What size dumpster do I need?
Updated Sep 29, 2026
Short answer
For most homeowner jobs, a 10 to 20 yard bin is the right starting point. Garage cleanouts usually fit a 10 yd, and kitchen remodels usually fit a 20 yd. Roofing and concrete are heavy, so the weight limit matters more than the size. Whole-home cleanouts usually need 20 to 30 yd.
Quick picks by job
| Job | Starting size | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Garage cleanout | 10–15 yd | Years of stuff fills more space than you’d expect |
| Kitchen remodel | 15–20 yd | Tile and stone counters are heavy |
| Roof tear-off | 10–20 yd | Weight limit, not space |
| Whole-home cleanout | 20–30 yd | Longer bin needs more driveway |
| Concrete, dirt, rock | 10 yd (heavy bin) | Many haulers only allow these in small bins |
| New construction | 30–40 yd | Usually a contractor rental; set a swap schedule |
These are starting points, not promises. The hauler knows their own bins, so describe the job when you call.
Pickup-truck loads
Several haulers that serve Hays County use a “pickup truck load” comparison on their sites. They describe it roughly like this:
- 10 yard: about 4 pickup loads
- 20 yard: about 6 pickup loads
- 30 yard: about 9 pickup loads
- 40 yard: about 10–12 pickup loads
Dimensions vary by company. Two “20 yard” bins can have different lengths and heights. If fit matters, check the dimensions on the hauler’s site.
Weight usually matters more than size
Every rental includes a weight allowance, and it can be as low as 1 ton on a small bin. Go over it and you pay an overage fee. On the listings here, that allowance runs from about 1 ton to 4 tons depending on company and size, when the company publishes it at all.
Heavy materials fill the weight limit long before they fill the bin:
- shingles and roofing underlayment
- concrete, brick, stone, tile
- dirt and gravel
- wet yard waste
Tell the hauler what’s going in. Several companies here have a heavy-debris bin for this, like Rubbish Inc’s 10 yard or Capital Disposal’s Rock Box. Others only allow concrete in their smallest size.
Size vs. driveway
A bigger bin is longer. If you’re choosing between two sizes and your driveway is short, see 10 vs. 20 yard: which fits a driveway?
Still not sure?
Go one size up on bulky, light jobs like furniture and cleanouts. Go one size down on heavy jobs like roofing and tile. Or browse haulers and call one to talk through the job.
Common questions
How much does a 10 yard dumpster hold?
Several Hays County haulers describe a 10 yard as about 4 pickup truck loads. It's the usual size for small cleanouts and heavy debris.
How much does a 20 yard dumpster hold?
Haulers commonly describe a 20 yard as about 6 pickup truck loads. It's a common size for kitchen remodels, flooring, and mid-size cleanouts.
What size dumpster for concrete?
Usually the smallest bin the hauler offers, often a 10 yard. Many companies only allow concrete, dirt, and rock in small bins because of weight. Some offer a dedicated heavy or rock box.
What happens if I go over the weight limit?
Most haulers charge an overage fee per ton or per pound over the included weight. The included weight and the overage rate differ by company, so ask before you book.
Verify before you book. This is general information, not legal advice, and we don't rent dumpsters. City rules, HOA rules, and hauler policies change. Confirm with the city and the hauler.