What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Short answer: for a small cleanout or heavy debris like concrete, get a 10-yard. For a renovation or big cleanout, a 20-yard handles most jobs. For a whole-home gut or construction, step up to a 30 or 40-yard. Here’s how to choose without overpaying — or getting stuck with a second haul.
The four common roll-off sizes
| Size | Dimensions (approx.) | Holds ~ | Typical projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 13 ft L × 8 ft W × 3.5 ft H | 4 pickup loads | Garage/basement cleanout, small deck removal, concrete & dirt |
| 20-yard | 22 ft L × 8 ft W × 3.5 ft H | 8 pickup loads | Kitchen/bath remodel, flooring, large cleanout, roofing |
| 30-yard | 22 ft L × 8 ft W × 5 ft H | 12 pickup loads | Whole-home cleanout, additions, new construction |
| 40-yard | 22 ft L × 8 ft W × 7 ft H | 16 pickup loads | Major construction & demolition, commercial jobs |
(Dimensions vary slightly by hauler; based on standard roll-off specs.)
Match the size to your project
- Decluttering one or two rooms, a garage, or a small yard project? A 10-yard is usually plenty and the most economical.
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, replacing flooring, or clearing a big basement? The 20-yard is the workhorse — the most-rented size for good reason.
- Gutting a whole house, building an addition, or running a construction site? Go 30 or 40-yard so your crew isn’t waiting on swaps.
The mistake that costs the most: weight
Bigger isn’t always better. Heavy materials — concrete, dirt, brick, shingles — should go in a smaller (10-yard) dumpster, because you’ll hit the weight limit long before you fill the space. A 10-yard typically allows around 2–3 tons; overload any container and you’ll pay overage fees. When in doubt for heavy debris, size down and ask your hauler.
Still not sure? Just ask.
Guessing wrong goes two ways — pay for space you don’t use, or need a second dumpster mid-project. The fastest fix is to describe your project to a local hauler who sizes these every day.
Renting a dumpster in Yonkers? We deliver across Yonkers & Westchester and help you pick the right size.