When it comes to renting a dumpster, size matters. You want to make sure you are getting the right size for your project, or you could end up paying for more space than you need. On the other hand, you don’t want to get a dumpster that’s too small and end up having to empty it multiple times.
Dumpster rental companies typically offer a range of sizes to choose from, and the size you need will depend on the scope of your project. For example, a small renovation or cleanup project might only require a 10-yard dumpster, while a larger construction project could need a 30- or 40-yard dumpster.
In addition to finding the best dumpster size for your project, you also need to consider the type of waste you’ll be disposing of. Construction and demolition debris will require a different type of dumpster than general household waste.
In this blog post, we will discuss what factors you should consider when determining what size dumpster you need. We will also provide some tips on how to save money on your rental!
10 Yard Dumpster
This is the smallest size dumpster we offer at Dumpster Rentals of Milwaukee, and it is perfect for smaller projects like a garage cleanout or a small home renovation. The 10-yard dumpster can hold up to 2-3 tons of debris, and it measures 14 feet long by 8 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall. This is a great option if you have a limited amount of space and a smaller budget.
The most common use cases for a 10-yard dumpster include:
- Garage cleanouts
- Small home renovations
- Yard waste removal
- Spring Cleaning
20 Yard Dumpster
The 20-yard dumpster is the most popular size for both residential and commercial projects. It can hold up to 3-4 tons of debris and measures 22 feet long by 8 feet wide by 4.5 feet tall. This size is perfect for a medium-sized home renovation, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
The most common use cases for a 20-yard dumpster include:
- Landscaping projects
- Home renovations
- Basement, attic, and garage cleanouts
30 Yard Dumpster
The 30-yard dumpster is our largest size and is perfect for larger projects, such as a major home renovation or a commercial construction project. It can hold up to 4-6 tons of debris and measures 26 feet long by 8 feet wide by 5.5 feet tall.
The most common use cases for a 30-yard dumpster include:
- Large home renovations
- Commercial construction projects
- Major landscaping projects
- New home construction
- Roofing projects
40 Yard Dumpster
The 40-yard dumpster is our largest size and is perfect for large-scale projects, such as commercial construction projects. It can hold up to 6-8 tons of debris and measures 30 feet long by 8 feet wide by 6.5 feet tall. Our 40-yard dumpsters are also used as permanent garbage containers for many businesses.
The most common use cases for a 40-yard dumpster include:
- Commercial Construction Debris
- Large-scale home renovation projects
- Permanent garbage receptacles for businesses
- Disposing of large items such as appliances or furniture
How To Determine the Right Dumpster Size For You
Now that you know the different sizes of dumpsters, how do you determine which one is right for your project? Here are a few factors to consider:
- The amount of debris you have: This is the most important factor to consider when determining what size dumpster you need. You want to make sure you have enough space for all of your debris, but you don’t want to pay for more space than you need.
- The type of debris: Some types of debris are heavier than others. For example, concrete is much heavier than drywall. If you have a lot of heavy debris, you may need a larger dumpster so that it doesn’t get too full and overweight.
- The length of your project: If you have a long-term project, such as a commercial construction project, you may need a larger dumpster so that you don’t have to empty it as often.
- Your budget: Larger dumpsters cost more to rent, so you will want to consider your budget when determining the size.
- The space you have: Some dumpsters are very large and can take up a lot of space. If you have limited space, such as in a parking lot, you may need a smaller dumpster so that it doesn’t take up too much space.
Tips For Choosing The Right Size Dumpster For Your Project
As we mentioned before, there are a few factors you should consider when choosing the right size dumpster for your projects, such as the amount of debris you have and the type of project you are doing.
When deciding on what size dumpster you need, consider the following:
- The amount of debris you have
- The type of project you are doing
- Your budget
- The space you have available to store the dumpster
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right size dumpster:
- If you are doing a small project, such as a garage cleanout, then a 10-yard dumpster should be plenty.
- If you are doing a medium-sized project, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, then a 20-yard dumpster should be plenty.
- If you are doing a large project, such as a commercial construction project, then a 30- or 40-yard dumpster should be plenty.
- Remember, it is always better to rent a larger dumpster than you need rather than rent multiple smaller dumpsters. This is because the price per cubic yard decreases as the size of the dumpster increases.
What Does Cubic Mean When Referring To Dumpsters?
When dumpsters are measured, it is not just by length and width, but also by height and depth. This is because the size of a dumpster is measured in cubic yards, which is the volume of the dumpster.
To put it simply, cubic yardage is how much space a dumpster can hold when it is full.
For example, a 10-yard dumpster can hold 10 cubic yards of debris, which is the equivalent of 3 pickup trucks worth of debris.
A 20-yard dumpster can hold 20 cubic yards of debris, which is the equivalent of 6 pickup trucks worth of debris.
A 30-yard dumpster can hold 30 cubic yards of debris, which is the equivalent of 9 pickup trucks worth of debris.
A 40-yard dumpster can hold 40 cubic yards of debris, which is the equivalent of 12 pickup trucks worth of debris.
Consider The Weight When Choosing A Dumpster Size
When you are considering a dumpster size, it is important to also consider the weight of the debris. This is because some types of debris are much heavier than others. For example, concrete is much heavier than drywall.
Keep in mind that you will be charged for the weight of the debris you put in the dumpster, so it is important to choose a size that can accommodate the weight of your debris. If you have a lot of heavy debris, you may need a larger dumpster so that it doesn’t get too full and overweight.
The legal weight limit for a dumpster is usually between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds. Check with your dumpster rental company to see what the weight limit is for the size of the dumpster you are considering.
Think About The Length Of Your Project
If you have a long-term project, such as a commercial construction project, you may need a larger dumpster so that you don’t have to empty it as often.
On the other hand, if you are doing a one-time project, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, then you may not need a large dumpster. In this case, a smaller dumpster may be more economical.
How To Save Money On Your Dumpster Rental
There are a few ways you can save money on your dumpster rental, such as:
- Renting a larger dumpster than you need: This may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually cheaper to rent a larger dumpster than it is to rent multiple smaller dumpsters. This is because the price per cubic yard decreases as the size of the dumpster increases.
- Loading the dumpster properly: You will be charged for the weight of the debris you put in the dumpster, so it is important to load it properly. Make sure you evenly distribute the debris throughout the dumpster and do not overfill it.
- Disposing of lightweight debris: Lightweight debris, such as paper and Styrofoam, can actually increase the price of your dumpster rental because it takes up more space than heavier debris. To save money, try to dispose of lightweight debris in your regular trash can.
- Asking for discounts: Some dumpster rental companies offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, or AAA members. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available to you.
Need Help Determining How Big Of A Dumpster You Need?
When it comes to renting a dumpster, size definitely matters. The wrong-size dumpster can mean either not having enough room for all your debris or paying for too much space that you don’t end up using. To avoid this, follow the tips in this article to help you choose the right size dumpster for your project.
If you need help determining the best dumpster size for your project, contact Dumpster Rentals of Milwaukee today! Our knowledgeable and experienced team will be happy to help you choose the right size dumpster for your needs. We offer a wide variety of dumpster sizes and can deliver them to your job site, so call us today!
Dumpster Rentals of Milwaukee
