Dumpster Size Calculator

Enter your debris types and volumes to find the right dumpster size, estimated weight, and rental cost for your project.

Project Type

Select a project type to auto-fill typical debris amounts, or enter manually below.

Debris Volumes

Drywall removed (sq ft)

sq ft

Roofing (squares)

squares

1 square = 100 sq ft of roofing

Concrete / masonry (cu ft)

cu ft

Wood / framing (cu ft)

cu ft

Flooring (sq ft)

sq ft

General household junk (cu yd estimate)

cu yd

Recommended Dumpster Size

10 Yard

12×8×4 ft · up to 2 tons

Dimensions 12×8×4 ft

Max Weight 2 tons

Typical Use Small bathroom, 1-2 rooms

Est. Rental Cost $250–$400

0.0

Total Volume (cu yd)

0.0

Est. Weight (tons)

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Dumpster Fill Level

$250–$400

Est. Rental Cost

Volume by Debris Type

Volume contribution from each debris category based on your inputs.

Debris Weight & Volume Factors

Reference density values used in calculations.

Dumpster Size Comparison

All standard dumpster sizes, dimensions, and typical applications.

Dumpster Rental Tips

Permit Requirements

If the dumpster sits on public property (street, sidewalk), most cities require a permit — typically $25–$100.
Dumpsters placed on private driveways or property usually don't need a permit.
Check with your local municipality before delivery — fines for unpermitted placement can exceed $500.
Some HOAs require written approval even for private driveway placement.

Weight Limits & Overage Fees

Each dumpster has a tonnage allowance included in the rental price (typically 1–2 tons for a 10-yd, up to 4 tons for a 20-yd).
Overage fees run $50–$100 per ton beyond the limit.
Concrete, brick, and dirt are very heavy — often fill weight limits before volume limits.
Some haulers offer heavy debris dumpsters (smaller, rated for concrete) at lower cost than standard dumpsters.

Prohibited Items

Hazardous materials: paint, solvents, oils, chemicals, pesticides, asbestos
Electronics (e-waste): TVs, computers, monitors — require separate recycling
Tires: most haulers charge extra or refuse entirely
Appliances with refrigerant: AC units, refrigerators (Freon must be removed first)
Medical waste, batteries, propane tanks
Always confirm prohibited items with your specific hauler before ordering.

Placement Tips

Place boards or plywood under the dumpster wheels to protect your driveway.
Keep a 2-ft clearance on all sides for loading and for the delivery truck to set it down safely.
Overhead clearance of at least 22 ft is needed for dumpster delivery arms — watch for wires and trees.
Load heavy items first and in the center, lighter debris on top and toward the sides.
Don't fill above the dumpster walls — overfilled dumpsters cannot legally be transported.

Rental Period & Pricing

Standard rentals are 7–10 days; extensions typically cost $5–$10 per day.
Prices vary significantly by region — urban areas cost 20–40% more than rural.
Schedule delivery the day before you start to maximize use of your rental period.
Calling for early pickup saves money if you finish ahead of schedule.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Donate reusable items (cabinets, fixtures, lumber) to Habitat for Humanity ReStores before ordering a dumpster.
Separate metals (appliances, ductwork) for free scrap metal pickup — reduces dumpster volume.
Order one size larger than estimated — partial-fill costs the same as full, and going back for a second dumpster doubles your cost.
Compare at least 3 local quotes — prices for the same size can vary by $100–$200.

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

Identify your debris types — Different materials have very different densities. Concrete is ~145 lb/cu ft while general junk runs ~15 lb/cu ft. Knowing what you're tossing is as important as knowing how much.

Estimate volumes — Use the calculator inputs to enter each debris category. For rooms being gutted, measure the square footage of walls (drywall) and floors (flooring). For roofing, use squares (1 square = 100 sq ft).

Check the weight, not just the volume — A 10-yard dumpster full of concrete weighs far more than 2 tons. If you have significant concrete or masonry, weight limits will govern your dumpster choice, not volume.

Go one size up — Debris tends to be irregular and doesn't pack tightly. It's better to have unused capacity than to overfill and face extra fees or need a second pickup.

Verify prohibited items — Hazardous materials, e-waste, and tires are almost universally excluded. Dispose of these separately before ordering.

Compare local prices — Rental rates vary by market. Always get at least 2–3 quotes for the same size and rental period.

Key Terms

Cubic Yard (cu yd)The standard unit for measuring dumpster capacity — a cube 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet.

Roofing SquareA unit equal to 100 square feet of roofing. A typical 2,000 sq ft roof is 20 squares.

Tonnage AllowanceThe maximum weight included in your rental price. Debris exceeding this amount is charged per ton as an overage fee.

Roll-Off DumpsterAn open-top container delivered and picked up by a roll-off truck. Available in 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40-yard sizes for residential and commercial use.

Overage FeePer-ton charge applied when debris weight exceeds the included tonnage. Typically $50–$100 per ton over the limit.

Tipping FeeThe landfill disposal charge paid by the hauler. This cost is built into the rental price but drives regional price differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dumpster do I need for a bathroom remodel?

A bathroom remodel typically generates 1–3 cubic yards of debris — drywall, tile, vanity, toilet, tub, and flooring. A 10-yard dumpster is usually sufficient for a standard bathroom remodel. If you're also replacing the subfloor or doing extensive framing work, consider a 15-yard to be safe.

Can I put concrete in a regular dumpster?

Yes, but concrete is very heavy — about 145 lbs per cubic foot, or nearly 2 tons per cubic yard. Even a small amount of concrete can push a dumpster over its weight limit. Many haulers offer smaller "concrete dumpsters" (typically 2–5 yards) rated for heavy debris at a lower price than a standard 10–20 yard unit. If you have more than 1–2 cu yd of concrete, ask specifically about heavy debris pricing.

How long can I keep a rented dumpster?

Most standard rentals include 7–10 days. Extensions are typically $5–$15 per day. For longer renovation projects, some companies offer weekly rates. When scheduling, request delivery the day before you start demolition so you can begin loading immediately and maximize your rental period.

What happens if I overfill a dumpster?

Overfilled dumpsters — debris piled above the top rail — cannot be transported legally on public roads. The hauler will either ask you to remove excess material, add an overfill fee, or supply a second dumpster. To avoid this, load flat and level with the top of the container, and choose a size with some buffer capacity above your estimate.

Is a 20-yard or 30-yard dumpster better for a full roof tear-off?

For an average residential roof (1,500–2,500 sq ft = 15–25 squares), a 20-yard dumpster is typically sufficient. At 2.5 cu ft per square and 235 lbs per square, 20 squares produces about 50 cu ft (1.9 cu yd) of volume and 4,700 lbs (2.35 tons). The weight is the constraint, not the volume — confirm your hauler's ton allowance for a 20-yd before ordering. If your roof is steeper or multilayer, add a 15–20% safety margin.