Too Much Trash, Not Enough Truck? Here’s How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

Dumpsters are incredibly useful for a variety of projects. Whether you’re renovating your home, decluttering, landscaping, or cleaning out an estate, a dumpster rental can make waste management a lot easier. Dumpsters allow you to work more efficiently, and they can save a significant amount of time.

While the dumpster rental process is very simple, there is one important decision you need to make beforehand: choosing the right size dumpster.

Dumpsters come in several sizes, and it’s important to choose the right one for your project. If you choose a dumpster that is too small, you’ll need multiple hauls, which is time-consuming and expensive. If your dumpster is too large, you might end up paying more than you need to. To help you make the best possible decision, the team at CFB Outdoors put together a handy roll-off dumpster guide to help you understand common sizes and which one might be best for your project.

Available Dumpster Sizes For Rental

Dumpster capacity is measured in cubic yards. To give you an idea of how much debris a dumpster can hold, you can think of one cubic yard as roughly the size of a washing machine. Here are the three most common dumpster sizes:

10-Yard Dumpster
This is typically the smallest dumpster size available, and it’s perfect for small bathroom or kitchen remodels, basement clean-outs, and even landscaping projects. We often see customers rent a 10-yard dumpster for downsizing. One of the best things about a 10-yard can is that it is easily placed in small driveways or tight spaces, so if you’re dealing with limited space, it’s a great choice. 

A 10-yard dumpster’s dimensions are about 12′ long x 6′ wide x 4′ high. It can hold the equivalent of about 50 to 60 trash bags and can be compared to about 3 or 4 standard pick-up truck loads.

20-Yard Dumpster
A 20-yard can is the most popular dumpster size, and it’s suitable for the majority of standard residential projects. You might rent a 20-yard dumpster for a full kitchen remodel, a roof replacement, or a whole-home cleanout. Customers like 20-yard dumpsters because they have a lot of capacity, but they’re still manageable and fit in most driveways.

A 20-yard dumpster is about 22′ long x 7.5′ wide x 4.5′ high, and it holds about 100 to 120 trash bags, which is comparable to 6 pick-up truck loads.

30-Yard Dumpster
If you’re tackling a larger-than-average project, a 30-yard can may be more helpful. This option is ideal for major home renovation cleanout, large construction jobs, or whole-home demolition. It’s also good for estate clean-outs that involve a lot of bulky furniture or appliances. A 30-yard can isn’t much longer or wider than a 20-yard can, but it’s about a foot and a half taller.

A 30-yard can runs about 22′ long x 7.5′ wide x 6′ high and supports about 170 to 200 trash bags or the equivalent of 9 pick-up truck loads.

Some Additional Tips For Choosing The Right Dumpster Size

While it’s important to choose a dumpster size that suits your project, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind.

  • Consider The Amount Of Space Available For Delivery
    Remember, a dumpster needs 2′ to 3′ of clearance on all sides as well as a minimum of 15′ of clearance overhead. You’ll also need to be sure there is 40′ to 50′  of open space for a delivery truck to pick up and drop off. Take the time to measure your driveway to ensure there is adequate space.
  • Err On The Higher Side
    If you’re on the fence on size, we typically recommend choosing the higher option. It’s usually cheaper to rent one larger dumpster than it is to rent two smaller ones or schedule multiple hauls. 
  • Consider Weight Limits 
    If your project involves heavy materials like bricks or concrete, make sure to review the weight limitations of each dumpster before making a decision. 
  • Talk To Your Rental Company
    Your dumpster rental company can review your entire project and accurately recommend the right size. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or advice.

Dumpster Rental DeLand: Why CFB Outdoors Is The Best Choice

If you need a fast, local dumpster delivery, CFB Outdoors is Volusia County’s top outdoor services company. We’re located right here in DeLand, so we can quickly and efficiently bring a dumpster over to your property when needed. Our team of experts is happy to help review your project and recommend the right size. Our excellent customer service, simple billing processes, and friendly team will deliver a great experience right along with your dumpster rental. Call us today.