The Most Common Size Dumpster Rentals & Accepted Materials

The most common dumpster rental sizes are typically measured in cubic yards, and the right size depends on the type and scale of the project. Here are the standard sizes:

1. 10-Yard Dumpster
   • Dimensions: Approximately 10 ft long, 8 ft wide, 3.5 ft high
   • Ideal for: Small cleanout projects, minor home renovations, small landscaping jobs, or decluttering projects. It holds about 3 pickup truck loads of debris.
2. 15-Yard Dumpster
   • Dimensions: Approximately 16 ft long, 8 ft wide, 4.5 ft high
   • Ideal for: Medium-sized projects like small remodeling jobs, attic or basement cleanouts, or small roofing jobs.
3. 20-Yard Dumpster
   • Dimensions: Approximately 22 ft long, 8 ft wide, 4.5 ft high
   • Ideal for: Moderate projects like kitchen or bathroom renovations, medium-sized cleanouts, or large landscaping jobs. It holds about 6 pickup truck loads of debris.
4. 30-Yard Dumpster
   • Dimensions: Approximately 22 ft long, 8 ft wide, 6 ft high
   • Ideal for: Larger renovation projects, new home construction, or major home additions. It’s also suitable for large cleanouts or roofing projects.
5. 40-Yard Dumpster
   • Dimensions: Approximately 22 ft long, 8 ft wide, 8 ft high
   • Ideal for: Major construction or renovation projects, commercial cleanouts, or large demolition jobs. This is the largest commonly available size, holding about 12 pickup truck loads of debris.

These sizes vary slightly depending on the provider, but these are typical options for residential and commercial projects.

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What Household Items Fit in the 10 Yard & 15 Yard Dumpsters?

10-Yard Dumpster Rental

A 10-yard dumpster holds about 3 pickup truck loads of debris and is great for small cleanouts or home projects. Here’s what can fit:

• Furniture: A few small to medium-sized pieces like a couch, chairs, coffee table, or a dining set.
• Appliances: Small to medium appliances such as microwaves, toasters, and a few medium-sized items like a dishwasher or washing machine.
• Boxes: Several boxes of household items like clothes, books, toys, or kitchenware.
• Electronics: Small TVs, computers, or monitors.
• Yard Waste: Small to moderate amounts of yard waste, like branches, leaves, or sod from a garden cleanup.
• Remodeling Debris: Limited construction debris like drywall, flooring, tiles, or carpet from a single-room renovation.

15-Yard Dumpster Rental

A 15-yard dumpster holds about 4.5 pickup truck loads of debris and is suited for slightly larger projects. Here’s what can fit:

• Furniture: Larger or more pieces of furniture, such as multiple couches, a sectional, mattresses, or larger dining sets.
• Appliances: More or larger appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, or several medium-sized appliances.
• Boxes: A larger quantity of boxes or bulkier household items, useful for a full attic, garage, or basement cleanout.
• Electronics: Larger TVs, home entertainment systems, or office equipment.
• Yard Waste: A higher volume of yard waste, including branches, soil, and tree trimmings from larger landscaping projects.
• Remodeling Debris: More construction materials from a bigger renovation (e.g., kitchen or bathroom remodel), including flooring, drywall, countertops, or roofing material from a small roofing job.

In general, a 10-yard dumpster is ideal for small cleanouts and minor home renovation projects, while a 15-yard dumpster is suitable for medium-sized projects or when dealing with slightly bulkier household items.

20 & 30 Yard Dumpsters for Construction & Demolition Cleanout Projects

For construction or demolition cleanout projects, 20-yard and 30-yard dumpsters are commonly used due to their ability to hold larger, bulkier materials. Here’s a breakdown of the types of items that can fit in each size dumpster for these types of projects:

20-Yard Dumpster

A 20-yard dumpster holds about 6 pickup truck loads of debris and is ideal for moderate construction or demolition projects. Items that can fit include:

• Construction Debris:
  • Drywall, plaster, and sheetrock from small to medium home remodels.
  • Lumber and wood scraps from framing, trimming, or flooring projects.
  • Old flooring materials, including tiles, carpets, wood, or vinyl.
  • Doors, windows, and trim removed during a renovation.
  • Bathroom or kitchen demolition debris like countertops, cabinets, and sinks.
  • Small quantities of roofing materials (asphalt shingles or metal sheets).
• Demolition Debris:
  • Bricks, stones, or concrete from small demolition tasks.
  • Small to medium piles of scrap metal.
  • Siding, paneling, or insulation materials.
  • Fixtures like light fittings or electrical wiring.
• Yard and Landscaping Debris:
  • Small trees, branches, or shrubs from landscaping or outdoor demolition.
  • Sod, soil, or gravel.

30-Yard Dumpster

A 30-yard dumpster holds about 9 pickup truck loads of debris and is better suited for larger construction or demolition projects. Items that can fit include:

• Construction Debris:
  • Larger quantities of drywall, wood, and flooring from major home renovations or construction projects.
  • Full kitchen or bathroom remodels, including larger items like bathtubs or large countertops.
  • Roofing materials from bigger roofing projects, able to hold up to 90-100 squares of asphalt shingles.
  • Heavy-duty items like subfloor materials or structural beams.
• Demolition Debris:
  • Large quantities of brick, stone, or concrete from building or wall demolitions.
  • Complete tear-downs of walls, ceilings, or outdoor structures like decks or sheds.
  • Bulkier scrap metal and large quantities of piping or wiring.
• Yard and Landscaping Debris:
  • Tree trunks, large branches, or extensive amounts of sod, soil, and gravel from large yard renovations.
  • Fence panels, decking, or outdoor structures (gazebos, patios) removed during demolition.

The 20-yard dumpster is great for mid-sized renovations, while the 30-yard dumpster handles larger construction or demolition debris, offering more space for bulkier materials. Both are commonly used on job sites but should not exceed weight limits, especially with heavy items like concrete or soil.

Long Island Regulations on Items Permitted in Dumpster Rentals

When renting a dumpster on Long Island, it’s essential to adhere to local regulations – which vary by town- regarding acceptable and prohibited items to ensure safe and environmentally responsible disposal.

Prohibited Items:

The following materials are generally prohibited in dumpster rentals across Long Island:

• Hazardous Materials:
  • Chemicals, pesticides, pool chemicals, and other toxic substances.
  • Flammable or explosive materials, including gasoline, diesel, oils, and propane tanks.
  • Asbestos-containing materials.
  • Batteries (e.g., lead-acid or lithium).
  • Paints, stains, lacquers, and solvents.
  • Medical waste, including needles and sharps.

• Appliances:
  • Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners due to refrigerant gases.
• Tires and Mattresses:
  • Tires and mattresses are typically not accepted in dumpsters.
• Electronics:
  • Electronics such as TVs, computers, and printers are generally prohibited due to e-waste regulations.
• Other Prohibited Items:
  • Contaminated soil.
  • Hot water tanks.
  • Burning or smoldering materials.

Acceptable Items:

While specific regulations will vary by municipality, the following items are generally accepted in dumpsters on Long Island:

• Construction and Demolition Debris:
  • Wood, tiles, drywall, and other clean materials from construction projects.
  • Concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, and dirt in small quantities.
  • Roofing shingles.

• Yard Waste:
  • Branches, shrubs, and other landscape waste.
• General Household Items:
  • Furniture.
  • Paper products.
  • General household garbage.

Learn more about permissible items here.

Important Considerations:

• Weight Limits: Be aware of weight limits for your dumpster size, especially when disposing of heavy materials like concrete or dirt.
• Special Disposal: For prohibited items, such as hazardous materials or electronics, seek out designated disposal facilities or community collection events.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to environmental protection and ensure compliance with local laws. To learn more about which dumpster rental is right for your next project, contact Long Island’s S&A Container.