Pick the project or measure the pile. You get the smallest roll-off that fits, its real dimensions, and a weight check — because heavy debris hits the tonnage limit long before the box looks full.
| Size | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Holds | Weight included | Pickup loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12 × 8 × 3.5 ft | 10 yd³ | 1–2 tons | 3 |
| 15 yard | 16 × 8 × 4 ft | 15 yd³ | 1.5–2.5 tons | 4–5 |
| 20 yard | 22 × 8 × 4.5 ft | 20 yd³ | 2–3 tons | 6 |
| 30 yard | 22 × 8 × 6 ft | 30 yd³ | 3–4 tons | 9 |
| 40 yard | 22 × 8 × 8 ft | 40 yd³ | 4–6 tons | 12 |
Dimensions vary a foot or two between companies. Width is almost always 8 ft because that is what fits on the truck, so the sizes grow in length and then in height. Full detail in our dumpster sizes guide.
Volume. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Project presets are typical debris volumes for a job of that size; the measurement mode is simply length × width × height divided by 27.
Weight. Each material has a rough density in pounds per cubic yard — broken concrete around 3,000, dirt around 2,200, mixed household junk around 350. Multiply by your volume and you get the load weight. That number is what decides whether you are volume-limited or weight-limited.
Why heavy debris goes in a small container. A 10-yard box full of broken concrete weighs more than a 30-yard box full of cabinets. If the calculator recommends a smaller container than you expected, the weight limit is the reason.
Estimates for planning. Confirm the included tonnage and the exact dimensions with the company before you book — both vary.