Which Dumpster Size Should You Order?

Choosing the best roll-off dumpster size for your project can be challenging. While the type of job or cleanup project can dictate the best size to order, it’s important to understand how a container’s dimensions translate to real-world applications. At Total Disposal, we are here to help you find the perfect dumpster for your project.

Dumpster Capacities

Typically, rental dumpsters are available in several sizes: 10 yards, 15 yards, 20 yards, 30 yards, and 40 yards. This is not indicative of the length of the container. For example, a 30-yard dumpster is not 30 yards long; rather, the number refers to the internal capacity of the container in cubic yards. Each dumpster size also has a weight limit. In most cases, the fees for trash up to this weight are included in the price of the rental, though the exact pricing terms may vary from company to company. As a rule of thumb, a 10-yard container can handle between 1 ton and 2 tons of debris, and a 15-yard bin accepts up to 3 tons. A 20-yard dumpster typically holds up to 4 tons, and both 30-yard and 40-yard bins may accommodate between 4 tons and 5 tons of waste. If the weight of your trash exceeds the limit, there may be an additional overweight charge, which is generally between $45 and $75 per ton.

Dumpster Dimensions

You may be wondering about the dimensions of roll-off containers. Because there are several different manufacturers for smaller containers, 10-yard dumpsters show the most variance in size. They range from 11.5 feet to 16 feet long, 6 feet to 8 feet wide, and 3 feet to 5 feet tall, but they all are designed to hold the same 10 cubic yards of waste material. The longer dumpsters tend to be shorter in height and not as wide, and the containers that are shorter in length are usually wider and taller. The remaining sizes are fairly standardized, so you will likely see the same approximate dimensions across most manufacturers and providers. A 15-yard dumpster is 16’L x 8’W x 4’H, and a 20-yard container is 22’L x 8’W x 4’H. Generally, a 30-yard roll-off is 22’L x 8’W x 6’H, and finally, a 40-yard dumpster is 22’L x 8’W x 8’H. You may need to check the measurements of the container you are considering to be sure it will fit in your driveway without encroaching on the sidewalk. If you want to swing the back door open so you can walk larger items into the dumpster, you should allow for an additional 8 feet beyond the container’s physical length.

Convenient Uses for Smaller Dumpsters 

As you might guess, rental containers are sized for debris they can safely transport. Because all roll-off dumpsters must be tarped, it is important that they are not filled above the top of the side rails. The debris inside should remain relatively flat on top. No one wants to be behind a truck tossing all kinds of waste on the road on the way to the landfill. This is something to keep in mind when deciding which size you want to rent. Generally, 10-yard dumpsters are best for minor home projects: disposing of leaves and tree limbs or remodeling a small bathroom. Most small dumpster sizes can fit on a standard driveway, so they work well for household cleaning or home improvement projects. You may want to choose a slightly larger size if your debris is particularly heavy or bulky. For example, if you are going to be filling your bin with construction waste from a kitchen remodel and do not want to take the time to dismantle all of those cabinets, you might need a taller and/or longer container.

Projects and Applications for Larger Dumpsters

Generally, larger dumpster sizes are best for serious home improvement projects, large-scale cleaning jobs, and professional construction sites. A bigger bin can handle bulky items including furniture, flooring, and leftover building materials. Some projects may require a larger dumpster size if the debris is too heavy to stay within the weight limit of a smaller bin. Concrete, asphalt, and dirt are all heavy materials that may necessitate a larger dumpster size. Most cities prefer that you place the roll-off dumpster in a driveway but will allow the container to be on the street for short periods of time. Some cities do not allow street parking of containers without a permit, which can cause additional fees beyond the rental cost of the dumpster itself.

Total Disposal Makes Dumpster Rental Easy

Now that you are ready to order a roll-off dumpster that’s the right size for your project, you just need to call the knowledgeable staff at Total Disposal. We are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our friendly and experienced team can answer any further questions you may have and set up your order. Total Disposal is a local, family-owned company that has been delivering roll-off dumpsters in Denver and throughout the surrounding metro area since 2002. We work hard to offer exceptional customer service and competitive prices while making the entire experience as stress-free as possible. Give us a call to experience the “Total” difference in roll-off dumpster waste removal services. We look forward to working with you.