What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Choosing the wrong dumpster size is the most common (and costly) mistake renters make. Too small and you'll pay for a swap. Too large and you're paying for space you don't need. Here's how to get it right.
| Size | Capacity | Avg Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yd | 1–2 tons | $250–$400 | Small bathroom or kitchen remodel |
| 15 yd | 2–3 tons | $300–$450 | Flooring removal in a whole home |
| 20 yd | 3–4 tons | $350–$550 | Full home renovation |
| 30 yd | 4–6 tons | $400–$650 | Large construction projects |
| 40 yd | 6–10 tons | $500–$800 | Major demolition projects |
Size-by-Size Breakdown
14 ft × 7.5 ft × 3.5 ft • 1–2 tons capacity • $250–$400 average
Best For
- ✓Small bathroom or kitchen remodel
- ✓Garage or attic cleanout
- ✓1–2 room renovation
- ✓Small landscaping project
Not Ideal For
Roofing, large demolition, or whole-home cleanouts
16 ft × 7.5 ft × 4 ft • 2–3 tons capacity • $300–$450 average
Best For
- ✓Flooring removal in a whole home
- ✓Mid-size renovation project
- ✓Small roofing job (1,500 sq ft or less)
- ✓Concrete or brick disposal
Not Ideal For
Large construction sites or full home teardowns
22 ft × 7.5 ft × 4 ft • 3–4 tons capacity • $350–$550 average
Best For
- ✓Full home renovation
- ✓Standard roofing project (up to 2,500 sq ft)
- ✓Large household cleanout
- ✓Moving junk from a large property
Not Ideal For
Major demolition or commercial construction
22 ft × 7.5 ft × 5.5 ft • 4–6 tons capacity • $400–$650 average
Best For
- ✓Large construction projects
- ✓Commercial cleanouts
- ✓New home construction waste
- ✓Multi-unit renovation
Not Ideal For
Residential driveways where space is limited
22 ft × 7.5 ft × 8 ft • 6–10 tons capacity • $500–$800 average
Best For
- ✓Major demolition projects
- ✓Commercial construction
- ✓Large community cleanups
- ✓Industrial waste removal
Not Ideal For
Most residential driveways (requires commercial permit in many areas)
Still Not Sure?
Our size calculator recommends a dumpster based on your project type and debris amount.