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Dumpster Sizes Explained: 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 Yard Roll-Offs

Updated 2026-10-24

Roll-off dumpsters are measured by volume, in cubic yards (Dump Daddy). One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet (USDA APHIS), the space inside a cube 3 feet on each side. Republic Services rents 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 yard containers (Republic Services), but many local companies carry only a few sizes. One Atlanta-area hauler offers only 10, 15 and 20 yard boxes (Dump Daddy), and one Florida company offers 10, 20 and 30 yard (Summit Waste). Here is what each size holds and how to choose.

The five common sizes at a glance

Size Republic Services dimensions (L x W x H) Pickup truck loads Weight often included Common jobs
10 yard 12 ft 8 in x 8 ft 3 in x 4 ft 4 in 3 to 4 1 to 2 tons Garage cleanout, small remodel, concrete or dirt
15 yard 15 ft x 7 ft 8 in x 5 ft 1 in 4 to 6 1.5 to 3 tons Kitchen demolition, bathroom tear-out, cleanouts
20 yard 22 ft 9 in x 8 ft 3 in x 4 ft 4 in 6 to 8 2 to 3 tons Roofing, room remodel, house cleanout
30 yard 23 ft 1 in x 8 ft 3 in x 6 ft 1 in 9 to 12 3 to 4 tons Multi-room renovation, whole-house cleanout
40 yard 23 ft 1 in x 8 ft 3 in x 7 ft 9 in 12 to 16 4 to 6 tons Major demolition, large construction

Dimensions are from Republic Services. Load counts, weights and jobs are compiled from Republic Services, 5280 Waste Solutions, Dump It KC, A1 Hauling and Rolloffs, Dump Daddy, Dumpster Brothers, Apex Waste NJ, Red Roll Off Containers and Haul’n Off.

10 yard

The 10 yard is the smallest common roll-off. Republic Services lists theirs at 12 ft 8 in long, 8 ft 3 in wide and 4 ft 4 in high, holding about 4 pickup loads, with low sides for easy loading (Republic Services). Republic recommends it for small remodels, small cleanups and patio or driveway demolition (Republic Services).

It is also the usual pick for heavy material: Republic Services advises a 10 or 15 yard for concrete or dirt (Republic Services).

15 yard

A 15 yard holds about 4 to 6 pickup loads (A1 Hauling and Rolloffs, Republic Services). Republic Services lists its 15 yard at 15 ft long, 7 ft 8 in wide and 5 ft 1 in high (Republic Services). One Atlanta-area hauler suggests it for kitchen demolition, bathroom tear-outs and garage or basement cleanups (Dump Daddy).

20 yard

A Denver hauler calls the 20 yard the most commonly rented size for residential projects (5280 Waste Solutions). Republic Services lists its 20 yard at 22 ft 9 in long, 8 ft 3 in wide and 4 ft 4 in high, holding about 8 pickup loads (Republic Services). Some use a shorter, taller 20 yard, such as 16 ft long and 5 ft high at one Minneapolis hauler (A1 Hauling and Rolloffs).

Republic lists roofing projects among its uses (Republic Services), so it is a common pick for a roof tear-off or a kitchen remodel. Shingles add weight fast, so check the weight allowance (A1 Hauling and Rolloffs).

30 yard

Republic’s 30 yard is 23 ft 1 in long, 8 ft 3 in wide and 6 ft 1 in high, holding about 12 pickup loads (Republic Services). It fits multi-room renovations, light demolition and whole-house cleanouts (Republic Services, 5280 Waste Solutions), including a move-out or estate cleanout.

40 yard

Republic’s 40 yard has the same length and width as its 30 yard, with walls 7 ft 9 in high, holding about 16 pickup loads (Republic Services). It is meant for large remodels and construction projects (Republic Services) and major demolition (5280 Waste Solutions).

Volume is only half the story: weight

Flat-rate prices usually include a weight allowance, and anything over it is billed per ton or per pound (5280 Waste Solutions, Dump It KC). Each box also has a maximum load. One Kansas City hauler caps its 10 yard at 4 tons and its 30 yard at 6 tons (Dump It KC), and a San Diego company takes clean dirt or concrete only in its 10 yard because larger containers aren’t rated for that weight (Clean Green Hauling).

Material weight varies a lot. Estimated weights per cubic yard from the U.S. EPA:

Material (1 cubic yard) Approximate weight
Clean dimensional lumber 169 lb
Drywall (gypsum board) 467 lb
Asphalt roofing 731 lb
Concrete 860 lb
Dirt and sand 929 lb
Rock and gravel 999 lb

By that math, 8 cubic yards of dirt weighs about 7,400 pounds, or 3.7 tons (U.S. EPA). That is more than the 2 to 3 tons a 20 yard often includes (5280 Waste Solutions), which is why heavy jobs go in small boxes. Some haulers offer a dedicated concrete and dirt container with 3 tons included (Dump It KC). See how to avoid overage fees for more.

How to choose a size

  1. Estimate the volume. Multiply length x width x height in feet and divide by 27 to get cubic yards (USDA APHIS).
  2. Think about weight first for dense debris. Concrete, brick and dirt belong in a 10 or 15 yard, even if you have room for more (Republic Services).
  3. When torn between two sizes, size up. A second haul usually costs more than stepping up one size (Dump It KC). Prices between sizes are often close: one Georgia hauler charges $390 for a 15 yard and $440 for a 20 yard for 7 days (Red Roll Off Containers).
  4. Compare local prices. Rates differ by city. See local price tables for Minneapolis, Atlanta and Austin, and read how much a dumpster rental costs.

If you only have a few bulky items, Republic suggests a bulk trash pickup may be an alternative (Republic Services). Compare dumpsters, junk removal and dumpster bags.

Will it fit in your driveway?

Republic’s 20, 30 and 40 yard boxes are all about 23 ft long and just over 8 ft wide (Republic Services), so measure first. Space for the truck matters too. Republic Services asks for a flat spot with at least 3 feet of clearance on each side, 22 feet of open height and 34 feet of open room in front for pickup, plus no low-hanging tree limbs or overhead wires (Republic Services).

Other things to check:

  • Your pavement. On a paved driveway, consider covering it or setting wood under the container (Republic Services). Some haulers sell driveway protection as a $25 add-on (Dump It KC, Dumpster Brothers).
  • Compact options. Some companies use short boxes. One Atlanta-area hauler’s three sizes all share a footprint of about 8 by 11 feet (Dump Daddy).

If the dumpster has to go on the street, many cities require a permit, including Chicago, Seattle and Philadelphia. See do you need a dumpster permit.

Sources