What to Measure

1Estimate debris volume in pickup truck loads (1 pickup load ≈ 3 cubic yards)
2Identify heavy materials — concrete, roofing, and dirt have weight limits well below volume limits
3Check driveway clearance — a 20-yard dumpster is about 22 ft long × 8 ft wide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing by volume alone — a 10-yard dumpster of concrete can weigh 10+ tons, exceeding the weight limit long before it's full
Renting too small — upgrading mid-project means a second delivery fee ($100–200); it's cheaper to size up from the start
Placing on grass or soft ground — dumpsters weigh 3,500–6,000 lbs empty and will sink; use plywood sheets underneath

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dumpster for a kitchen remodel?

A 10-yard dumpster handles a standard kitchen remodel (cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall). If you're also replacing appliances or doing structural work, go with a 20-yard.

10-yard vs. 20-yard vs. 30-yard — what's the difference?

A 10-yard holds ~3 pickup truck loads (small remodel or cleanout). A 20-yard holds ~6 loads (large remodel, deck removal). A 30-yard holds ~9 loads (new construction debris, whole-house cleanout). The 40-yard is for commercial demolition.

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Last updated: March 2026

What Size Dumpster Do I Need?

Describe your project and debris — we'll recommend the right dumpster (10, 20, 30, or 40 yard) for the job.

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What to Measure

1Estimate debris volume in pickup truck loads (1 pickup load ≈ 3 cubic yards)
2Identify heavy materials — concrete, roofing, and dirt have weight limits well below volume limits
3Check driveway clearance — a 20-yard dumpster is about 22 ft long × 8 ft wide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing by volume alone — a 10-yard dumpster of concrete can weigh 10+ tons, exceeding the weight limit long before it's full
Renting too small — upgrading mid-project means a second delivery fee ($100–200); it's cheaper to size up from the start
Placing on grass or soft ground — dumpsters weigh 3,500–6,000 lbs empty and will sink; use plywood sheets underneath

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dumpster for a kitchen remodel?

A 10-yard dumpster handles a standard kitchen remodel (cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall). If you're also replacing appliances or doing structural work, go with a 20-yard.