What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
Choosing a container size comes down to two limits: how much space your debris takes up, and how much it weighs. Light, bulky debris fills the box first. Dense material such as concrete, tile or wet shingles hits the weight allowance long before the container looks full.
Start with volume, then check weight
A cubic yard is roughly the volume of a standard washing machine. A 20 yard container holds about 20 of those, or six to eight pickup truck loads.
Once you have a volume estimate, check the debris type. Most Florida haulers include a tonnage allowance and charge per ton over it, so heavy debris changes the answer even when volume does not.
Quick sizing by project
- Single room cleanout or small bathroom demo: 10 yard
- Multi-room flooring removal or medium roof tear-off: 15 yard
- Whole-home cleanout or kitchen remodel: 20 yard
- New construction, large remodel or structural demolition: 30 yard
- Commercial construction and bulky, lightweight debris: 40 yard
- Concrete, brick, tile or soil of any volume: 10 yard heavy-debris container
When to size up
A second haul almost always costs more than moving up one size at the start. If your estimate lands between two sizes, and the debris is not heavy, take the larger container.
The exception is heavy debris. A larger box does not raise the weight you are allowed to load, and containers must not be filled above the fill line for safe transport.
Last updated: August 2026