How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size for Your Project

Choosing the right dumpster size for your project can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re taking on a home renovation, cleaning up the yard, or managing a construction site, the size of your dumpster can make a huge difference. Renting the perfect dumpster size means you won’t pay too much for a giant container you don’t need—or worse, end up with one that’s too small to get the job done. Sounds good? Let’s dive into how you can figure out the ideal dumpster size for your project!

What Dumpster Sizes Are Available?

Before you can choose the right size, you need to know what’s available. Dumpster rentals typically come in a range of sizes, measured in cubic yards. Let’s break down the most common sizes you’ll come across:

• 10-yard dumpster: Best for small home projects like garage cleanouts or minor remodeling. It holds about three pickup trucks’ worth of debris.
• 15-yard dumpster: Perfect for medium-sized cleanouts or small renovation projects. It can handle about 4.5 pickup truck loads of waste.
• 20-yard dumpster: A popular choice for larger home projects, like kitchen remodels or deck removals. It holds roughly six pickup trucks’ worth of material.
• 30-yard dumpster: Ideal for large-scale renovations, new construction projects, or estate cleanouts. This one can hold nine pickup trucks’ worth of debris.
• 40-yard dumpster: Reserved for major construction sites or large cleanouts. It can carry up to 12 pickup trucks’ worth of waste.

Each of these sizes has its own purpose, but which one fits your project best?

How to Match Dumpster Sizes with Common Projects

Now that you know the different dumpster sizes, it’s time to figure out which one matches your needs. Let’s take a look at some common projects and which dumpster size works best for them.

1. Home Cleanouts

Got a garage packed with old boxes, furniture, or random junk? Or maybe you’re cleaning out the attic or basement? For most home cleanouts, a 10-yard or 15-yard dumpster is usually enough. These sizes offer plenty of space for your average household clutter while keeping things compact enough to fit in most driveways.

But, if you’re tackling an entire house cleanout—like after a move or if you’re dealing with an estate—you may need a 20-yard or 30-yard dumpster to handle larger items like furniture and appliances.

Question to ask: What’s the largest item you’ll be throwing away? If it’s something bulky, like a couch or large appliance, you might want to size up just to be safe.

2. Small to Medium Home Renovations

If you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, you’ll likely be dealing with old tiles, drywall, flooring, and maybe even some cabinets. For these projects, a 15-yard or 20-yard dumpster should be perfect. It’s large enough to handle construction debris without being oversized.

However, if your renovation includes knocking down walls or doing a more significant demo, consider bumping up to a 30-yard dumpster to make sure you’ve got enough space for everything.

Question to ask: Are you doing any demolition? If yes, the extra debris might make it worth getting a larger dumpster.

3. Yard Cleanups

Whether you’re trimming trees, pulling up bushes, or tackling a large landscaping project, yard cleanups can generate a lot of waste. For simple tree trimmings or clearing out leaves and grass, a 10-yard dumpster might be all you need. But if you’re removing large amounts of brush or tree stumps, a 20-yard dumpster is probably the safer bet.

For major landscaping overhauls, like tearing out decks, patios, or removing large trees, you’ll want to look at a 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster to make sure you have enough room for bulky materials.

Question to ask: Are you removing just leaves and small branches, or do you have heavier materials like tree stumps? This will help determine the size you need.

4. Large Construction Projects

Building a new home or taking on a major construction project? You’ll need the biggest dumpster available—usually a 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster. These can handle large volumes of construction debris like concrete, bricks, roofing materials, and drywall without a problem.

Question to ask: Is this a full-blown construction project, or are you just doing some light remodeling? The larger the project, the bigger the dumpster you’ll need.

How to Estimate How Much Waste Your Project Will Create

Choosing the right dumpster size also means having a good idea of how much waste you’re dealing with. If you’re not sure how to estimate it, think about your project in terms of pickup truck loads. For example, a 10-yard dumpster can hold around three truckloads of waste, while a 30-yard dumpster holds about nine truckloads.

Still not sure how to estimate? Try breaking it down by the types of materials you’ll be discarding. Construction debris tends to take up more space than household items or yard waste. If you have a mix of heavy and light materials, you might need a bigger dumpster to accommodate the extra weight.

Tip: Overestimating is always better than underestimating. If you’re torn between two sizes, it’s often a good idea to go with the larger one to avoid paying for a second rental. Sounds good?

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dumpster Size

Besides the type of project you’re working on, there are a few other things to keep in mind when selecting a dumpster size:

1. Space for the Dumpster

Where will you place the dumpster? If you have limited driveway or yard space, a smaller dumpster might be the only option. Measure the area where you’ll put the dumpster to make sure it fits.

2. Weight Restrictions

Even though dumpsters are measured by volume, they also have weight limits. Heavier materials like concrete or dirt may require a smaller dumpster with a higher weight capacity, even if you don’t fill it up completely. If you’re dealing with heavy materials, ask your rental company about weight limits and the best size for your project.

3. Rental Period

How long do you plan to keep the dumpster? If your project is going to take a few days or weeks, you’ll want to make sure the dumpster size can handle the amount of debris you’ll generate over time.

Question to ask: How much debris will you produce per day, and will that affect the size you need?

Conclusion

Choosing the right dumpster size for your project doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering the type of project, estimating your waste, and keeping a few extra factors in mind, you’ll be able to pick the perfect dumpster to get the job done.

Remember, it’s always better to have too much space than not enough. So if you’re unsure, going with a slightly larger size can save you the hassle of renting a second dumpster. Sounds good?

Need help choosing the right dumpster size? Atlas Dumpster Rental is here to assist! Give us a call, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need for your project.