How to read roll-off sizes
Roll-off dumpsters are named by volume in cubic yards. But two things decide the right box: how much fits (volume) and how much it can legally haul (weight). On heavy debris, weight caps out long before the box looks full — so read both columns below.
Dumpster size comparison
These are approximate container dimensions, not guaranteed delivery specifications. Dimensions, allowed materials and weight limits vary by container and rental terms. Confirm the actual box and truck access before booking.
| Size | Approx. length × width × height | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12–14 × 8 × 3.5 ft | Small projects; approved heavy debris with a loading limit |
| 15 yard | 16 × 8 × 4 ft | Medium cleanouts and mixed remodel debris |
| 20 yard | 22 × 8 × 4.5 ft | Room remodels and general cleanouts |
| 30 yard | 22 × 8 × 6 ft | Larger remodels and bulky construction debris |
| 40 yard | 22 × 8 × 8 ft | Large cleanouts and bulky commercial debris |
Choosing between 20 and 30 yards? Compare the amount of bulky material and the available loading height. For concrete, dirt, tile or other dense debris, ask for a material-specific weight and fill limit before choosing by volume.
The sizes, by dimensions and use
10-yard
Roughly 12–14 ft long × 8 ft wide × 3.5 ft high — about 3–4 pickup-truck loads. The heavy-debris box: concrete, dirt, brick, tile, roofing. Small enough to fit a single-car driveway. On dense material you'll hit the weight cap fast, which is exactly why it's the size for the heavy stuff.
15-yard
Roughly 16 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft — about 4–5 pickup loads. A middle option for medium remodels and mixed debris where a 10 is tight but a 20 is overkill. 15-yard availability varies; dispatch confirms the available sizes.
20-yard
Roughly 22 ft × 8 ft × 4.5 ft — about 6 pickup loads. The workhorse. Single-layer roof tear-offs, bathroom and single-room remodels, garage and estate cleanouts, flooring jobs. If you're not sure, 20 is usually the right first guess for general C&D.
30-yard
Roughly 22 ft × 8 ft × 6 ft — about 9 pickup loads. Whole-room and multi-room remodels, new-construction cleanout, larger roofing. The height means it holds bulky, lighter debris well — drywall scrap, framing offcuts, packaging.
40-yard
Roughly 22 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft — about 12 pickup loads. Commercial demo, large-scale cleanouts, retail build-outs. Big volume for bulky, lighter material. If you're loading anything dense, you'll cap on weight long before you fill it — size down or split loads.
The tonnage cap decides more jobs than volume
Every roll-off includes a tonnage cap — a weight allowance baked into the rental. Go over and the overage is billed per ton at a rate stated on your quote before the box drops. The trap: dense debris. Concrete runs about 150 lb per cubic foot; a 10-yarder can hit its weight limit less than half full. Wet roofing shingles, tile, brick, and dirt behave the same way.
Rule: heavy debris → smaller box or split loads to stay under the cap. Light, bulky debris → size up for volume. Our dispatch will right-size it against both.
What can't go in any size
Hazardous waste, liquids and paints, tires, batteries, and freon-bearing appliances (fridges, A/C units) are prohibited by rental and disposal rules. They trigger disposal surcharges and can bounce a whole load. Ask dispatch if you're unsure — we'll point you to the right disposal route.
How SolidSite handles it
We provide roll-off dumpster rentals on the same ticket as your restrooms and fence. Send the delivery ZIP, debris type, approximate volume and preferred dates. Dispatch confirms the available container, delivery window, included weight, rental period and overage rate before booking. Same-day delivery is subject to availability. Ask about swaps when planning an ongoing job.