Updated September 1, 2022
Each 20 yard dumpster rental includes a certain amount of weight in the price.
Typically, 20 yard containers include 4,000-8,000 lbs, or 2-4 tons, in the rental price, but your dumpster's weight allowance may be more or less depending on who you rent from.
It's important to keep an eye on the amount of weight you load into a 20 yard dumpster, especially when filling it with heavy debris, like concrete, dirt, roofing shingles, or asphalt.
If you go over your included weight, you will end up having to pay overage fees in addition to your base rental price.
We understand that budgeting is important when taking on large home improvement projects, so we've gathered everything you need to know about 20 yard dumpsters and their average weight limits.
Jump to:
- Average Weight Limit for 20 Yard Dumpsters
- Typical Dimensions of 20 Yard Dumpsters
- Find Qualified Dumpster Providers
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Average Weight Limit for 20 Yard Dumpsters
Due to weight load restrictions, dump costs, and capabilities of the truck hauling the dumpster's load, weight limits are put into place by dumpster rental companies.
The average weight limit for 20 yard containers is 4,000-8,000 lbs, or 2-4 tons.
However, your 20 yard dumpster rental may include more or less weight than this.
If you exceed your dumpster's weight limit, there are a couple of outcomes:
- You will be charged an overage fee per ton over your weight allowance.
- You will have to remove the excess debris from the dumpster before the truck will pick it up.
As you can imagine, both of these scenarios will end up costing you both time and money.
|
City |
Weight Allowance |
Cost |
Overage Charges (per ton) |
|
4 tons (8,000 lbs) |
$350 |
$115 |
|
|
4 tons (8,000 lbs) |
$300 |
$35 |
|
|
3 tons (6,000 lbs) |
$309 |
$45 |
|
|
8 tons (18,000 lbs) |
$375 |
$40 |
|
|
2 tons (4,000 lbs) |
$349 |
$75 |
|
|
3 tons (6,000 lbs) |
$409 |
$97 |
|
|
3 tons (6,000 lbs) |
$360 |
$45 |
We recommend reaching out to at least three different dumpster providers for quotes.
When doing so, confirm the weight allowance of each container size. This is especially important when you have heavy debris.
To be sure the dumpster is not overfilled, always discuss your project in detail with the dumpster rental providers you speak to.
They are experts who can help ensure you choose the right dumpster size so you don’t exceed the weight allowance.
The following chart will help give you an idea of how much common debris can typically fit into a 20 yard dumpster.
Common Debris
| Materials | Weight Per Cubic Yard | Yards That Could Fit in a 20 Yard Dumpster |
| General Household Junk | 300-350 lbs | 11-26.5 Cubic Yards |
| Asphalt Shingles | 2,500 lbs | 1.5-3 Cubic Yards |
| Yard Waste | 525 lbs | 7.5-15 Cubic Yards |
| Gravel/Crushed Stone | 2,600 lbs | 1.5-3 Cubic Yards |
| Metal | 600 lbs | 6.5-13 Cubic Yards |
| Wood | 400 lbs | 10-20 Cubic Yards |
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Typical Dimensions of a 20 Yard Dumpster
The most common dimensions of a 20 yard roll-off dumpster are 22 ft long x 8 ft wide x 4.5 ft high.
However, dimensions may vary slightly depending on the rental company you choose, so be sure to ask if you're concerned about space.
Some dumpster rental companies offer smaller 20 yard dumpsters that feature higher walls and a more compact footprint.
One such company is Bin There Dump That.
Their 20 yard dumpsters take up about as much space in the driveway as a minivan, yet they still maintain an interior volume of 20 cubic yards.
Keep reading:
- The Ultimate Guide to Dumpster Sizes
- Small Dumpster Rental: Guide to Renting “Mini Dumpsters”
- Bagster vs Dumpster: Buy a Dumpster Bag or Rent a Small Dumpster?
Find Qualified Dumpster Providers
As a medium-sized option, 20 yard dumpsters work great for a wide range of cleanups and are widely available.
Hometown can help you find a dumpster rental provider in your area that is reliable and responsive.
See what companies offer 20 yard dumpster rentals in your area, read customer reviews, and reach out to companies all from one easy-to-use location.
We recommend getting at least three quotes for your dumpster to ensure you don't overpay.
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