Updated December 15, 2022
Dumpsters are incredibly convenient to use, whether you're renting a temporary roll-off dumpster or paying for ongoing commercial dumpster services, but determining which size dumpster is right for your needs is an important first step.
Roll-off dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards and are usually offered as 10, 20, 30, or 40 yard dumpsters.
Some dumpster rental companies offer half sizes, like 15 yard dumpsters or 25 yard dumpsters, and even mini dumpsters in some cases, commonly ranging from 2-8 yards.
Getting a dumpster that is too small can lead to potential overage charges or delays in your cleanup project, whereas getting a dumpster that's too big means you're paying for more dumpster than you need.
Luckily, dumpster rental companies are pros at helping people determine which size is right for their particular project.
In this guide, we'll go over the most common dumpster sizes, what types of projects they can accommodate, and when that dumpster size is the right choice for you.
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10 Yard Dumpsters
A 10 yard dumpster can hold a maximum of 10 cubic yards of material.
Common dumpster dimensions for a 10 yard dumpster are 12 ft long x 8 ft wide x 4 ft high, though these dimensions may vary.
A 10 yard dumpster is a great option for all kinds of projects, including relatively small junk cleanups as well as heavy debris removal.
When to Use a 10 Yard Dumpster:
- Small basement cleanout
- Small garage cleanout
- Small to medium deck removal
- Small roofing removal
- Small yard debris removal
- Minor kitchen remodel
- Minor bathroom remodel
Read more: What Fits in a 10 Yard Dumpster?
20 Yard Dumpsters
A 20 yard dumpster can hold a maximum of 20 cubic yards of waste.
Common dimensions typically measure 22 ft long x 8 ft wide x 4.5 ft high.
20 yard dumpsters are a great option for all kinds of jobs, including cleanouts and relatively large heavy debris removal projects.
When to Use a 20 Yard Dumpster:
- Medium basement cleanout
- Medium garage cleanout
- Medium to large flooring/carpet removal
- Medium to large deck removal
- Medium roofing removal
- Medium yard debris removal
- Moderate-sized kitchen remodel
- Moderate-sized bathroom remodel
Continue reading: How Much Does a 20 Yard Dumpster Hold?
30 Yard Dumpsters
A 30 yard dumpster holds 30 cubic yards of waste max and typically measures 22 ft long x 8 ft wide x 6 ft high.
A 30 yard dumpster is a great option for all kinds of medium to large cleanup projects.
When to Use a 30 Yard Dumpster:
- New home construction debris management
- Garage demolition
- Barn demolition
- Shed demolition
- Large home cleanout
- Medium to large business cleanout
- Mediume to large remodel
Keep reading: Large Dumpster Rental: When Is a 30 Yard or 40 Yard Dumpster the Best Choice?
40 Yard Dumpsters
A 40 yard dumpster holds a maximum of 40 cubic yards of waste and commonly has dimensions of 22 ft long x 8 ft wide x 8 ft high.
A 40 yard dumpster is reserved for handling the biggest and messiest cleanup jobs, when a 10-30 yard dumpster won't cut it.
When to Use a 40 Yard Dumpster:
- Whole-home gut-out
- House demolition
- Commercial demolition
- Hoarder home cleanout
- Large business cleanout
- Large remodel
Learn more: 40 Yard Dumpster Rental Costs Near Me
