Sizes at a glance
Roll-off dumpster sizes
Roll-offs are measured in cubic yards. One cubic yard is a cube three feet on every side. Sizes, dimensions and weight allowances vary from company to company, and the company confirms them on the call.
Call hours: Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 8am–1pm (South Bend time)
The five common sizes
- 10yard
10-yard roll-off Heavy debris and small jobs
Dimensions: often about 12 ft long, 8 ft wide and 3½ ft high
A one-room cleanout, a small bathroom tear-out, or a heavy load of concrete, brick or dirt.
- 15yard
15-yard roll-off Mid-size cleanouts
Dimensions: often about 16 ft long, 8 ft wide and 4 ft high
A packed single-car garage, a kitchen's cabinets and countertop, or a small deck.
- 20yard
20-yard roll-off The common middle choice
Dimensions: typically around 22 ft long, 8 ft wide and 4½ ft high
A full basement, a larger remodel, or a roof tear-off on a smaller house (weight permitting).
- 30yard
30-yard roll-off Whole-house projects
Dimensions: typically around 22 ft long, 8 ft wide and 6 ft high
Emptying a whole house, a major renovation, or a large deck and fence together.
- 40yard
40-yard roll-off Rare for a single home
Dimensions: typically around 22 ft long, 8 ft wide and 8 ft high
Very bulky, light material from a large cleanout or several rooms of renovation at once.
Weight can run out before space does
Each rental comes with a weight allowance, usually stated in tons, and the container is weighed after pickup. Household junk rarely gets near it. Shingles, plaster, tile, concrete and wet soil can pass it while the container still looks half empty.
That's why a 20 or 30-yard box isn't offered for concrete: the full volume would be far too heavy to haul. For dense debris, see concrete, dirt and brick.
Length, height and your driveway
The 20, 30 and 40-yard sizes share roughly the same footprint and differ mainly in wall height. A taller wall holds more but makes lifting things over the side harder. Many roll-offs have a swing door at one end, so you can walk heavy items in instead of lifting them.
Measure the driveway before you call. The truck needs extra length beyond the container to set it down, plus clearance from wires and branches overhead.
Still unsure?
Describe the job on the phone and let the company suggest a size. The size-choosing guide walks through the questions they'll ask.
Book a roll-off for your project
Describe what you're getting rid of. An independent local roll-off company will suggest a container, offer delivery dates and give you its price.
Use this number to rent a roll-off or a portable toilet. South Bend garbage, recycling and bulk pickup questions go to 311.
Call hours: Monday to Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 8am–1pm (South Bend time)
Your call may be recorded; see the referral disclosure.