How to Choose the Best Dumpster Size
If you undertake a significant home improvement project, whether it's a remodel or demolition, you'll quickly realize you need a way to dispose of all the resulting debris. You'll either have to use hundreds of trash bags — which may not even accommodate larger pieces of debris — or you can rent a large, sturdy dumpster that can easily be hauled away once your project is finished.
While renting a dumpster may be a no-brainer for your situation, figuring out the size of the dumpster you need is not always as easy. In the guide below, we'll discuss the most common sizes for dumpsters and provide some tips on how to pick the best one for your project.
How Do I Know What Size Dumpster I Need?
When considering a dumpster of a certain size, one of the first things you want to do is examine the size of your loading area. Go to the spot where you plan to place your dumpster and visualize the dumpster there. Measure out the dimensions of the space carefully. Before committing to a dumpster size, make sure the dumpster you want can fit in your space.
Here are some other
useful tips to keep in mind while considering different dumpster sizes:
- Define the project before renting: Before you commit to a dumpster size, make sure you know exactly what your project will involve. This is important because if you decide to do another project after your initial project, the extra debris may be too much for the dumpster to hold. For instance, if you plan to clean out your garage, think about whether you're cleaning just your garage or if you'll do your attic as well.
- Roughly estimate how much debris you'll have: If you plan to renovate a room, try to estimate how much ripped-up flooring, ceiling and drywall you'll have. Imagining the debris all in one big pile can help give you an idea of the space you'll need.
- Better to go too big than too small: Even though a larger dumpster is more costly, it's even more expensive to have to pay a fine because your debris is piled too high in the dumpster. Having to get a second dumpster is also more costly. For this reason, it's safest to err on the larger side.
What Size Dumpsters Are There?
With your project details in mind, the next helpful pieces of information are the most common dumpster sizes and an idea of roughly what amount they can hold. At D.B. Container Service, we offer the following size options:
- 10-yard: 10-yard dumpsters, which measure 4 feet by 8 feet by 12 feet, hold roughly the same amount as three pickup trucks and are more or less the same size as a sedan. This means that, if you're going to be disposing of any pieces or appliances larger than that, you should consider getting a bigger size. 10-yard containers are generally suitable for spring cleaning or cleaning out a small basement or one-car garage.
- 15-yard: The 15-yard containers hold considerably more, equivalent to what four or five pickup trucks can. Measuring 3 1/2 feet by 7 1/4 feet by 16 feet, these dumpsters are generally a good size for interior remodels or bigger basement or garage cleanouts.
- 20-yard: The 20-yard containers, which measure 3 1/2 feet by 7 1/4 feet by 22 feet, are generally a good choice for roofing and window jobs, siding work for smaller homes, deck removal and basement renovations. If you need to dispose of bulky things like appliances or furniture, the 20-yard may be the best size.
- 30-yard: The 30-yard dumpsters are the biggest size we offer at 5 1/2 feet by 7 1/4 feet by 22 feet. These containers are most suitable for construction debris, commercial projects, multiple-room or whole-home renovations, debris from deck demolition and much more. They feature relatively low walls, making it simple to dispose of debris. These containers hold around nine pickup trucks' worth of material.
Choosing the Right Dumpster for the Job
If you're wondering what size dumpster you need for your roof, deck or any other construction, remodeling or demolition project, this section will give you a better idea. Here are the dumpster sizes for the most common home improvement projects:
- Bathroom remodel: If you're going to remodel just one room, such as a bathroom, a 10-yard dumpster should be sufficient.
- Kitchen remodel: If you're going to remodel a room that contains many large items, such as cabinets and appliances, it may be wise to opt for the larger 15-yard dumpster instead.
- Roofing project: Whether your roof is made of asphalt shingles, wooden shakes or slate, it has lots of weight that will add up fast. While your instinct might be to choose a larger container, we recommend that you choose the 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster to avoid going over the maximum allowable weight.
- Landscaping project: Unless you're planning a particularly ambitious undertaking, most landscaping projects leave significantly less debris than other project types. In most cases, a 10-yard or 15-yard container will suffice, and if your project involves constructing or taking down a patio or deck, a 20-yard container may be necessary.
- Demolition project: As you can probably imagine, demolition projects create more trash than any other type of project. To deal with the cleanup efficiently, you'll need the largest dumpster size your provider offers. Keep in mind that, if you're demolishing brick, concrete or other similarly heavy materials, you might have to get a dumpster specifically designated for heavy debris. The reason for this is because in order to transport these heavy materials away safely, they often must be hauled in smaller amounts.
- Cleanouts: Whether you're prepping to move or are just getting rid of junk, a 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster should be able to get the job done.
Rent With D.B. Container Service Today for Honest, Professional Service
For the past 20 years, D.B. Container Service has been providing reasonably priced dumpster services to anyone in NYC who needs them — from general contractors to homeowners.
We help homeowners with projects like moving, home improvement projects and estate cleanouts and assist businesses with work including remodeling projects, sidewalk work and disposal services. We also provide dumpster services for contractors, including plumbing work, drywall projects, side replacement and flooring removal.
We aim to provide impeccable service through an honest, fair way of doing business. To request a quote on dumpster pricing, contact us by using our online form or by calling 718-257-2300 today.









