Job Site Dumpster Guide
Types, sizes, costs, and how to order the right dumpster for your construction project.
Types of Construction Dumpsters
Roll-Off Dumpsters
Open-top containers delivered on a flatbed truck and rolled off onto your site. This is the standard construction dumpster. Available in 10, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard sizes. Best for demolition debris, roofing, concrete, dirt, and general construction waste.
- 10-yard: Small cleanouts, minor renovations. About 3 pickup truck loads.
- 20-yard: Most common for residential and small commercial. Medium renovations, roofing. About 6 pickup truck loads.
- 30-yard: Large commercial, multi-family, commercial demo. About 9 pickup truck loads.
- 40-yard: Major demolition, new construction, large-scale cleanouts. About 12 pickup truck loads.
Front-Load Dumpsters
Smaller permanent containers (2, 4, 6, 8 cubic yards) emptied by a garbage truck on a regular schedule. Better for ongoing waste on occupied buildings or long-term sites that generate steady daily trash rather than bulk debris.
Sizing by Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Bathroom/kitchen remodel | 10-yard |
| Single-family roof replacement | 20-yard |
| Whole-house renovation | 30-yard |
| Commercial buildout / demo | 30-40 yard |
| New construction (ground-up) | 40-yard (swap on schedule) |
What to Expect on Cost
Dumpster rental pricing depends on your location, dumpster size, rental duration, weight, and debris type. Typical ranges for a 7-day rental:
- 10-yard: $250-$400
- 20-yard: $350-$500
- 30-yard: $400-$600
- 40-yard: $500-$800
Heavy materials (concrete, dirt, roofing) often have weight limits and overage charges. Ask about weight caps before you order. Some haulers charge per ton over the included weight.
How to Order
- 1 Know your debris type — mixed construction, concrete only, clean fill, or hazardous. This affects pricing and which haulers can take it.
- 2 Estimate volume using the project type table above. When in doubt, go up one size — the daily cost difference is small compared to ordering a second haul.
- 3 Confirm placement location. The truck needs about 60 feet of straight-line clearance to drop a roll-off. Check for overhead wires.
- 4 Ask about permits. Many municipalities require a right-of-way permit if the dumpster sits on a public street or sidewalk.
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