What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Roll-Off for Your Project
If you’ve never rented a dumpster before, or you’ve done it once and got the wrong size, you already know that picking the right dumpster size matters. Too small? You’re stuck paying for another delivery or scrambling to make room. Too big? You’re paying for space you don’t need.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to choose the right dumpster for your project based on what you’re tossing, how long you need it, and how your space is set up. No guesswork. No fluff.
Step 1: Understand How Dumpsters Are Measured
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, which refers to how much debris they can hold.
So a 10-yard dumpster holds 10 cubic yards of material, or roughly 3 pickup truck loads of debris.
But there’s more to it than just volume.
Each dumpster also has:
- Weight limits (tonnage)
- Physical dimensions
- Rental period options
Sizes Diamond Dumpster Rentals Offers in Greater Boston:
| SIZE | DIMENSIONS | INCLUDED TONNAGE | GOOD FOR | EQUAL TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 YARD | 14' L x 7.5' W x 3' H | 1 TON | Small cleanouts, attic junk, light yard work | ~4 pickup truck loads |
| 15 YARD | 14' L x 7.5' W x 4' H | 1.5 TONS | Garage cleanouts, bathroom remodels, tight jobsites | ~6 pickup truck loads |
| 20 YARD | 16' L x 7.5' W x 5' H | 2 TONS | Full home cleanouts, roofing jobs, fencing | ~8 pickup truck loads |
| 25 YARD | 16' L x 7.5' W x 6' H | 2.5 TONS | Estate cleanouts, office debris, bulky materials | ~10 pickup truck loads |
Step 2: Take Inventory of What You're Tossing
The easiest way to figure out your size is by identifying what kind of debris you have and how much of it there is.
Are You Tossing:
- Bulky items like furniture, mattresses, or appliances? You’ll need more volume, but not necessarily higher weight capacity.
- Heavy materials like tile, roofing shingles, drywall, wood, or concrete? You may need a larger bin just for the weight.
- Mixed household junk like boxes, clothes, and small furniture? A mid-size dumpster is usually plenty.
Step 3: Think About Where the Dumpster Will Be Placed
All of our dumpsters are the same base footprint (about the size of a minivan), but height varies with size.
Here’s what to consider:
- Driveway space: Can it fit a 14-foot bin? Can the truck back in?
- Street drop-off: Some towns require a permit. We can help you figure that out.
- Access points: No low branches, tight corners, or blocked paths? You’re good to go.
Pro Tip:
If your space is tight or access is tricky, let us know. We’ve delivered thousands of dumpsters across Boston’s tightest neighborhoods—we’ll make it work.
Step 4: Estimate How Long You’ll Need It
We offer flexible rental durations: 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days—with extension options available.
- 1 Day Rentals: Ideal for contractors or cleanups with a crew
- 3 Day Rentals: Good for weekend projects or short renovations
- 7 Day Rentals: Perfect for full-home cleanouts or major construction work
Need more time? Just call us—we’ll extend it or swap it out if needed.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Weight Limit
Each dumpster comes with a built-in weight limit (measured in tons). Go over it, and there’s a per-ton overage fee.
Here’s what you need to know:
- 1 ton = 2,000 lbs
- One couch is ~300 lbs
- A bathroom demo is ~2,000–3,000 lbs
- A roof tear-off can easily hit 4,000–5,000 lbs
If you're throwing out heavy materials, you may want a larger size—even if the volume is low—just to avoid weight overage. Not sure? Call us. We’ll ask what’s going in, and tell you exactly what you need.
Step 6: Match Your Project to the Right Size
| PROJECT TYPE | ESTIMATED DUMPSTER SIZE |
|---|---|
| Single Kitchen Remodel | ~15 Yard |
| Full Home Cleanout | ~20–25 Yard |
| Small Landscaping / Yard Cleanup | ~10–15 Yards |
| Garage & Basement Cleanouts | ~15 Yards |
| Roof Tear Off (Up To 30 Sq) | ~20 Yards |
Still unsure? Give us a call, let us know about your project, and we’ll make the recommend a size!
Step 7: Ask Yourself These 3 Questions Before Booking
- Do I have heavy stuff that could tip the weight limit?
- Would I rather have extra space or risk needing a second dumpster?
- Is my project more than just a few hours long?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above—go up one size. It’s cheaper than a second trip.
Still Not Sure? Just Ask.
Most people don’t rent dumpsters often—we get that. At Diamond, we’re happy to talk through your project and give you a straight answer.
We’ll ask what you’re throwing away, how long you’ll need it, and where it’s going. Then we’ll recommend the size that fits—and lock it in with flat-rate pricing, no hidden fees, and same-day or next-day delivery.
Ready to Book? Call or Click—We’ll Handle the Rest
We serve Roslindale, Canton, and over 60 cities across Greater Boston with fast, affordable dumpster rentals that show up when they’re supposed to.