Recommended Dumpster
Dumpster Size
15 Yard
Est. Debris
11.0 cu yd
Estimated Rental Cost
Per Dumpster
$300 - $500
Weight Limit
3 Tons
Debris Estimate Breakdown
Dumpster Size Comparison
| Size | Weight Limit | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 2 tons | $250 - $400 | Small bathroom, single room cleanout |
| 15 yardRecommended | 3 tons | $300 - $500 | Bathroom remodel, small kitchen, garage |
| 20 yard | 4 tons | $350 - $600 | Kitchen remodel, medium renovation |
| 30 yard | 5 tons | $400 - $700 | Large remodel, roof tear-off |
| 40 yard | 7 tons | $500 - $900 | Whole house demo, major construction |
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
- Order 1-2 days before demo starts. Same-day delivery costs 20-50% more.
- Heavy debris (concrete, dirt) hits weight limits before filling the dumpster. A half-full 20-yard of concrete can max out the weight.
- Most rentals include 7 days. Extra days run $5-$15/day.
- Prohibited items: paint, batteries, tires, appliances with refrigerant, hazardous chemicals.
- Place on a flat driveway surface. Many companies require plywood under the dumpster to protect asphalt.
Dumpster Sizing & Rental Guide
Size recommendations, cost ranges, and debris weight estimates for roll-off dumpster rentals.
What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
The right dumpster size depends on your project type and the weight of debris. Most residential remodels fit in a 20 or 30-yard dumpster.
- 10 yard: Single room cleanout, small bathroom remodel, minor landscaping
- 15 yard: Bathroom remodel, garage cleanout, deck removal
- 20 yard: Kitchen remodel, flooring removal, medium renovation
- 30 yard: Roof tear-off (up to 30 squares), large remodel, siding removal
- 40 yard: Whole house demo, major construction cleanup, commercial projects
Common mistake: picking by volume alone. Heavy materials like concrete and dirt hit weight limits long before filling the dumpster. A 20-yard dumpster half full of concrete can already exceed the 4-ton weight limit.
Key Takeaways
- Most residential remodels need a 20 or 30-yard dumpster
- Heavy materials (concrete, dirt) hit weight limits before volume limits
- 10-yard is the smallest standard size, 40-yard is the largest
How Much Does a Dumpster Rental Cost?
Dumpster rentals cost $250 to $900 per week, depending on size, location, and debris type.
| Size | Weight Limit | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 2 tons | $250-$400 |
| 15 yard | 3 tons | $300-$500 |
| 20 yard | 4 tons | $350-$600 |
| 30 yard | 5 tons | $400-$700 |
| 40 yard | 7 tons | $500-$900 |
Most rentals include a 7-day period. Extra days cost $5-$15/day. Overage fees for exceeding the weight limit run $40-$75 per extra ton.
Key Takeaways
- 7-day rental period is standard
- Weight overage fees: $40-$75 per extra ton
- Same-day delivery typically costs 20-50% more
Dumpster Sizing for Roof Tear-Offs
A single layer of asphalt shingles produces about 3 cubic yards per 10 roofing squares (1,000 sq ft). Most residential roofs need a 20 or 30-yard dumpster.
- 1,000 sq ft roof, 1 layer: ~4 cu yd = 10-yard dumpster
- 1,500 sq ft roof, 1 layer: ~5.5 cu yd = 10 or 15-yard dumpster
- 2,000 sq ft roof, 1 layer: ~7.3 cu yd = 10 or 15-yard dumpster
- 2,500 sq ft roof, 2 layers: ~18 cu yd = 20 or 30-yard dumpster
- 3,000 sq ft roof, 2 layers: ~22 cu yd = 30-yard dumpster
Shingles are dense. They weigh about 250-300 lbs per roofing square, so weight limits become the constraint on bigger roofs. A 2,500 sq ft tear-off with 2 layers produces roughly 3.5-4 tons of shingles.
Key Takeaways
- About 3.3 cubic yards per 1,000 sq ft per layer of shingles
- Shingles weigh 250-300 lbs per roofing square
- Weight limits are often the real constraint on roofing jobs
What Cannot Go in a Dumpster?
Most dumpster companies prohibit hazardous materials and certain appliances. Violating these rules can result in extra fees or refusal to haul.
- Always prohibited: Paint, solvents, chemicals, batteries, tires, medical waste
- Appliances with refrigerant: Fridges, freezers, AC units (need separate Freon removal, ~$50-$100)
- Electronics: TVs, monitors, computers (e-waste recycling required in most states)
- Mattresses: Many companies charge an extra $25-$50 per mattress
- Concrete/dirt: Allowed but check weight limits. Some companies offer dedicated heavy-debris dumpsters with higher weight limits and lower volume.
Key Takeaways
- Hazardous materials are always prohibited
- Freon removal for appliances costs $50-$100
- Mattresses often have a $25-$50 surcharge
How to Use This Calculator
Select your project type
Choose from kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, roof tear-off, whole house demo, garage cleanout, landscaping, new construction, or room cleanout.
Enter the project area
Input the square footage of the area being demolished or cleaned out. For roof tear-offs, enter the total roof area and number of shingle layers.
Choose the debris type
Select mixed construction, heavy (concrete/dirt), light (drywall/wood), or roofing shingles. This adjusts the weight estimate and may affect the recommended size.
Review your dumpster recommendation
See the recommended dumpster size, estimated debris volume and weight, rental cost range, and a comparison table of all available sizes.
Dumpster Size Calculation
Debris Volume = Project Area (sq ft) x Debris Factor x Layers x 1.10 overage
Estimated Weight = Volume (cu yd) x Weight per Yard (lbs)
Recommended Size = smallest dumpster that fits both volume AND weightWhere:
- Debris Factor
- = Cu yd per sq ft by project type (kitchen: 0.05, bathroom: 0.065, roof: 0.0033/layer)
- Weight per Yard
- = Mixed: 400 lbs, Heavy: 2,200 lbs, Light: 225 lbs, Shingles: 500 lbs
- 10% Overage
- = Accounts for loose fill and uneven stacking
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen remodel?
Most kitchen remodels need a 20-yard dumpster. A 200 sq ft kitchen tear-out produces about 10-12 cubic yards of debris including cabinets, countertops, flooring, and drywall. If you're only replacing countertops and appliances, a 10 or 15-yard may be enough.
What size dumpster for a roof tear-off?
For a typical 2,000 sq ft single-layer roof, a 15 or 20-yard dumpster is usually right. Two layers or a roof over 2,500 sq ft usually calls for a 30-yard. Shingles are heavy - about 250-300 lbs per roofing square - so weight limits often matter more than volume.
How much does a dumpster rental cost?
Roll-off dumpster rentals cost $250 to $900 per week depending on size and location. A 20-yard (the most popular size) typically runs $350-$600. Most rentals include 7 days. Extra days cost $5-$15/day, and exceeding the weight limit costs $40-$75 per extra ton.
What is the difference between a 20-yard and 30-yard dumpster?
A 20-yard dumpster holds 20 cubic yards (about 6 pickup truck loads) with a 4-ton weight limit. A 30-yard holds 30 cubic yards (about 9 pickup loads) with a 5-ton limit. The 20-yard fits most kitchen and bathroom remodels. The 30-yard is better for large remodels, roof tear-offs over 2,500 sq ft, or whole-house cleanouts.
Can I put concrete in a dumpster?
Yes, but be careful with weight limits. Concrete weighs about 2,200 lbs per cubic yard, so a few cubic yards can max out a dumpster's weight limit. A 20-yard dumpster with a 4-ton limit can only hold about 3.5 cubic yards of solid concrete. Some companies offer dedicated heavy-debris dumpsters with lower volume but higher weight limits.
How long can I keep a dumpster?
Standard rentals include 7 days. You can usually extend for $5-$15 per additional day. For larger projects, ask about 2-week or monthly rates. Most companies offer flexible scheduling if you call ahead.
When should I order the dumpster?
Order 1-2 days before demo starts. This gives you time to position it and avoids same-day delivery fees, which typically add 20-50% to the cost. During peak seasons (spring and summer), book 3-5 days ahead to guarantee availability.
What items are not allowed in a dumpster?
Most companies prohibit paint, chemicals, solvents, batteries, tires, and medical waste. Appliances with refrigerant (fridges, AC units) require separate Freon removal ($50-$100). Mattresses often have a $25-$50 surcharge. Concrete is allowed but watch weight limits.
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