# How much is a construction dumpster | DumpsterGod

> How much is a construction dumpster? Roll-off containers come in 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The 20 yard is the most rented and the safe default; the…

Source: https://dumptergod.shop/questions/construction-and-demolition/how-much-is-a-construction-dumpster/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-17

# How much is a construction dumpster?

Direct answer
Roll-off containers come in 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The 20 yard is the most rented and the safe default; the 10 yard is the one to take for concrete, dirt or any dense debris regardless of volume. Size to your heaviest material, not your biggest pile.

## How to choose between the five roll-off sizes

Start by deciding whether your job is limited by weight or by volume, because that decides everything else. Dense debris — concrete, dirt, tile, plaster, wet material, roofing shingles — is weight-limited, and for those you want a 10 or a 15 and possibly several of them. Bulky light debris — furniture, cabinetry, cardboard, insulation, siding — is volume-limited, and there a 30 or 40 genuinely costs less per yard.

Then check the wall height. Containers up to 20 yards are usually low-profile at 3 to 4.5 feet, so you can throw debris over the side. A 30 yard is around 6 feet and a 40 is around 8, which means carrying everything through the rear door and a slower job.

## Sizes

[10 yd³ ### 10 yard dumpster **Dimensions**: 11–14 ft × 3–4 ft tall **Weight limit**: 1–2 tons **Pickup truck loads**: ~4](https://dumptergod.shop/sizes/10-yard-dumpster/)[15 yd³ ### 15 yard dumpster **Dimensions**: 14–16 ft × 4–4.5 ft tall **Weight limit**: 1.5–3 tons **Pickup truck loads**: ~6](https://dumptergod.shop/sizes/15-yard-dumpster/)[Most rented20 yd³ ### 20 yard dumpster **Dimensions**: 20–22 ft × 4–4.5 ft tall **Weight limit**: 2–4 tons **Pickup truck loads**: ~8](https://dumptergod.shop/sizes/20-yard-dumpster/)[30 yd³ ### 30 yard dumpster **Dimensions**: 20–22 ft × 5.5–6.5 ft tall **Weight limit**: 3–5 tons **Pickup truck loads**: ~12](https://dumptergod.shop/sizes/30-yard-dumpster/)[40 yd³ ### 40 yard dumpster **Dimensions**: 20–22 ft × 7.5–8 ft tall **Weight limit**: 4–6 tons **Pickup truck loads**: ~16](https://dumptergod.shop/sizes/40-yard-dumpster/)

Data table

| Size | Dimensions | Weight limit | Pickup truck loads | 33 gal bags | Footprint |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10 yd³ | 11–14 ft × 7.5–8 ft × 3–4 ft | 1–2 t | ~4 | 40–60 | 83–112 ft² |
| 15 yd³ | 14–16 ft × 7.5–8 ft × 4–4.5 ft | 1.5–3 t | ~6 | 60–90 | 105–128 ft² |
| 20 yd³ | 20–22 ft × 7.5–8 ft × 4–4.5 ft | 2–4 t | ~8 | 85–120 | 150–176 ft² |
| 30 yd³ | 20–22 ft × 7.5–8 ft × 5.5–6.5 ft | 3–5 t | ~12 | 125–185 | 150–176 ft² |
| 40 yd³ | 20–22 ft × 7.5–8 ft × 7.5–8 ft | 4–6 t | ~16 | 165–245 | 150–176 ft² |

Dimensions are ranges because a roll-off is sold by internal volume and manufacturers build to different external sizes. Weight allowances are hauler terms, not properties of the container.

## Common mistakes
- Choosing on volume when the material is denseYou pay for yards the truck cannot legally carry, and can still be charged overage on the weight you loaded.
- Forgetting the wall heightA 6 foot wall turns a throw-it-over job into a carry-it-through-the-door job, which adds hours you did not budget.

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Reviewed by [R. Tiwari](https://dumptergod.shop/authors/r-tiwari/) Last reviewed: 2026-08-17