP Marketplace to find temporary equipment rental companies? The benefits of our program include: 

• Easy price comparison
• Excellent customer service
• Expansive options 
• Trustworthy vendors 

If you need help, an ASAP Advisor will be happy to assist you.  You can reach them at: 1-888-413-5105

 

Dumpster FAQs

Knowing front-load dumpsters from roll-off dumpsters can help you pinpoint which option is best for your needs. But if you still need help finding the best waste disposal option for you, we’re here to help. Below are answers to some common questions regarding dumpster rental:

• How much does it cost to rent a dumpster? – Dumpster rental prices vary according to size, debris type, location, and other factors, and can range from $75 to $800 per week, depending on the size you choose.
• What can I put in a dumpster? – There are rules regarding what you can and can’t put in a dumpster. In general, industrial waste, chemical products, flammable liquids, and many other hazardous materials are not allowed. Individual companies may place their own restrictions to protect workers and equipment. 
• What dumpster size should I choose? – The size of the dumpster you need depends on the size of your project and the amount of waste it produces. An expert advisor from ASAP can help you determine the size that’s best for your project.

Consult or Dumpster FAQ Page for all your questions or speak with an ASAP Advisor today.

Read More: How heavy can my dumpster be?