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Not sure which size you need? Compare dimensions, capacities, and ideal project types for every standard dumpster size. Visual comparisons make it easy to choose with confidence.
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards. One cubic yard is a space that measures 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet tall, about the size of a kitchen stove. When we say a dumpster is "20 yards," it means the container holds 20 cubic yards of debris, or roughly the equivalent of 6 full-size pickup truck loads.
The physical dimensions of the dumpster do not directly correspond to the cubic yardage because containers vary in length, width, and height. A 10-yard and a 20-yard dumpster may be the same length but the 20-yard has taller sides, giving it more capacity. Understanding this distinction helps you avoid ordering too small or paying for space you do not need.
Side-by-side comparison of all four standard roll-off dumpster sizes with dimensions, capacity, and ideal uses.
12' L x 8' W x 3.5' H
22' L x 8' W x 4.5' H
22' L x 8' W x 6' H
22' L x 8' W x 8' H
Recommended: 10 to 20 yard
A single room is usually a 10-yard. Whole-house cleanouts often require a 20 or 30-yard.
Recommended: 20 to 30 yard
Roofing shingles are heavy. A 20-yard handles up to 30 squares; larger roofs need a 30-yard.
Recommended: 30 to 40 yard
Construction generates high-volume debris. Go with 30 for remodels, 40 for teardowns.
Recommended: 10 to 20 yard
Branches and soil are heavy but compact. A 10-yard is often enough unless you are clearing a large property.
The 10-yard and 20-yard dumpsters are the most popular sizes for homeowners. A 10-yard works great for small cleanouts and single-room remodels, while a 20-yard handles most medium-sized projects like kitchen renovations, roof replacements, and multi-room decluttering.
Measure the length, width, and height of your debris pile in feet, then multiply all three numbers together and divide by 27. For example, a pile that is 6 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet high equals 72 cubic feet, or about 2.7 cubic yards. Our size calculator can help with this estimate.
If your dumpster fills up before your project is complete, you have two options. You can schedule a swap where we pick up the full container and deliver an empty one, or you can upgrade to a larger size. There may be additional fees for the extra trip, so it is generally more cost-effective to go one size up from the start.
While it is possible, 40-yard dumpsters are very large: 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and about 8 feet tall. Most residential driveways can accommodate them, but you need significant clearance. These containers are more commonly used on commercial and construction sites. For most home projects, a 20 or 30-yard is sufficient.
Yes. Larger dumpsters cost more because they hold more debris and require larger trucks for transport. However, the price per cubic yard often decreases as you go up in size, making larger containers more cost-effective for bigger projects. A 20-yard dumpster typically costs 30 to 40 percent more than a 10-yard, not double.
Dumpster wall heights vary by size. A 10-yard container has sides about 3.5 feet high, making it easy to load by hand. A 20-yard is about 4.5 feet, a 30-yard is about 6 feet, and a 40-yard reaches roughly 8 feet. All dumpsters have a rear swing door that you can open for walk-in loading of heavy items.
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