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Dumpster sizes: which one do you need?

Roll-off dumpsters are sold by volume in cubic yards. Here's how the four common sizes compare, with typical dimensions, capacity and price.

Which size?
Length × width × height
22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft
Holds about
6–10 pickup loads
Typical price
$275–$450 a week

Drawn to scale next to a 5 ft 10 in person. Sizes vary by company. Prices are typical weekly ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). More about the 20-yard →

All sizes at a glance

SizeTypical dimensionsHolds aboutTypical weekly priceGood for
10-yard12–16 × 7.5–8 × 3.5–4 ft3–5 pickup loads$250–$400A one-room cleanout or garage clear-out
15-yard16 × 7.5 × 4.5 ft5–7 pickup loadsabout $570–$610 averageA large garage or basement cleanout
20-yard22 × 8 × 4–4.5 ft6–10 pickup loads$275–$450Flooring or carpet removal for a whole floor
30-yard22 × 8 × 6 ft9–14 pickup loads$300–$750A major renovation or addition
40-yard22 × 8 × 8 ft12–16 pickup loads$350–$900Demolition of a garage or outbuilding

Weekly price ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025). 15-yard: average rental price reported by Dumpsters.com: 15 yard dumpster and Budget Dumpster: 15 yard dumpster.

Dimensions and load estimates are typical and vary by company; prices are weekly ranges from Fixr: dumpster rental cost (updated January 2025).

How to choose

  • One room or a garage: 10-yard.
  • Roof tear-off, flooring, a medium remodel: 20-yard.
  • Big renovation or a whole-house move-out: 30-yard.
  • Demolition or large construction: 40-yard.

Heavy debris changes the answer

Concrete, dirt, brick and shingles hit the weight limit long before the box is full, so companies often want them in a smaller dumpster. See weight limits.

Size questions

What size dumpster do I need for a roof?

For a typical house roof tear-off, a 20-yard is a common choice, but shingles are heavy. Tell the company the roof size and number of layers so they can check the weight.

How big is a 20-yard dumpster?

Usually about 22 feet long, 8 feet wide and 4 to 4.5 feet high, holding roughly 6 to 10 pickup-truck loads. Exact sizes vary by company.

Will a dumpster fit in my driveway?

Most residential roll-offs are about 8 feet wide and up to about 22 feet long, and the truck needs extra room to set it down. Measure your space and tell the company about overhead wires and soft ground.