What size roll off dumpster should I rent?

This is a question we get frequently and we have some general rule's of thumb but unless you have a calculation of the sq. footage of your waste, then we have to make our best guess. Selecting a dumpster that’s too small can lead to multiple hauls and extra costs, while one that’s too large may be unnecessary and more expensive than needed.

Based on the roll-off dumpsters we offer, here are a few descriptions we provide when evaluating which size is best for your project:

10-Yard Dumpster: Perfect for Small Projects

A 10-yard roll-off dumpster is typically the smallest size available and is a great fit for small-scale projects. It usually measures about 11 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3 feet high, holding approximately 50–70 trash bags.

Ideal Uses:

• Small garage or attic cleanouts

• Removing old furniture or small household items

• Small bathroom or kitchen remodels

• Yard waste or a small landscaping project

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Estimation: If you’re tackling a project like replacing flooring in a single room or clearing out a small shed, a 10-yard dumpster is more than enough. It’s also great for tight spaces where a larger dumpster wouldn’t fit.

15-Yard Dumpster: Medium-Size Cleanouts

A 15-yard roll-off dumpster offers a bit more space, with dimensions around 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 2.5 feet high, accommodating roughly 80–100 trash bags.

Ideal Uses:

• Medium-sized home cleanouts

• Single-room renovations (like kitchen or bathroom upgrades)

• Deck removal (up to 250–300 sq. ft.)

• Small roofing projects (shingles for 1,500–2,000 sq. ft.)

Estimation: If you’re renovating a small kitchen and replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring, or you’re clearing out a basement, a 15-yard dumpster is a safe choice. It balances capacity without taking up excessive space in your driveway.

20-Yard Dumpster: A Popular All-Around Choice

A 20-yard roll-off dumpster is one of the most popular sizes for both residential and light construction projects. It typically measures 15 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3.5 feet high, holding 110–130 trash bags or about 6 pickup truck loads of debris.

Ideal Uses:

• Whole-home cleanouts for small to medium homes

• Large kitchen or bathroom renovations

• Flooring removal for multiple rooms

• Medium roofing projects (shingles for 2,000–2,500 sq. ft.)

• Yard or storm debris cleanup

Estimation: If you’re renovating multiple rooms or tackling a large decluttering project, a 20-yard dumpster offers the flexibility and volume needed. It’s also a good choice for contractors doing small-to-medium remodels.

30-Yard Dumpster: Large Projects & Construction

A 30-yard roll-off dumpster is built for bigger jobs, with dimensions around 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6.5 feet high. It can hold 170–190 trash bags, equivalent to roughly 9 pickup truck loads.

Ideal Uses:

• Whole-home renovations

• Major construction or demolition projects

• Large furniture removal or estate cleanouts

• Roofing for larger homes (shingles for 3,000–3,500 sq. ft.)

• Large landscaping or tree removal projects

Estimation: For homeowners tackling a complete remodel or contractors dealing with construction debris, a 30-yard dumpster provides the space needed to handle heavy materials like drywall, wood, and bulky items.

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

When deciding which roll-off dumpster to rent, consider:

• Type of debris: Heavier materials like concrete or roofing shingles take up less volume but weigh more, so you may need a smaller dumpster with higher weight capacity.

• Project scope: Estimate the number of pickup truck loads your debris would fill. A 20-yard dumpster is equivalent to around 6 pickup loads, which works well for medium projects.

• Available space: Larger dumpsters require more room. Check your driveway or site access.

Pro Tip: It’s often better to go slightly bigger than your initial estimate to avoid the hassle and extra cost of needing a second dumpster.