Dumpster rental
What Size Dumpster Do I Need? 10, 20, 30 and 40 Yard Guide
Pick the right roll-off dumpster size for your project: what fits in a 10, 20, 30 and 40 yard dumpster, weight limits, and when to size up.
Updated October 26, 2026 · 5 min read · Wolf Waste Solutions
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards. One cubic yard is a 3-foot cube, about the size of a washing machine. A 20 yard dumpster holds 20 of those. Pick too small and you pay for a second haul; pick too big on heavy debris and you pay overweight fees.
| Size | Approx. dimensions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12′ L × 8′ W × 3.5′ H | Bathroom remodel, garage cleanout, small roof, concrete or dirt |
| 20 yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 4.5′ H | Kitchen remodel, flooring, whole-house cleanout, deck removal |
| 30 yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 6′ H | Major renovation, addition, new construction, siding |
| 40 yard | 22′ L × 8′ W × 8′ H | Commercial cleanout, large-volume light debris |
Dimensions vary a little by hauler. A standard roll-off is about 8 feet wide, so plan for a spot roughly 10 feet wide and 25 feet long with room for the truck to back in.
Weight matters as much as size
Every rental includes a weight allowance, and anything over it is billed per ton from the disposal facility's scale ticket. Heavy materials fill the weight limit long before they fill the container.
- Concrete, brick, dirt and stone: use a 10 yard, and don't fill it to the top. These are often weight-limited.
- Roofing shingles: heavier than they look. A 10 or 20 yard handles most single-family roofs.
- Furniture, drywall, cabinets and household junk: light and bulky. A 20 or 30 yard is usually right.
Quick picks by project
| Project | Usual size |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | 10 yard |
| Kitchen remodel | 20 yard |
| Garage or basement cleanout | 10 to 20 yard |
| Whole-house cleanout or estate | 20 to 30 yard |
| Roof tear-off (single-family) | 10 to 20 yard |
| Addition or new construction | 30 to 40 yard |
Get a flat-rate dumpster price
One price covers delivery, pickup and disposal. No fuel or environmental surcharges.
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