Call (775) 406-7390 to check availability and current pricing for your address. Or request a callback.
Picking the wrong size is the most common dumpster mistake. Too small and you pay for a second haul; too big and you pay for air. Here’s how to estimate.
Step 1: Estimate volume in pickup loads
A full-size pickup bed holds roughly 2–3 cubic yards of loosely piled debris. Picture how many pickup loads your project would take, then multiply:
Step 2: Check the weight
Volume is only half the story. Dense debris like shingles, tile, plaster, dirt, concrete and brick reaches a hauler’s weight allowance long before the box looks full. For heavy material, choose a smaller box and ask the hauler about fill lines. Light, bulky debris like furniture, brush and framing lumber is limited by volume instead.
Step 3: Match the project
| Project | Usual starting size |
|---|---|
| Garage or shed cleanout | 10-yard |
| Bathroom remodel | 10-yard |
| Kitchen remodel | 15-yard |
| Single-layer roof, modest home | 15- or 20-yard |
| Whole-house cleanout | 20-yard |
| Flooring throughout a house | 20-yard |
| Addition or major remodel | 30-yard |
| Dirt or concrete | 10-yard |
Step 4: Check your space
Larger containers are longer and need more room for the truck to set them down. Measure your driveway and look up for wires and branches. See how to prepare your driveway.
When in doubt
If you’re between sizes on a light, bulky job, the larger box is usually cheaper than a second haul. On a heavy job, the smaller box is usually the safer choice. Call and describe the project; the hauler can tell you what their containers handle.
Call (775) 406-7390 to check availability and current pricing for your address. Or request a callback.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 20-yard dumpster too big for a garage cleanout?
For a one-car garage, usually yes. A 10- or 15-yard is typical. For a packed two- or three-car garage, a 20-yard can make sense.
Can I overfill the dumpster?
No. Haulers generally require debris to stay level with the top of the walls so the load can be covered and transported safely.