Choosing the right dumpster size is the most common question we get from Long Island homeowners. Rent too small, and you’ll need a second container. Rent too big, and you’re paying for space you don’t use.

After 20+ years of delivering dumpsters across Nassau and Suffolk County, we’ve seen it all. Here’s our straightforward guide to picking the right size for your project.

The Four Sizes We Offer

10 Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 12’ L x 7.5’ W x 3.5’ H Holds: 3-4 pickup truck loads

The 10 yard is our smallest container and the perfect choice for:

Garage or attic cleanouts — clearing out years of stored items
Small bathroom remodel — removing old tile, vanity, and fixtures
Yard cleanup — branches, leaves, and garden waste
Single-room decluttering — downsizing or moving prep

This is the most popular size for homeowners doing a weekend project. It fits in most driveways without taking up too much space.

15 Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 14’ L x 7.5’ W x 4.5’ H Holds: 4-5 pickup truck loads

The 15 yard is the sweet spot for medium-sized projects:

Kitchen or bathroom remodel — cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures
Basement cleanout — clearing a full basement for finishing or storage
Small roof tear-off — single-layer shingle removal on a smaller home
Flooring removal — pulling up old carpet, tile, or hardwood across several rooms

Most Levittown and Valley Stream driveways can comfortably fit a 15 yard container.

20 Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 16’ L x 7.5’ W x 4.5’ H Holds: 5-7 pickup truck loads

The 20 yard handles the bigger jobs:

Roof tear-offs — full shingle replacement on a standard home
Large home cleanout — clearing an entire house for an estate sale
Major renovation — multi-room remodel with significant debris
Deck or patio removal — tearing out an old deck and associated materials

This is our most popular size for contractors working on residential renovation projects across Long Island.

30 Yard Dumpster

Dimensions: 22’ L x 8’ W x 8’ H Holds: 7-10 pickup truck loads

The 30 yard is for major projects:

Large construction or demolition — new additions, commercial buildouts
Commercial jobs — office renovations, retail space cleanouts
Major estate cleanouts — homes with decades of accumulated belongings
New construction debris — scrap lumber, packaging, drywall from a new build

Keep in mind that 30 yard containers are taller and longer, so you’ll need a clear, level area for placement.

How to Estimate Your Project Size

A simple rule of thumb: imagine your debris in pickup truck loads.

Small project (1-3 truck loads) = 10 yard
Medium project (4-5 truck loads) = 15 yard
Large project (5-7 truck loads) = 20 yard
Major project (7+ truck loads) = 30 yard

Weight Matters Too

Some materials are heavier than others. A 10 yard dumpster filled with concrete weighs a lot more than one filled with old furniture. Heavy materials like concrete, brick, stone, and dirt can max out weight limits even in smaller containers.

If your project involves heavy materials, call us first — we’ll help you figure out the right size and set expectations on weight limits.

Still Not Sure?

That’s what we’re here for. Call us at 631-855-5502 and describe your project. We’ll recommend the right size based on our experience with thousands of similar jobs across Long Island.

You can also request a quote online — just tell us what you’re working on and we’ll get back to you with a recommendation and pricing.

What Size Dumpster Do I Need? A Long Island Homeowner's Guide