What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
The single most common question we get. Here's a plain-English breakdown of every size and the projects each one is built for.
By John Briggs · 2026-02-10 · 6 min read
It's the first thing almost everyone asks when they call us, and it's a good question — order too small and you're paying for a second haul, order too big and you're paying for empty air. The good news is that most projects fall into a few clear buckets. Here's how we help Decatur homeowners and contractors choose.
Think in pickup truck loads
The easiest way to picture dumpster capacity is in pickup truck loads. A 10 yard holds roughly three to four loads; a 20 yard holds six to eight. If you can estimate how many truck-beds of debris your project will produce, you're most of the way to the right size.
Match the size to the job
10 yard — small and heavy jobs
The 10 yard is our smallest and the champion for heavy material. A single-room remodel, a garage cleanout, a small roof, or any load of concrete, brick or dirt belongs here. Its low profile makes it easy to load and keeps heavy debris within safe weight limits.
15 yard — the medium all-rounder
When a 10 feels tight but a 20 is more than you need, the 15 yard splits the difference. Think medium remodels, flooring across a few rooms, or a partial cleanout.
20 yard — whole-home projects
The 20 yard is our most popular size and a safe default when you're unsure. It swallows a whole-home cleanout, a major kitchen remodel, or a large roof, yet still fits a typical driveway.
30 & 40 yard — construction and commercial
The 30 yard is the jobsite standard for new construction and big renovations, while the 40 yard handles high volumes of lightweight, bulky material. Neither is for concrete — heavy debris always goes in a 10.
A quick word on weight
Volume isn't the only limit. Dense material like concrete, dirt and shingles gets heavy fast, and overweight containers can't be hauled legally. That's why we recommend a dedicated heavy-debris container for those loads. The Illinois EPA also encourages recycling clean concrete rather than landfilling it.
Still not sure? Just describe it
The fastest way to get the right size is to tell us about your project. We've been sizing containers for Decatur and Macon County since 2016 — a two-minute phone call usually settles it. Call (217) 615-5135 and we'll point you to the right roll-off.
Ready to book a dumpster?
We serve Decatur and all of Macon County, seven days a week.
Call (217) 615-5135