Dumpster Sizing Calculator
Right-size your dumpster rental — debris volume by project type, recommended 10/15/20/30/40 yard size, base + tonnage + day overage cost.
Roof = sq ft of roof. Remodel = sq ft of space.
0 = use project-type estimate
0 if bundled
0 if bundled
Result
- Estimated debris volume
- 300.0 yd³
- Recommended size
- 40-yard dumpster
- Base rental
- $475
- Day-overage
- $0
- Ton-overage
- $38
- Delivery + pickup
- $0
- Total cost
- $513
This estimate is based on national average costs and may vary by region, project specifics, and market conditions. Use as a starting point for your bids.
Dumpster sizing by project type
| Project | Debris / sq ft | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Roof tear-off (asphalt) | 0.12 yd³/sq ft | 20–30 yd |
| Kitchen remodel (full) | 0.20 yd³/sq ft | 15–20 yd |
| Bathroom remodel | 0.18 yd³/sq ft | 10–15 yd |
| Whole-home cleanout | 0.05 yd³/sq ft | 20–40 yd |
| Concrete demo | 0.30 yd³/sq ft | 20 yd (heavy) |
| General construction | 0.15 yd³/sq ft | 20–30 yd |
Concrete and shingles are dense — they hit tonnage limits fast and can max out a 20-yard at 20 cubic yards but 6+ tons. Always confirm the tonnage allowance on your rental quote; the per-ton overage is where bills surprise you.
Standard rental pricing (most US markets)
- 10-yard: $300–500 / 7 days, 2 tons
- 15-yard: $375–600 / 7 days, 3 tons
- 20-yard: $425–700 / 7 days, 3 tons
- 30-yard: $475–800 / 7 days, 4 tons
- 40-yard: $550–900 / 7 days, 4 tons
Daily overage: $10–30 per day past included. Tonnage overage: $50–125 per ton over. Delivery/pickup usually bundled — confirm at booking.
Frequently asked questions
What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off?
Rule of thumb: 1 yd³ of debris per square (100 sq ft) of shingles. A 30-square roof generates ~30 yd³ of debris — that's a 30-yard dumpster minimum. Most roofing contractors order 20-yard for jobs under 25 squares, 30-yard for 25–35 squares, two 30s for anything larger.
How much does a dumpster cost?
Base 7-day rental runs $300–600 for 10-yard, $400–700 for 20-yard, $450–800 for 30-yard, $550–900 for 40-yard. Most include 2–4 tons of debris in the base price — overage runs $50–125 per ton. Delivery and pickup are usually bundled in but check; some markets charge $50–100 separately.
Standard sizes — what fits in each?
10-yard (≈ 3 pickup loads): single bathroom remodel, small landscaping. 15-yard: kitchen cabinets + flooring tear-out. 20-yard (≈ 6 pickup loads): kitchen + bath remodel, mid-size roof. 30-yard (≈ 9 pickup loads): whole-home remodel, large roof tear-off. 40-yard: full demolition or new construction debris over a project's life.
What's not allowed in a construction dumpster?
Standard prohibited: tires, batteries, paint, oil, propane tanks, refrigerators (with freon), electronics, hazardous waste, asbestos (separate abatement removal required). Concrete-only dumpsters exist for clean concrete loads — using a construction dumpster for concrete-heavy loads will hit tonnage overage fast.
How long can I keep a dumpster?
Base rental is typically 7 days. Daily overage runs $10–30/day in most markets, with some haulers capping rental at 14 days before requiring pickup. Longer projects: schedule a haul-empty-redeliver mid-project rather than paying daily overage — usually cheaper if you'll fill 1.5+ loads worth.
Related calculators
Demo Scope
NewDemolition labor-hours + debris-yardage + total cost for kitchen, bath, room-gut, deck, slab, shed, or full-structure demo. Includes containment, utility cutoffs, asbestos abatement.
Waste Factor
NewCalculate trade-specific waste percentages so you order enough material without over-buying.
Roofing Cost Calculator
Estimate residential roofing jobs including tear-off, decking, underlayment, shingles, and accessories.