Which dumpster size fits which project?
| Project | Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom or single room | 10 yard | About 3 truck loads of debris |
| Kitchen, garage, roof | 20 yard | The most-ordered size, ~8 loads |
| Whole-home renovation | 30 yard | One haul instead of two |
| Demolition, commercial | 40 yard | Maximum volume |
If you are between sizes: go up one. The price difference is smaller than a second haul. Every time.
Rates
| Size | Holds | Typical use | 7-day rate in San Diego, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard 12' x 8' x 4' | ~3 truck loads | Single room, roofing | $350-$600 | Check availability |
| 20 yard 22' x 8' x 4.5' | ~8 truck loads | Remodels, cleanouts | $450-$700 | Check availability |
| 30 yard 22' x 8' x 6' | 6-8 truck loads | Whole-home renovation | $600-$900 | Check availability |
| 40 yard 22' x 8' x 8' | 8-10 truck loads | Construction, demolition | $750-$1,100 | Check availability |
Rates include delivery, pickup, and the weight allowance. Overage bills at the facility per-ton rate. Extensions are a flat daily rate.
Size questions
- Should I get a 20 or 30 yard dumpster?
- One trade or one floor: 20. Multiple rooms gutted or framing debris: 30. If unsure, go up a size - it costs less than a second haul.
- How many squares of shingles fit in a dumpster?
- 30 to 35 single-layer squares in a 10 yard. About half that per layer when there are two.
- What fits in a 10 yard dumpster?
- About 3 pickup loads. One room's remodel, a garage cleanout, or 30 squares of shingles.
- What fits in a 20 yard dumpster?
- About 8 pickup loads. A kitchen to the studs, a whole-house declutter, or a deck plus fencing.
- What fits in a 30 yard dumpster?
- 6 to 8 pickup loads with tall walls. Whole-home renovation debris, or framing waste from new construction.
Rates and local rules last checked August 2026 for San Diego and nearby areas.