What Size Dumpster Do I Need? Choosing the Right Roll-Off
How to choose the right size roll-off dumpster
If you’re planning a home cleanout, garage or attic purge, kitchen/bath remodel, or roof replacement, the first question that hits you is the same one you just typed into Google: what size dumpster do I need?
Pick too small and you’ll pay for extra hauls or end up with a yard full of overflow. Pick too big and you’ll spend more than necessary and lose driveway space you could’ve used for staging. This guide walks homeowners and contractors through the most common dumpster sizes, what each one realistically holds, and a step-by-step method to choose correctly the first time—plus tips to prevent surprise weight or contamination fees.
Quick Answer: Start With Your Project Type
10-yard (≈3–4 truck loads): Small cleanouts, tight driveways, light demo.
15-yard (≈5–6 loads): Garage/attic cleanouts, small kitchen/bath, fence tear-outs.
20-yard (≈7–8 loads): Medium remodels, multi-room cleanouts, most roofing jobs.
25-yard (≈9–12 loads): Whole-home cleanouts, larger remodels, contractor demos.
40-yard (≈12–14 loads): Major renovations, commercial cleanouts, bulky but lighter debris.
Pro tip: If you’re on the fence between two sizes, go one size up. It’s usually cheaper and less disruptive than paying for a second haul or swap-out.
Dumpster Size Basics (Dimensions, Capacity & Fit)
Roll-off dumpsters are measured in cubic yards (the volume they hold). Manufacturers vary, but these typical dimensions will help you visualize driveway fit and side-wall height for loading:
| Size | Approx. Exterior Dimensions* | Typical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yd | 12' L × 7' W × 3.5' H | 3–4 pickup loads | Small cleanouts, tight spaces, concrete/brick in small amounts |
| 15 yd | 14' L × 7' W × 4.5' H | 5–6 pickup loads | Garage/attic cleanouts, small kitchen/bath remodels |
| 20 yd | 22' L × 7.5' W × 4–4.5' H | 7–8 pickup loads | Multi-room cleanouts, medium remodels, most roofing |
| 25 yd | 22' L × 7.5' W × 6' H | 9–12 pickup loads | Whole-home cleanouts, larger renovations, contractor demo |
| 40 yd | 22' L × 7.5' W × 8' H | 12–14 pickup loads | Major renovations, bulky items, commercial jobs |
| *Actual dimensions vary by manufacturer and model. | |||
Driveway clearance: Most roll-offs need ~60–80 feet of straight approach for delivery and pickup, with ~12 feet of width and ~20 feet of vertical clearance (no low branches or wires). If your site is tight, ask about spotter delivery or a smaller bin with an extra swap if needed.
At the Boxx Boss, our dumpsters are specifically designed to minimize footprint in order to easily fit on most residential driveways.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Size (Without Guessing)
List your debris by category.
Separate bulky light items (furniture, boxes, trim), dense/heavy debris (roofing, tile, plaster, concrete), and appliances.Estimate bulk volume first.
Walk the areas you’re clearing. A standard pickup bed heaped to the rails is roughly 2–3 cubic yards. Count how many pickup loads your pile would take.3–4 loads → 10-yard
5–6 loads → 15-yard
7–8 loads → 20-yard
9–12 loads → 25-yard
12–14+ loads → 40-yard
Now check weight.
Landfills charge by ton. Your rental includes a weight allowance (often 1–2 tons for small bins, 2–4+ tons for 20–25s). Heavy debris can hit the allowance quickly. If your list has roofing, tile, masonry, dirt, concrete, confirm with your hauler whether you need a “heavy debris” plan or a smaller bin with a higher tonnage rating.Consider loading height & ergonomics.
If you’re hand-loading heavy items, a 20-yard’s lower side walls can be easier than a 25 or 40. For bulky but light loads (e.g., demo drywall), a taller 25-yard lets you stack more without overheight issues.Think through site logistics.
Will you stage debris in the garage and load over 2–3 days? Is the driveway sloped? Do you need a bin door that swings open for walk-in loading? These practicalities can push you toward a size with the right door height and wall.Pad your estimate by ~20%.
Overestimate slightly. A bit of attic you “might as well clean,” or a closet you forgot about, can blow up a tight volume estimate. A one-size-up choice can save a swap fee.
Cleanouts (Home, Garage, Attic): What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Small cleanouts & decluttering
Typical debris: Boxes, small furniture, décor, light junk.
Best size: 10-yard (or 15-yard if you’ve got heavier furniture).
Why: Compact footprint for tight drives, easy to load, budget-friendly.
Garage & attic cleanouts
Typical debris: Shelving, totes, long-ignored tools, kid gear, small appliances, mixed junk.
Best size: 15-yard for most; 20-yard if you have larger items (workbenches, multiple appliances) or expect 6+ pickup-loads.
Tips: Break down boxes, nest totes, and stage items by size so the first layer is flat—this maximizes usable volume.
Whole-room or whole-home cleanouts
Typical debris: Furniture, mattresses, clothing, rugs, small appliances.
Best size: 20-yard (single-story or partial home), 25-yard (multi-room or full-home).
Watchouts: Mattresses may carry special handling fees in some areas—ask before you toss to avoid add-ons.
Remodels & Renovations: What Size Fits the Scope?
Small kitchen or single bathroom
Typical debris: Cabinets, countertops, vanity, sink, drywall, flooring.
Best size: 15-yard for a single bath; 15–20-yard for a small kitchen.
Weight note: Tile, stone tops, and plaster add weight quickly. If you’ve got tile removal or stone, a 15 or 20-yard with a higher tonnage allowance is safer.
Multi-room remodels or larger kitchens
Typical debris: Multiple rooms of drywall/flooring, cabinets, doors, trim.
Best size: 20-yard (moderate scope), 25-yard (heavier scope or two-phase demo).
Ergonomics: A 20-yard’s lower walls can be a win if you’re repeatedly lifting heavier sections by hand.
Major renovations / contractor demo
Typical debris: Framing, drywall, flooring, doors/windows, mixed demo.
Best size: 25-yard for single-phase or if debris is bulky but not dense (e.g., lots of drywall).
Strategy: Big job? Consider staggered swaps (one bin on rotation) versus two stationary bins. Rotations reduce driveway blockage and keep demo flowing.
Roofing Jobs: Match Size to Squares and Shingle Type
Roof debris is dense. Your limiter won’t be volume; it’ll be weight.
One “square” of shingles = 100 sq ft of roof coverage (roughly 3 bundles).
Asphalt shingles weight range: commonly 200–250+ lbs per square (architectural can be heavier; multiple layers stack weight fast).
Underlayment & nails add more.
Rules of thumb:
Up to ~20 squares (single layer): 10–15-yard (watch tonnage).
20–35 squares (single layer): 20-yard.
35–50 squares or multi-layer tear-off: 20-yard with swaps or a 25/30-yard only if your hauler okays the weight (many won’t).
Steep pitches / multiple layers: Always call your hauler; you may need two smaller bins or scheduled swap-outsto stay within legal road weight and included tonnage.
Weight safety: Never mound shingles above the fill line. Even if the volume fits, overweight loads can’t be hauled and may incur reload or trip fees.
Heavy Debris (Concrete, Brick, Dirt): Use Smaller Bins on Purpose
For masonry, dirt, sand, gravel, and similar dense materials, a 10- or 15-yard is often the maximum size allowed because of axle weight limits. Many haulers offer “clean load” pricing if the bin contains only one material type (e.g., clean concrete without rebar), which can be cheaper to dispose of.
Concrete/brick/asphalt: Ask for clean-load guidance and confirm weight allowances.
Dirt/soil: Watch for moisture; wet soil is deceptively heavy.
Mixed heavy + light debris: Keep heavy debris on the bottom and don’t fill above halfway if you’re unsure of weight.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Extra Costs
Choosing by price, not by tonnage.
A cheap base rate with a tiny weight allowance can cost more once landfill charges hit.Overfilling above the rim.
Drivers can’t legally haul overheight loads. You’ll be asked to offload or pay for a second trip.Contamination with prohibited items.
Propane tanks, paint, solvents, tires, and certain electronics can trigger contamination fees or a rejected dump.Forgetting driveway prep.
Protect the surface with 3/4" plywood under the contact points if you’re concerned about scuffs on new concrete or decorative pavers.Last-minute delivery.
Popular sizes (15s and 20s) book up. Reserve early to keep your schedule, especially around spring cleanups and roofing season.
Picking the Right Size by Debris Type (At-a-Glance)
| Debris Type | Typical Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light junk, boxes, small furniture | 10–15 yd | Lower cost, fits tight drives |
| Garage/attic mixed cleanout | 15–20 yd | Room for bulky items + bags |
| Single bathroom / small kitchen demo | 15 yd | Manages cabinets + drywall |
| Medium remodel (multi-room) | 20 yd | Balance of capacity + low walls |
| Whole-home cleanout | 25 yd | High volume of bulky light debris |
| Roofing (20–35 squares, 1 layer) | 20 yd | Weight-friendly, easy loading |
| Roofing (multi-layer or 35+ squares) | 20 yd with swaps | Manage weight within limits |
| Concrete/brick/dirt (small loads) | 10–15 yd | Weight restrictions require smaller bins |
| Large commercial/renovation (bulky, light) | 40 yd | Max volume for drywall, packaging |
Weight Allowances: The Part Most People Miss
Every roll-off rental includes a weight cap (e.g., 1–2 tons for 10–15s, 2–4 tons for 20s, 3–4 tons for 25s—varies by market). If your disposed weight exceeds the cap, you’ll pay overage per ton at the going landfill rate plus admin. Two key guardrails:
Know your materials. Drywall is light but voluminous; shingles, tile, plaster, and dirt are dense.
Ask for a higher-ton plan up front if you know you’re heavy. It can be cheaper than paying overage after the fact.
Site Prep & Placement: Make Loading Fast and Safe
Mark the spot. Use cones or tape so the driver drops exactly where you want it.
Door swing clearance. Most bins have a full-height, walk-in door on one end; leave room to swing it open.
Slope & drainage. Avoid steep slopes and low spots that collect water (added water = added weight).
Protect surfaces. Lay plywood if you’re worried about cosmetic scuffs.
Permits & HOA Rules
If your bin sits on a public street, you may need a city permit. Some HOAs require notice or restrict visible placement/duration. Ask your hauler—local pros usually know the rules and can point you to the correct office.
Budgeting: Size + Days + Tonnage = True Cost
When comparing quotes, line up apples to apples:
Size & days included (standard is ~7 days, but varies)
Tonnage included (the bigger cost factor)
Overage rate per ton
Trip or relocation fees (if the truck can’t place or pick up)
Prohibited/contamination fee schedule
Sometimes a slightly larger bin with more included tonnage is the true bargain.
Real-World Scenarios (So You Can Map Yours)
1) Garage Cleanout + Yard Clutter
Debris: Boxes, old shelving, kids’ bikes, lawn chairs, a push mower (fluids emptied).
Size: 15-yard.
Why: Plenty of room for 5–6 pickup loads without paying for empty air.
2) Small Kitchen Remodel
Debris: Cabinets, laminate counters, drywall, vinyl flooring.
Size: 15–20-yard depending on cabinet count and flooring.
Watch: Tile/stone → choose 20-yard with extra tonnage.
3) 28-Square Asphalt Re-roof (1 layer)
Debris: Shingles, felt, nails.
Size: 20-yard.
Notes: Keep shingles below the rim; ask about included tons and overage per ton.
4) Whole-Home Declutter Before a Move
Debris: Furniture, mattresses, rugs, lots of boxes.
Size: 25-yard.
Why: Bulky, lightweight mix—maximize volume.
5) Patio Demo (Concrete Pavers + Sand Base)
Debris: Concrete pavers, a bit of sand/aggregate.
Size: 10–15-yard (depending on square footage).
Why: Dense material; smaller bin avoids overweight loads.
Frequently Asked “What Size Dumpster Do I Need” Questions
Q: Can I put everything in one big bin?
A: Often yes, but heavy materials (concrete, dirt, shingles) may require smaller bins or clean-load rules. Mixing prohibited items (paint, tires, propane) causes fees—ask for a do-not-toss list.
Q: My driveway is short—what now?
A: Many haulers can place a 10 or 15-yard in tight spots and schedule a swap mid-project. Share photos with your provider for guidance.
Q: I’m between a 15 and 20—how do I decide?
A: Count pickup loads (5–6 → 15; 7–8 → 20), then check for heavy materials. If you have tile/shingles/plaster, the 20-yard with a higher ton cap is safer.
Q: Do taller bins mean harder loading?
A: Yes for hand-loading. If you’re tossing heavy items, a 20-yard’s lower walls are easier. For bulky drywall/furniture, a 25-yard fits more volume per square foot.
Simple Decision Guide (Use This Like a Checklist)
What’s my main debris type?
Mostly light junk/furniture → start at 15 yd
Mix of drywall/flooring → 20 yd
Roofing (≤35 squares, 1 layer) → 20 yd
Heavy debris (concrete/brick/dirt) → 10–15 yd
Whole-home cleanout / major reno → 25 yd (or 40 yd if bulky & light)
How many pickup loads would it take?
3–4 → 10 yd
5–6 → 15 yd
7–8 → 20 yd
9–10 → 25 yd
12–14+ → 40 yd
Any weight risks?
Tile, shingles, plaster, masonry → choose a size/plan with more tons included.
Driveway or access constraints?
Tight approach/low wires → shorter bin (10–15 yd) with swap-outs.
Still unsure?
Go one size up—cheaper than a second trip and easier on your schedule.
Final Take: Choose Confidently, Avoid Surprises
The right roll-off size depends on volume, weight, and site logistics. For many homeowners asking what size dumpster do I need, the sweet spot is a 15- or 20-yard: big enough for most cleanouts and remodels, small enough for easy placement and loading. Contractors tackling whole-home demos or multi-room renovations often run best on 25-yard rotations, while heavy debris stays safe in 10–15-yard bins.
Remember: price isn’t just the sticker—it’s size + days + tonnage + rules. If you match dumpster size to your debris type, keep an eye on weight, and place the bin where loading is fast and safe, you’ll finish on time and on budget.
Ready to Pick a Size?
If you’re in the Shreveport–Bossier City area and still debating what size dumpster do I need, a quick call with a local pro can save you time and money. You’ll get help matching your debris mix to the right bin, plus guidance on weight, placement, and local rules—so there are no surprises on pickup day.
Need help right now? Get a fast recommendation and price quote:
Call: 318-575-BOSS
Request a Quote: theboxxboss.com/contact
