Choosing The Right Dumpster Size For Your Project

For many people, simply choosing between the various dumpster sizes is the first challenge to getting started on their clean-out or remodeling project. Experts at Corkd help you with any size dumpster from small 5-10 yard all the way up to 40 yard dumpsters for big projects.

The starting point is always the same, asking yourself "Which dumpster size should I rent?" What are the actual size differences between each type of dumpster? What dumpster sizes am I allowed to place on a residential street? Read on below for an easy to use guide on getting the best dumpster rental.

Dumpster Sizes & Capacities

Dumpsters come in many sizes, with the standard being 10 yard, 20 yard, 30 yard and 40 yard. What does this even mean? We used a standard pickup truck as a reference to how much each roll off dumpster size can hold. These dumpster allow you to not waste time by having to load up a truck and drop off to a dumping facility.

Regardless of size, roll off dumpsters have an open top, which makes it especially easy to throw in large or bulky items. Simply load up a roll off dumpster and once it reaches maximum capacity, a service truck picks up and removes the dumpster from your location.

See the dumpster size chart below to sizes and capacities.

Dumpster Actual Size Capacity
10 Yard 10'L x 8'W x 3.5'H 2,000 lbs. ~ 3 pickup truck loads
20 Yard 22'L x 8'W x 3.5'H 4,000 lbs. ~ 5 pickup truck loads
30 Yard 22'L x 8'W x 5.25'H 6,000 lbs. ~ 6.5 pickup truck loads
40 Yard 22'L x 8'W x 8'H

8,000 lbs. ~8 pickup truck loads

What Is The Best Size Dumpster For Residential Use?

Smaller dumpster sizes below 10 yards are perfect for residential use so homeowners can fit them on their driveway or on the street in front of the home. Having a dumpster on your property during a move out cleaning, renovation or simply wanting to finally de-clutter your entire home and/or garage allows you to clean and trash anything and everything without having to worry about hauling it away multiple times during the process. Tip: If you are ever unsure of how much waste you have, always get the larger dumpster size so you do not have to deal with overflow. This will save additional delivery fees.

residential dumpsters

Below are some examples of what can be placed inside of a dumpster rental.

  • Construction/Renovation debris
    • drywall
    • wood
    • roofing scraps
    • concrete
  • Yard waste
    • wood from fencing
    • old lawn furniture
  • Residential debris
    • clutter from a move out
    • old furniture
    • trash from attic or garage, etc

What CANNOT be Placed In A Dumpster?

While it may be easy to just toss everything into a dumpster, there are several items that cannot be placed in them. Due to city and/or state regulations, these items all require a different method of removal:

Hazardous Waste Material: Paints or other toxins (such as asbestos, insecticides) that specify they are hazardous waste. Oils and grease also cannot be put into a dumpster.

Electronics: appliances such as refrigerators, washers or dryers, TVs, computers, monitors, etc all require to be e-recycled.

Household or Green Waste: trash from food or yard waste such as grass, leaves or dirt, should be disposed separately utilizing your municipal provided trash and recycling bins.

Others: car parts such as tires, batteries all should be disposed of separately.

You can always ask what items specifically can or cannot be dumped inside. Keep in mind that the size of the dumpster does not determine what can be thrown away, it is decided by local landfill regulations. Some companies allow items that others do not, so it is best to always ask for a list of items to be safe.

Simplify Your Cleaning Process

Avoid having to make unnecessary trips to a local dump site by renting a dumpster to be at your disposal 24 hours a day. Regardless of the length of your project, renting a dumpster can be an efficient and cost effective way to stay on track with your project and your budget. We can quickly match you to the roll off dumpster size that meets your criteria and falls within your budget. Contact us today to find out how much time and money we can save you!