Size Matters
When you’re choosing what size dumpster you’ll need for your next project, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is, “How much does all my stuff weigh?” This answer is important because each dumpster provider has different weight limits, and the specific types of debris you’re throwing away also play a huge role.
What Determines My Dumpster's Weight Limit?
Each size dumpster will have a different weight limit that the dumpster company will assign to each size. This weight limit could reference the limit that the dumpster truck can hold. The hoists on the trucks that are picking up and dropping off dumpsters are designed for certain amounts of weight, so the weight could be limited to the hoist’s ability to lift.
OR
The weight limit could be the amount the dumpster company assigns. If you go over this weight, the truck may still be able to be lifted, but you will be overcharged because you exceeded the agreed-upon weight limit. For example, if your dumpster weighs in at three tons but you only paid for two tons of debris, you will be charged an overage fee. The fee could range from $25 to $100.
What is My Dumpster's Weight Limit?
Though the weight limits could differ by each company, each dumpster has a common weight limit:
- 10-yard dumpster: 8 ft. wide x 10 ft. long x 3.5 ft. tall
- 2-3 tons (4,000-6,000 pounds)
- 20-yard dumpster: 8 ft. wide x 22 ft. long x 4 ft. tall
- 2.5-3.5 tons (5,000-7,000 pounds)
- 30-yard dumpster: 8 ft. wide x 22 ft. long x 6 ft. tall
- 4.5-5 tons (7,000-10,000 pounds)
- 40-yard dumpster: 8 ft. wide x 22 ft. long x 8 ft. tall
- 6-8 tons (12,000-16,000 pounds)
What Does My Debris Weigh?
So you don’t under- or overestimate your debris weight and risk getting charged a fee or stuck with a dumpster that is too big, here’s a chart of various debris types and their weights:
| Material | Lbs./Cubic Yard | Notes |
| Burned debris/ash | 800-1,000
1,500-1800 2,300 |
Loose/dry
Wet for dust suppression Wet mixed with soil |
| Concrete | 4,050 | |
| Asphalt | 3,960 | |
| Wood, un-compacted | 400 | Increase up to 100% if compacted |
| Metals, un-compacted | 600 | Appliances, metal siding, etc. |
| Earth | 2,100
3,000 |
Loose/dry
Excavated/wet |
| Gravel/crushed stone | 2,600 | Increase by 20% if wet |
| Standard red clay bricks | 3,400 | |
| Asphalt shingles | 2,500 | 1,000 sq. ft. (10 squares, 30 bundles) |
| Slate shingles | 9,500 | 1,000 sq. ft. (10 squares, 30 bundles) |
| General household junk | 300-350
400-800 |
Un-compacted
Compacted |
| Yard Waste | 670
400 500 1,500 1,350 |
Grass clippings
Leaves Brush Unfinished compost Finished compost |
| Drywall | 340
420 |
½-inch thick drywall
5/8-inch thick drywall |
What Does My Debris Weigh?
So you don’t under- or overestimate your debris weight and risk getting charged a fee or stuck with a dumpster that is too big, here’s a chart of various debris types and their weights:
| Material | Lbs./Cubic Yard | Notes |
| Burned debris/ash | 800-1,000
1,500-1800 2,300 |
Loose/dry
Wet for dust suppression Wet mixed with soil |
| Concrete | 4,050 | |
| Asphalt | 3,960 | |
| Wood, un-compacted | 400 | Increase up to 100% if compacted |
| Metals, un-compacted | 600 | Appliances, metal siding, etc. |
| Earth | 2,100
3,000 |
Loose/dry
Excavated/wet |
| Gravel/crushed stone | 2,600 | Increase by 20% if wet |
| Standard red clay bricks | 3,400 | |
| Asphalt shingles | 2,500 | 1,000 sq. ft. (10 squares, 30 bundles) |
| Slate shingles | 9,500 | 1,000 sq. ft. (10 squares, 30 bundles) |
| General household junk | 300-350
400-800 |
Un-compacted
Compacted |
| Yard Waste | 670
400 500 1,500 1,350 |
Grass clippings
Leaves Brush Unfinished compost Finished compost |
| Drywall | 340
420 |
½-inch thick drywall
5/8-inch thick drywall |
How is My Debris Weighed?
Our Hauler takes the dumpster from your site to the landfill. The truck with the dumpster will drive onto a scale at the landfill and the total weight of the truck, dumpster, and debris will be measured. The truck will empty the dumpster and weigh it again before leaving the landfill to see how much the truck and dumpster weigh without the debris. Then the dumpster company will know how much your debris weighed and you will be billed for that weight.
So Now What?
Now that you know what dumpsters can hold and how much your stuff will weigh, choose your dumpster and get to work!
Have any additional Questions?
Call us today and we would be happy to walk you through the rental process.
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Call to Schedule the Pickup
Once your work is complete, just go ahead and schedule a pickup online, and we'll promptly take care of removing your dumpster.
