One of the first steps when planning a home renovation, construction job, or major cleanout is determining the right dumpster size. Picking the perfect fit saves time, money, and multiple trips. But how do you measure a dumpster? At Scapers, we make this process simple and stress-free, just like the rest of our service.
How to Choose the Right Size
When choosing a dumpster size, consider both the volume and weight of your waste. For example, roofing materials or concrete will fill a dumpster by weight long before space runs out. If you’re unsure, our team at Scapers is happy to help guide you—no guesswork necessary.
If you’re unsure, we always recommend sizing up slightly. It’s more affordable and convenient than paying for an additional pickup.
Understanding Dumpster Volume
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, indicating how much debris they can hold. Each cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. So when you rent a 15-yard dumpster, you get a container that can hold about 15 cubic yards, or roughly four pickup truck loads.
Here’s a breakdown of our most popular sizes:
15-yard dumpster measurements:
- Dimensions: 17 ft x 8 ft x 4.5 ft
- Capacity: About four truckloads / 15 yards
- Max Weight: 3 tons
- Best For: Kitchen demos, roofing material, garage & basement cleanouts, yard waste
- Bonus: Driveway-friendly rubber wheels
It is perfect for smaller projects like shingle removal (under 1,500 sq. ft.) or deck tear-downs (under 300 sq. ft.).
20-yard dumpster measurements:
- Dimensions: 17 ft x 8 ft x 5.5 ft
- Capacity: About six truckloads / 20 yards
- Max Weight: 3 tons
- Best For: Larger home projects, fire/flood cleanup, construction debris
Also includes driveway-safe rubber wheels. This size is excellent for roof removals over 1,500 sq. ft. or big deck demolitions.
30-yard dumpster measurements:
- Dimensions: 18 ft x 8 ft x 7 ft
- Capacity: About 10 truckloads / 30 yards
- Max Weight: 4 tons
- Best For: Property cleanouts, warehouse waste, major home additions
A solid choice for commercial jobs or new home construction.
40-yard dumpster measurements:
- Dimensions: 20 ft x 8 ft x 7.5 ft
- Capacity: About 20 truckloads / 40 yards
- Max Weight: 4 tons
- Best For: Demolitions, full home renovations, large-scale commercial work
With the largest volume, this dumpster handles your biggest jobs with ease.
Each Rental Includes:
Every Scapers rental includes a 7-day rental period, drop-off and pickup, disposal, and even emergency response service—because we know your project can’t afford delays.
Why Size Matters
Choosing the right dumpster isn’t just about space. Municipal regulations, driveway space, and weight limits all play a part. At Scapers, we’ve served the greater St. Louis area long enough to know exactly what local projects need. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out your basement or a contractor with job site deadlines, we have the right fit.
Kick Off Your Cleanup with Scapers
Still not sure what size you need? Let Scapers take the guesswork out of the equation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to match you with the perfect dumpster and deliver it fast. Contact us today to experience the Scapers difference, where reliability meets personalized service.
