How Do I Know What Size Dumpster I Need?

Explore the dumpster size to learn about selecting the right dumpster size from industry experts.

Dumpster Rental Size Guide

You’ll need to select the dumpster size according to your project needs, which include the amount of waste you need to dispose of and the dumpster’s weight-holding capacity. If you don’t select the right dumpster size, you could end up paying for too much space and having a lot of leftover room.

On the other hand, if you choose a size that is too small, you may have to make multiple trips to the landfill, wasting both time and money. The best way to prevent this is to consider the project’s scope that you have on hand. Once you have a better idea of the size of your project, you’ll be able to estimate better the amount of space you’ll need.

Here is our 3-step guide to walk you through the process of choosing the right dumpster size.

1. Identify the Project Type

Whether you are working in a residential or commercial setting, the first thing to do is to identify the type of project for which you require a dumpster. Type of project will make you clear about the type of waste your project will generate.

The following are some common project types: 

  • Cleanouts
  • Renovations
  • Roof replacements
  • Yard cleanup
  • New constructions
  • Business waste

2. Make An Estimation Of Waste Volume

To estimate waste volume, you need to understand what your waste will comprise. Suppose you are performing a specific task, such as yard cleanup or renovations, or a major cleanup like pre-move cleanouts, which generates an intermixed type of waste. In either case, you need to determine the expected waste volume. Estimating the volume will help you decide the size of the dumpster you’ll need.

The common wastes include: 

  • Concrete or bricks
  • Trees, grass, and dry leaves from the yard 
  • Lumber/ wood 
  • Cardboard 
  • Furniture 

For heavier objects, you’ll need a dumpster with more tonnage, whereas you’ll need a bigger dumpster for things that are lighter in weight but occupy more space. 

3. Match Dumpster Size

Once you are clear about the type of waste your project will produce and have estimated the volume, it’s time to match the dumpster size. At Barton Dumpster Rental LLC, we offer six different sizes of roll-off dumpsters to accommodate our customers’ needs. The dumpster sizes include 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, and 25 cubic yards. 

You also need to consider other factors, such as driveway or site dimensions, access logistics, ground conditions, and local area regulations, when selecting the dumpster size. 

What are Common Dumpster Sizes?

We offer 6 different sizes of dumpster.

  • 10 cubic yard dumpster
  • 11 cubic yard dumpster.
  • 12 cubic yard dumpster
  • 15 cubic yard dumpster
  • 18 cubic yard dumpster
  • 25 cubic yard dumpster
Dumpster Size#1

10 Cubic Yard Dumpster

A 10-yard dumpster is ideal for small residential projects. These might not be the best choice for commercial purposes. Hence, you’ll need a larger dumpster if you plan to do a major renovation or repair work. The volume of the 10-yard dumpster: 3 to 5 truck loads.

What can you fit in a 10 yard dumpster?

The 10-yard dumpster is perfect for roofing job, minor home or basement works, and attic cleanout. You can also use this dumpster for minor kitchen remodeling work and bathroom repair.

What are the dimensions of 10 yard dumpster?

Length: 10ft Long, Width: 7ft Wide, and Height: 4ft Tall.

Dumpster Size#2

11 Cubic Yard Dumpster

If you’re looking for a dumpster that can handle your smaller short-term projects, then the 11 cubic yard dumpster is perfect for you. With a size just right for smaller cleanouts, this dumpster will make light work of any project. The volume of the 11-yard dumpster: 4 to 6 truck loads.

What can you fit in a 11 yard dumpster?

Probably it is the most common dumpster size out there and suitable for small repair works. These dumpsters can comfortably hold 4 to 6 truck loads.

What are the dimensions of 11 yard dumpster?

Length: 12ft Long, Width: 7.5ft Wide, and Height: 4ft Tall.

Dumpster Size#3

12 Cubic Yard Dumpster

A 12 cubic-yard dumpster is the perfect solution for all your junk removal needs! This versatile dumpster is the ideal choice for medium-sized projects. The 12 cubic yard dumpster is made from high-quality materials, ensuring it can withstand heavy loads and resist damage. The volume of the 12-yard dumpster: 5 to 7 truck loads.

What can you fit in a 12 yard dumpster?

Ideal for modest home remodeling projects, such as deck deconstruction, kitchen and bathroom renovation, garage clean-outs and more.

What are the dimensions of 12 yard dumpster?

Length: 12ft Long, Width: 7.5ft Wide, and Height: 4.5ft Tall.

Dumpster Size#4

15 Cubic Yard Dumpster

A 15-yard container is perfect for moderate to heavy projects. However, it is not the largest option available. The major benefit of having a 15-yard dumpster is that these are easy to move and offer sufficient trash holding capacity. The volume of 15 yard container: 6 to 8 truck loads.

What can you fit in the 15 yard dumpster?

These dumpsters are ideal for waste disposal and large home renovation projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling. Besides, if you are dealing with a major home clear-out, you need the 15-yard dumpster.

What are the dimensions of 15 yard dumpster?

Length: 12ft Long, Width: 7.5ft Wide, and Height: 5ft Tall.

Dumpster Size#5

18 Cubic Yard Dumpster

An 18-yard dumpster is best for a variety of home renovation projects. These large containers can hold up to 10 truckloads of waste without any issue. Usually, these containers are heavy, but you won’t have any problem using these. The volume of 18 yards: 8 to 10 truck loads.

What can you fit in the 18 yard dumpster?

These dumpsters are ideal for medium basement repairs, garage works, or attic cleanup. Besides, you can also use them for flooring or carpet removal for any house. In simple words, these are the perfect size for large projects.

What are the dimensions of 18 yard dumpster?

Length: 12ft Long, Width: 7.5ft Wide, and Height: 6ft Tall.

Dumpster Size#6

25 Cubic Yard Dumpster

A 25-yard dumpster offers industrial-scale capacity. It has roll-off doors that allow direct equipment loading and can load a volume of up to 12-14 pickup trucks. The 25 cubic yard size is referred to as the king of roll-offs for large-scale projects.

What can you fit in the 25 yard dumpster?

These dumpsters are ideal for large-scale projects such as multi-story building demolition, commercial land clearing, high-volume manufacturing scrap, and event venue cleanups (festivals/stadiums)

What are the dimensions of 18 yard dumpster?

Length: 20ft Long, Width: 8ft Wide, and Height: 6.5ft Tall.

What If My Dumpster Is Too Small?

 

Mistakes are part of our lives, and sometimes you can make the mistake of renting a small dumpster. If this is the case with you, there are two effective remedies:

Increased Disposal Costs

It’s not uncommon to overestimate the size of your storage unit or underestimate the amount of food you need for a party. The same applies when you are renting a dumpster. Even though the dumpster may look spacious, it’s important to remember that there is a limit to how much stuff you can put in it. If you exceed the limit, you will be charged an additional fee.

So, before you start loading up the dumpster, take a moment to estimate the amount of junk and debris you have. This will help you avoid additional charges.

You can Opt for a Switch Out

If you’ve ever filled up a dumpster, you know the dread when you realize it’s time to call us and ask for a switch. Essentially, a switch out is when the company comes and picks up your full dumpster and leaves a new one in its place.

But you need to know that you will have to pay for the initial dumpster rental and the new dumpster that they have delivered. Of course, this practice is not the best for people on a tight budget. However, it’s much better than leaving your trash around your property.

That’s why it’s always best to plan before you book a dumster for all of your trash.

Last Verdict

We hope you have an idea about what size dumpster you are looking for.

Selecting the right dumpster is crucial for effective waste management.

The price varies for all dumpsters. Instead, it depends on the size of your dumpster and how much you plan to use it.

Some additional factors also influence the final dumpster rental cost. You may have to pay extra charges if you overfill your dumpster or put prohibited items in it. Happy Dumping!

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