20 Yard Dumpster Guide: Versatile and Affordable

truck loading 20 yard dumpster onto truck

Updated November 1, 2024

20 yard dumpsters are a great disposal option for a number of different medium to large residential or commercial projects.

20 yard dumpsters can handle a variety of different projects, like kitchen renovations, shingle re-roofing, flooring remodels, and whole-home cleanouts.

This dumpster size guide will go over all the details you need to know about 20 yard containers to make the entire rental process easy for you.

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20 yard dumpster infographic

20 Yard Dumpster Overview

With a maximum capacity of 20 cubic yards, 20 yard dumpsters can hold up to 10 pick-up truck loads' worth of debris.

These roll-off containers are typically 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 4.5 ft H, allowing them to be placed in most residential driveways, construction sites, parking lots, and more.

However, if you have a very tight space that the truck needs to navigate to place the dumpster, you may need to go with a smaller size or have the dumpster placed in the street (if possible).

Likewise, some companies' 20 yard dumpster dimensions may differ slightly from this.

If you're worried about whether or not a 20 yard dumpster will fit on your property, be sure to ask the rental providers you speak to for exact dimensions.

20 yard containers, like most roll-off dumpsters, feature a door at one end that swings open for easy, walk-in loading.

This makes it particularly loading bulky or heavy items, like furniture, home appliances, and demolition debris, safely into the dumpster.


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Average Cost to Rent a 20 Yard Dumpster

excavator loading concrete debris into dumpster

The nationwide average cost to rent a 20 yard dumpster is about $350-$550.

However, your dumpster rental could cost more or less depending on a number of factors.

Common Factors That Affect Price

  • Dumpster size
  • Included weight limit
  • Local disposal fees and permit fees
  • Overage fees or other surcharges
  • Who you rent from

Overage fees vary by rental provider but can range from $60-$100+ per ton depending on where you're located.

To be sure you aren't surprised by any fees, make sure you understand exactly what each dumpster rental quote includes.

Ask about any potential additional fees that you could incur for things like:

  • Going over your included weight limit
  • Keeping your dumpster longer than your rental period includes
  • Including a certain type of prohibited debris

Always factor in the estimated weight of the debris you plan to load into the dumpster, or explain your project in detail to the providers you speak to, as it can get expensive if you go over the dumpster's weight limit.

Find out more: Why You Shouldn't Necessarily Rent the Cheapest Dumpster


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Best Uses for 20 Yard Dumpsters

Here are some of the most common projects that call for a 20 yard container:

  • Foreclosure or estate cleanouts
  • 400 sq foot deck removals
  • Roof replacements
  • Whole house flooring remodels
  • Light construction
  • Large furniture removals
  • Large bathroom renovations
  • Kitchen renovations
  • Small to medium concrete removals
  • Community cleanups
  • Whole-home cleanouts

The dumpster rental providers you speak to can help you choose the right container size for your specific project.

20 yard dumpsters can accommodate a wide variety of projects, but a smaller or larger container may be a more economical solution for your project.

Choose the Right Dumpster Rental Provider

To ensure you get the best services and the best price possible, we recommend reaching out to at least three different dumpster providers. We also advise doing so as much in advance as possible.

Not only will this allow you to get the dumpster size you need when you need it, but it will also ensure that you don't overpay for mediocre services.

By getting multiple estimates, you'll be able to compare everything each company includes in the price of their dumpster rental.

For example, Company A may charge $350 for a 20 yard dumpster rental that includes 4,000 lbs for a seven-day period.

Company B may charge $400 for a 20 yard dumpster rental that includes 6,000 lbs for a seven-day period.

Company B may cost more upfront, but the additional weight included in your price is almost always worth the $50 price increase.

If you go with the cheaper dumpster and end up going over your 4,000 lb weight limit, you'll have to pay more than $50 in overage fees.

Avoid this issue by reaching out to various dumpster services in your area.


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