Roll off dumpster guide
sizes, prices & how it works.
Everything you need to know about roll off dumpsters — what they are, all five standard sizes with dimensions, typical prices, and how to choose the right one for your project.
What is a roll off dumpster?
A roll off dumpster is an open-top waste container designed for temporary use. It gets its name from the delivery method — the container literally rolls off the back of a specialized flatbed truck onto your driveway, parking lot, or job site.
The truck uses a hydraulic hoist system to tilt the container and let it slide off. Pickup works in reverse: the truck backs up, hooks on, and rolls the container back onto the truck bed. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Roll offs are ideal for any project that generates more waste than curbside pickup can handle: home renovations, roofing tear-offs, estate cleanouts, construction site cleanup, and large yard projects. Most rentals include a 7–14 day rental period with a set weight limit included in the flat-rate price.
They differ from the front-load dumpsters behind businesses, which are permanent fixtures. If you need ongoing commercial waste collection, see our commercial dumpster rental guide.
Roll off dumpster sizes
Roll off containers come in five standard sizes, measured in cubic yards. The 20 yard is the most popular nationwide. Here's everything you need to know about each.
| Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight Limit | Avg. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Yard | 12 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft | 50–60 trash bags | 2–3 tons | $250–$450 | Garage cleanouts, small remodels, single-room projects |
| 15 Yard | 14 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft | 75–90 trash bags | 2.5–4 tons | $300–$550 | Basement cleanouts, medium remodels, small roofing jobs |
| 20 Yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft | 100–120 trash bags | 3–4 tons | $350–$600 | Large remodels, deck removal, medium roofing, estate cleanouts |
| 30 Yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft | 150–170 trash bags | 4–5 tons | $400–$700 | Large roofing, multi-room renovation, new construction cleanup |
| 40 Yard | 22 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft | 200–230 trash bags | 5–6 tons | $500–$850 | Whole-home demolition, commercial construction, large industrial cleanup |
See detailed specs for each size: 10 yard, 15 yard, 20 yard, 30 yard, 40 yard
Roll off dumpster prices: what drives cost
Container size
Larger containers cost more. The jump from 10 to 20 yard is usually $100–$150. From 20 to 30 is only $50–$100 — often worth it for the extra capacity.
Your location
Landfill tipping fees vary widely. Major metros (NYC, LA, Chicago) charge $100–$200/ton more than rural areas. This cost gets passed directly to you.
Debris type
Some haulers charge more for heavy materials (concrete, dirt, roofing shingles). Always ask about weight limits and overage fees for dense debris.
Rental duration
Standard rental includes 7–14 days. Extensions cost $5–$15/day. Book the full period upfront — daily overages are never the cheapest option.
Fuel & market conditions
Diesel prices affect delivery costs. Busy periods (April–October) can add $25–$50 to prices. Off-season and mid-week bookings often save money.
The most effective way to reduce your roll off dumpster price is to compare at least 3 local haulers. Prices for the exact same container in the same city routinely differ by $100–$200. Our directory lets you compare dumpster rental companies by city so you can find the best rate without calling around.
Roll off vs front-load: which do you need?
Choose a roll off dumpster when:
- You have a one-time project (renovation, cleanout, construction)
- You need 10+ cubic yards of capacity
- You don't need regular, recurring service
- You need open-top access for heavy or bulky debris
- The project spans days or weeks, not months
Choose a commercial dumpster when:
- You run a business with ongoing weekly waste
- You need a lidded container (weather, pests, aesthetics)
- You want regular pickup on a fixed schedule
- Your volume is under 8 cubic yards per pickup
- You prefer monthly billing over per-project rental
How roll off dumpster rental works
Choose your size
Use the table above or our size estimator to pick the right container. When in doubt, size up.
Get quotes from 3+ haulers
Prices vary by $100–$200 for the same size in the same city. Compare before booking.
Schedule delivery
Most haulers deliver within 24–48 hours. You'll need to specify the exact placement location.
Fill it up
You have 7–14 days (or your agreed rental period). Use the swing door for heavy items.
Call for pickup
When you're done, the hauler retrieves the container and hauls it to a landfill or transfer station.
Settle the bill
Any overweight charges are applied after the container is weighed at the landfill. Always ask about weight limits upfront.
Frequently asked questions
What is a roll off dumpster?
A roll off dumpster is an open-top waste container that gets its name from how it's delivered — the container 'rolls off' the back of a specialized flatbed truck onto your property. They range from 10 to 40 cubic yards and are rented for a specific project (typically 7–14 days). Once you've filled it, the hauler comes back to pick it up and haul it to a landfill or transfer station.
How much do roll off dumpster prices typically run?
Roll off dumpster prices range from $250 for a 10 yard container to $850 for a 40 yard, with the national average for a 20 yard (the most popular size) around $425. Prices include delivery, the rental period, pickup, and disposal up to the weight limit. Urban areas with high landfill fees can run $100–$200 more than rural markets.
What roll off dumpster sizes are available?
Roll off dumpsters come in five standard sizes: 10 yard (12x8x3.5 ft), 15 yard (14x8x4 ft), 20 yard (22x8x4.5 ft), 30 yard (22x8x6 ft), and 40 yard (22x8x8 ft). The number refers to cubic yards of capacity. Most haulers carry all five, though 15 yard containers are less common in some markets.
What's the difference between a roll off dumpster and a front-load dumpster?
Roll off dumpsters are temporary, open-top containers for one-time projects, delivered and retrieved by a roll-off truck. They come in 10–40 yard sizes. Front-load dumpsters (commercial dumpsters) are permanent, lidded containers used by businesses for ongoing waste collection — emptied on a weekly schedule by a truck that lifts them from the front. If you have a project, use a roll-off. If you run a business with ongoing waste needs, use a front-load commercial dumpster.
How do I choose the right roll off dumpster size?
Match the size to your project: 10 yard for garage cleanouts and small remodels, 15–20 yard for medium renovations and roofing, 30 yard for large roofing jobs and multi-room renovations, 40 yard for whole-home demolition or commercial construction. When in doubt, size up — a second delivery ($150–$300) costs more than the size upgrade.
Related guides
10, 15, 20, 30 & 40 yard sizes compared side by side.
GuideCheap Dumpster Rental Tips →7 ways to save $100+ on your next roll-off rental.
GuideCommercial Dumpster Rental →Front-load dumpsters for businesses — pricing and sizes.
GuideConcrete Disposal Near Me →Special rules and pricing for concrete — heavier than you think.
Find roll off dumpster rentals by state
Compare roll off dumpster prices near you
We've scored >6,000 haulers across 50 states. Find the best-rated roll off dumpster rental companies near you.
Browse haulers by city