Last Updated on September 28, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
If you’re doing a home renovation project, you’ll need to get a dumpster to help with the trash. But how do you know which size dumpster to get? It can be confusing because there are so many different sizes!
In this blog post, we’ll help you figure out which size is right for your project. We’ll also talk about what each size can hold so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
Consider Your Project Size
The first thing you need to consider is how big your project is. What kind of renovations are you doing? How much trash will be generated? You’ll want to get a dumpster that’s big enough to hold all of the trash from your project, but not too big or too small.
For example, if you’re doing a reroof, you’ll want a larger dumpster size because shingles are both large and heavy. However, if you’re doing small projects like cleaning out the garage, you’ll want a dumpster that’s a little smaller.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider how heavy the trash will be. Heavier items, like concrete or bricks, will take up more space in the dumpster and may require a larger size. If the weight of your project exceeds the weight limit of the dumpster, you’ll be charged overage fees, which are never fun. So, before you rent your roll-off dumpster, ensure that the dumpster size will work for your project.
Learn about Dumpster Sizes
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a dumpster size, let’s talk about the different sizes available. Here are some dumpster sizes you’ll find:
10-yard dumpster
This dumpster is small and perfect for small projects. If you’re working on a weekend project, like cleaning out your garage, this dumpster is a great option for you. A 10-yard dumpster can typically hold the equivalent of 3 pickup truck loads of trash. So, save yourself 3-loads-worth of work and rent a 10-yard dumpster.
These 10-yard dumpsters are also a great option if you need a dumpster to fit in a tight space like a driveway or a small, flat space of ground.
20-yard dumpster
This dumpster is a little bigger than the ten-yard dumpster and can hold the equivalent of about 6 pickup loads of trash. Consequently, this size of dumpster is great for medium-sized projects.
Medium-sized projects could include a range of projects, such as remodeling a bathroom, landscaping the yard, or cleaning out the attic and garage combined. These 20-yard dumpsters work well for bulky and heavy materials, but they’re a little hard to fit in tight spaces.
30-yard dumpster
The 30-yard dumpster is the perfect size for large projects. This dumpster can hold about 9 pickup truck loads of trash and is great for major renovations or construction projects. Additionally, this dumpster is a good option if you have a lot of heavy materials, like concrete or bricks. It’s also large enough for commercial projects or major landscaping projects.
However, the 30-yard dumpster will be too big for most driveways. If you have a small driveway, consult with your rental company to see if they have a smaller dumpster size that will work for you. It’s also too big for small projects. Yes, it can, of course, hold the debris from your small projects, but it wouldn’t be space-efficient or cost-efficient. So, reserve this dumpster for the larger projects.
40-yard dumpster
The 40-yard dumpster is typically the largest size offered and can hold about 12 pickup truck loads of trash. This dumpster is great for large construction projects, like building a new home or remodeling the entire interior of your house, and for large commercial projects.
It can also hold large amounts of debris from major landscaping projects. So, if you’re about to undertake a major home renovation or a major construction project of any kind, the 40-yard dumpster option is a great one for you.
Just like the 30-yard dumpster, the 40-yard dumpster is too big for most driveways. If you have a small driveway, consult with your rental company to see where the best place would be to park this large roll-off dumpster.
Know Dumpster Dimensions
Along with knowing how large roll-off dumpsters are, it’s helpful to know the actual dimensions of each dumpster. Dumpster dimensions do vary based on the company you order the dumpster from. However, below are some general dimensions you can expect to find with each dumpster size.
- 10-yard dumpster: 7′ wide x 10′ long x 4′ high
- 20-yard dumpster: 8′ wide x 22′ long x 4′ high
- 30-yard dumpster: 8′ wide x 22′ long x 5′ high
- 40-yard dumpster: 8′ wide x 22′ long x 6′ high
Do some calculations to determine approximately how much space you’ll need for your construction project. Then, order the roll-off dumpster that will be just the right-sized fit for your project.
Consider the Weight of Your Project’s Debris
As mentioned previously, when ordering your roll-off dumpster, it’s important to consider the weight of your project. Heavier projects will require a larger dumpster and could incur extra charges.
For example, you may have done some calculations to determine the amount of space needed to hold your project’s debris, but you might not have taken into account how heavy all those materials will be. So, you might have ordered a dumpster that can hold the dimensions of the debris, but not the weight of the debris.
If this is the case, order a larger dumpster. As also mentioned previously, rental companies will generally charge you overage fees if the trash in the dumpster exceeds the weight limit of the dumpster. Excess weight means extra work and gas for the company when they haul your trash away, so they naturally have to charge you extra. Therefore, again, calculate the weight of the project you’ll be doing, not just the dimensions.
To make sure your dumpster will hold the weight you need it to, consider the information below:
A 10-yard dumpster holds approximately 4,000 lbs.
A 20-yard dumpster holds approximately 6,000 lbs.
A 30-yard dumpster holds approximately 8,000 lbs.
A 40-yard dumpster holds approximately 10,000 lbs.
Know the weight limit you might need, and rent your roll-off dumpster accordingly.
Ask for Help
Finally, even after doing all this research about weight and dimensions, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The project calculations can get confusing, and dumpster rental companies recognize that. Most companies either have a consultant you can email to ask for advice in renting the right dumpster size, or they have a consultant you can call.
Dumpster rental companies, like Redbox+ Gold Coast, are more than happy to answer your questions. So, just hop on the phone or your computer and get the added help you need.
FAQs
How big of a dumpster do I need to clean out my basement?
This is a question that many homeowners face when they are considering starting a home renovation project. The answer to this question depends on the size of your basement and how much stuff you plan to get rid of.
If your basement is relatively small, then you may be able to get away with renting a small dumpster. However, if your basement is large, then you will need to rent a larger dumpster.
Another factor that you need to consider when choosing the right dumpster size is the amount of time that you will need it for. If you only plan to get rid of a small amount of stuff, then you may be able to get away with renting a dumpster for a day or two. However, if you are getting rid of a lot of stuff, then you will need to rent it for a longer period of time.
What is the largest size dumpster you can rent?
The largest size dumpster that you can rent is a 20 cubic yard dumpster. This is more than enough space to get rid of all the stuff in your basement.
If you are not sure what size dumpster you need, be sure to consult with the company that you plan on renting it from. They will be able to help you choose the right size dumpster for your project.
What is the smallest size dumpster you can rent?
The smallest size dumpster that you can rent is a 3 cubic yard dumpster. This is perfect for small projects, such as cleaning out your basement.
What does a 1 yard dumpster look like?
A 1 yard dumpster is about the size of a large suitcase. It is perfect for small projects, such as cleaning out your basement.
What does a 3 yard dumpster look like?
A 3 yard dumpster is about the size of a small refrigerator. It is a great option for small home renovation projects. It can hold up to 3 cubic yards of debris. This is enough space for a moderate amount of debris from your renovation project.
What does a 4 yard dumpster look like?
A 4 yard dumpster is about the size of a large refrigerator. It can hold up to 4 pickup truckloads of debris. If you’re doing a small home renovation project, this may be the right size dumpster for you.
What does a 6 yard dumpster look like?
A 6 yard dumpster is about the size of a small van. It is perfect for a small home renovation project. It can hold up to 6 cubic yards of waste. That is enough room to dump the contents of a small kitchen or bathroom.
How big of a dumpster do I need for carpet?
If you are replacing your carpet, you will need a large dumpster. A 20 yard dumpster can hold up to 10 cubic yards of waste. That is enough room to dump the contents of a large bedroom or two small bathrooms.
What is the average size of a dumpster?
The average size of a dumpster is 10 yards. This is large enough to hold the contents of a small home renovation project or a large office cleanout.
How tall is the average dumpster?
The average dumpster is about 7 feet tall. This is the perfect height for dumping waste into the dumpster from a standard truck or van.
How big is a dumpster pad?
A dumpster pad should be at least 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. This will give you plenty of room to place the dumpster in your driveway or yard. It will also make it easier for you to empty the dumpster.
What is the difference between a front load and a rear load dumpster?
A front load dumpster is loaded from the front. This is the most common type of dumpster. A rear load dumpster is loaded from the back. It is perfect for loading large items, such as furniture or appliances.
Conclusion
Different projects require different-sized dumpsters. And different projects result in sized debris and a varying weight of debris.
Consequently, when planning a home renovation project—or any construction or landscaping project—it’s important to think about the size of dumpster you’ll need and the amount of weight it needs to be able to hold.
So, consider your project size, learn about dumpster sizes, know different dumpster dimensions, consider the weight of your project’s debris, and finally, ask for any additional help. By following these simple steps, you’ll be sure to order the perfect dumpster for your home renovation project.
