Question 1

How do I calculate dumpster weight?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the volume of each material (in cubic feet) by its density in pounds per cubic foot. Common densities: household junk (8 lbs/cu ft), furniture (10), drywall (40), lumber (15), roofing shingles (70), concrete (150), dirt/soil (100), and yard waste (5). Add up the weights for all materials to get your total estimated dumpster weight.

Question 2

What size dumpster do I need for my project?

Accepted Answer

It depends on both volume and weight. A 10-yard dumpster holds about 3 pickup truck loads with a 2-ton weight limit ($250–$450). A 20-yard holds 6 truck loads with a 3-ton limit ($350–$600). A 30-yard holds 9 truck loads with a 4-ton limit ($400–$700). A 40-yard holds 12 truck loads with a 5-ton limit ($500–$850). Heavy materials like concrete or roofing shingles may hit weight limits before filling the dumpster.

Dumpster weight
& size calculator

What size dumpster
do you actually need?

What's your project?

Dumpster weight& size calculator

What size dumpsterdo you actually need?

What's your project?

Dumpster weight
& size calculator

What size dumpster
do you actually need?