The 20-yard is the size most people actually need — the default we quote when someone describes a “normal-sized” project. It’s big enough to swallow a multi-room remodel or a roofing tear-off, but still low enough to load by hand and short enough to fit most driveways. If you’re between sizes and not hauling something unusually heavy or unusually bulky, this is almost always the right call. It’s the workhorse of our fleet for a reason.
What Fits in a 20-Yard Dumpster
Typical dimensions are about 22 ft long × 8 ft wide × 4.5–5 ft tall (height varies by hauler). That’s roughly 20 cubic yards — call it 6 to 8 pickup-truck loads, or about 110–130 standard 13-gallon trash bags. Same length as our bigger boxes but with lower walls, so it stays easy to load while giving you real capacity.
- Volume: ~20 cubic yards
- Pickup-truck loads: ~6–8
- Trash bags (13-gal): ~110–130
- Weight allowance (residential): 2 tons included, then $80/ton over
Best For
- Mid-size kitchen and multi-room remodels
- Roofing tear-offs (single-layer, average home)
- Large garage, basement, or whole-room cleanouts
- Flooring and drywall removal
- Medium landscaping and yard-waste jobs
Torn between this and a 30-yard? The complete DFW size guide (15/20/30/40 yard) walks through it.
Pricing: Residential vs. Contractor
For household use — cleanouts, remodel debris, general trash — the 20-yard starts at $445 and includes 7 days and 2 tons (extra tonnage $80/ton, plus tax unless tax-exempt). For construction and demo debris, contractor pricing starts at $345 plus tonnage. Travel fees may apply. Full numbers are on the pricing page, and the quote tool gives you your exact price in a couple clicks.
20-Yard Dumpster FAQs
Is a 20-yard big enough for a roof tear-off?
For a typical single-layer tear-off on an average-size home, yes. Shingles are heavy, so watch the tonnage more than the volume — a full 20-yard of shingles can push past the included weight. If you’ve got multiple layers or a large roof, ask us about a 30-yard.
Why is the 20-yard your most popular size?
Because it hits the sweet spot. It holds enough for most home projects without the taller walls of a 30- or 40-yard, so you can toss debris over the side instead of walking it up a ramp — and it still fits a normal driveway.
How long is the rental period?
Residential 20-yard rentals include 7 days. That’s enough runway for most weekend-plus projects. Need it longer? Just tell us up front and we’ll build it into your quote.