How much can a dumpster fit? Sizing Your Dumpster

A Conversion Guide to Dumpster Sizes

EDR-dumpster-conversion-previewWhile many home and business owners understand the need for a roll-off dumpster as part of their cleanup, construction, or other miscellaneous projects, determining the right size roll off to rent may be hard to know at glance. Even when knowing the dimensions of a dumpster it can be difficult figuring out how that translates into real-world uses. To help solve that thorny math equation, we’ve put together this conversion guide to dumpster sizes.

If the size of your waste isn’t easily measured, you might have better luck visualizing how many wheelbarrow loads it would comprise. Use this guide by converting loads of your typical garbage can, pickup truck, dump truck, or wheelbarrow into standard dumpster dimensions. By the end, you should be able to estimate a bit more accurately just how much space you’ll need for your junk.

Real-World Comparison Charts

We have created five comparison tables of the most commonly used items found around the home or workplace. These are:

  1. Brute Trash Cans
  2. Wheelbarrows
  3. Pickup Trucks
  4. Dump Trucks
  5. Item Fit Chart

Need more help estimating the size you’ll need? Check out our dumpster weight calculator.

1) Brute Trash Cans

Brute Trash cans are used around homes, businesses, and offices. They’re relied upon to handle recycled material, waste, or just about anything else. If you’ve made use of these types of containers in the past, you probably have a good handle on just how many of them it will take to clean up a particular mess. If you are interested in estimating your dumpster dimensions based on brute trash cans, make sure you know the size can that you have. Then start figuring out just how much space you’ll need to accommodate all your garbage. Consult the chart below to determine the dumpster you’ll need.

Brute Trash Cans 10 Gallon Can 20 Gallon Can 32 Gallon Can 44 Gallon Can 55 Gallon Can
10 Yard Dumpster 173 loads 86 loads 54 loads 39 loads 31 loads
15 Yard Dumpster 260 loads 130 loads 81 loads 59 loads 47 loads
20 Yard Dumpster 346 loads 172 loads 108 loads 78 loads 62 loads
30 Yard Dumpster 519 loads 258 loads 162 loads 117 loads 93 loads
40 Yard Dumpster 692 loads 344 loads 216 loads 156 loads 124 loads

2) Wheelbarrows

A wheelbarrow is a common tool for gardening and yard work. Wheelbarrows come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and they make it quick and convenient to move lawn refuse and rubbish. Check the dimensions of your wheelbarrow and then make use of the chart below.

Wheelbarrows 3 cu. Feet 4 cu. Feet 5 cu. Feet 6 cu. Feet 7 cu. Feet
10 Yard Dumpster 90 loads 68 loads 54 loads 45 loads 39 loads
15 Yard Dumpster 135 loads 101 loads 81 loads 68 loads 58 loads
20 Yard Dumpster 180 loads 135 loads 108 loads 90 loads 77 loads
30 Yard Dumpster 270 loads 203 loads 162 loads 135 loads 116 loads
40 Yard Dumpster 360 loads 270 loads 216 loads 180 loads 154 loads

3) Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks are a godsend when it comes to handling hauling and moving. If you work in construction or landscaping, you likely rely on a pickup. All you need is knowledge of the size of your truck bed; the conversion chart below will handle the rest.

Pickup Trucks 5 Foot Bed 6 Foot Bed 8 Foot Bed
10 Yard Dumpster 6 loads 5 loads 4 loads
15 Yard Dumpster 9 loads 8 loads 6 loads
20 Yard Dumpster 12 loads 10 loads 8 loads
30 Yard Dumpster 18 loads 15 loads 12 loads
40 Yard Dumpster 25 loads 20 loads 16 loads

4) Dump Trucks

Of course, most DIY projects don’t call for use of a dump truck, but if you’re dealing with a truly large project and can envision your refuse in terms of a dump truckload, then you’re in luck, thanks to the use of our conversion chart below.

Dump Trucks Dump Truck Loads
10 Yard Dumpster 1
15 Yard Dumpster 1.5
20 Yard Dumpster 2
30 Yard Dumpster 3
40 Yard Dumpster 4

5) Oversized Item Fit Chart

For any oversized items (like lumber, siding, or furniture), here’s an overview of the maximum interior dimensions you’ll have available based on dumpster size.

Item Fit Chart Maximum Width Maximum Length Maximum Height
10 Yard Dumpster 8’ 10’ 4’
15 Yard Dumpster 8’ 15’ 4’
20 Yard Dumpster 8’ 20’ 4.5’
30 Yard Dumpster 8’ 20’ 6’
40 Yard Dumpster 8’ 20’ 8’

Complete Dumpster Comparison Infographic

For a more detailed look above and beyond the quick charts elsewhere on the page, review the infographic below for a full list of conversions.

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