Choosing the right dumpster size is one of the most common questions we get at American AF Dumpsters, and for good reason. Picking a dumpster that’s too small can slow your project down, while going too big can cost more than you need to spend.
In this video, we lined up all of our dumpsters side by side to show you exactly what each size looks like in real life. This blog breaks it down in plain English so you can confidently choose the right dumpster for your job.
Watch the Video: Dumpster Sizes Side-by-Side
Why Dumpster Size Matters
Dumpster size affects:
- How much debris you can load
- How many trips you’ll need
- Where the dumpster can be placed
- Overall project cost and efficiency
Seeing measurements on a website is one thing. Seeing real dumpsters lined up is another. That’s why we filmed this walkthrough — so customers across the DFW area know exactly what they’re getting.
What Does “Cubic Yardage” Actually Mean?
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, which is simply a way to describe volume.
A good rule of thumb:
- 1 cubic yard ≈ the size of a washing machine
- A 15-yard dumpster holds roughly 15 washers
- A 20-yard holds about 20 washers, and so on
This makes it easier to estimate how much debris you’ll generate, whether it’s furniture, drywall, roofing material, or general household junk.
15-Yard Dumpster – Small Projects & Cleanouts
Our 15-yard dumpster is the smallest size we offer and is perfect for lighter jobs.
Best for:
- Single-room cleanouts
- Small bathroom renovations
- Garage or shed cleanups
- Minor landscaping debris
Typical size:
- 14–16 feet long
- About 4½ feet tall
- Roughly the size of a small parking space
It has a rear swing door for easy walk-in loading and is great for homeowners who want something compact but effective.
20-Yard Dumpster – Most Popular Residential Size
The 20-yard dumpster is our most requested size for residential customers.
Best for:
- Whole-house cleanouts
- Estate cleanouts
- Medium remodels
- Roofing and renovation projects
Why customers love it:
- Same footprint as a 15-yard
- About 1–1½ feet taller
- Holds significantly more without taking up more driveway space
If you’re unsure which size to choose, this is usually the safest bet for residential jobs.
30-Yard Dumpster – Construction & Remodels
The 30-yard dumpster is built for serious work.
Best for:
- New construction
- Large remodels
- Commercial projects
- Major debris removal
Typical size:
- 22 feet long
- About 6 feet tall
This is our number one construction dumpster. It fits a massive amount of debris while still being manageable for job sites.
40-Yard Dumpster – Demolition & Heavy Jobs
The 40-yard dumpster is the biggest size most dumpster companies can provide.
Best for:
- Demolition projects
- Large construction jobs
- Major commercial cleanouts
Key details:
- Same footprint as a 30-yard
- Much taller (7½–8 feet)
- Holds the highest volume of debris
Because of its size, these are typically not delivered in alleyways and require more clearance for safe placement.
Residential vs Commercial Pricing (Quick Breakdown)
- Residential pricing usually includes a set rental period and a certain amount of tonnage.
- Commercial pricing is often structured as a haul rate plus landfill tonnage based on weight.
If you’re unsure which applies to your project, we’ll help you figure it out before delivery.
Serving Dallas–Fort Worth With the Right Equipment
At American AF Dumpsters, we don’t believe in guessing. We bring the right dumpster, the right truck, and make sure it’s placed safely and professionally.
If you’re planning a cleanup, remodel, or construction project in the DFW area, this video and guide should make choosing the right dumpster size easy.
Need Help Choosing the Right Dumpster?
Visit americanafdumpsters.com to see availability or get a quick quote for your project.
