Dumpster Sizes in Cubic Yards

How big is a 10 yard dumpster?

A 10 yard dumpster holds 10 cubic yards, which is 270 cubic feet of debris. The “yard” in a dumpster size is a cubic yard of volume, not a length.

How much do common dumpster sizes hold?

What are the dimensions of a 10 or 20 yard dumpster?

Dimensions vary by hauler, but length × width × height must multiply to the rated volume. For example, a container 12 ft long, 7.5 ft wide and 3 ft high holds 12 × 7.5 × 3 = 270 ft³ = 10 yd³; one 20 ft × 8 ft × 3.375 ft holds 540 ft³ = 20 yd³. Ask your hauler for the exact inside dimensions if fit matters.

How do I estimate how much debris I have?

1. Measure the pile or the space being cleared: length × width × height in feet.
2. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards — or enter the measurements in the cubic yard calculator.
3. Choose a size with some room to spare, because loose debris does not pack tightly.

Haulers also set weight limits for each container, and heavy debris such as soil, concrete or roofing can reach the weight limit before the container is full. Ask the hauler for the limit and use the cubic yards to tons converter with a density for your material.

How many pickup loads is a 10 yard dumpster?

Compare the volumes. A pickup bed 6.5 ft × 5 ft loaded 2 ft high holds 65 ft³, so a 10 yard dumpster (270 ft³) equals about 4.2 of those loads and a 20 yard about 8.3. Measure your own bed for a real comparison.

How many cubic yards is a room of debris?

A room 12 × 10 ft with an 8 ft ceiling is 960 ft³ = 35.6 yd³ of space, but debris rarely fills a room to the ceiling. Estimate the height of the piles instead: the same room with debris averaging 2 ft deep is 240 ft³ = 8.9 yd³. Broken materials bulk up and do not pack flat, so allow spare capacity.

Related calculations

For a feel for the unit, see how big is a cubic yard. To move material by hand instead, how many wheelbarrows are in a yard gives trips per yard.