20 Yard vs 30 Yard Dumpster
Both are popular mid-to-large sizes — but they serve different projects. Here's exactly how they compare on capacity, price, and use cases so you can pick the right one.
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | 20 Yard | 30 Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 cubic yards | 30 cubic yards |
| Pickup truck loads | ~6 loads | ~9 loads |
| Typical length | 22 feet | 22 feet |
| Typical width | 7.5 feet | 7.5 feet |
| Typical height | 4.5 feet | 6 feet |
| Weight limit | 2–4 tons | 3–6 tons |
| Avg. price / week | $350–$550 | $450–$700 |
| Driveway fit | Most driveways | Most driveways |
Which Projects Fit Each Size?
20 Yard — Best For
- Kitchen or bathroom renovation
- Single-room home remodel
- Residential roof replacement (≤2,500 sq ft)
- Garage cleanout
- Medium home cleanout
- Deck removal or build
- Small landscaping project
- Flooring replacement (whole house)
30 Yard — Best For
- Whole-house renovation (multi-room)
- Large roof replacement or double-layer tear-off
- Full estate or house cleanout
- Major room addition
- Commercial office cleanout
- Large landscaping project
- New construction debris
- Combined renovation + cleanout
Quick Decision Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 20 yard and 30 yard dumpster?
A 20-yard dumpster holds approximately 20 cubic yards of debris (about 6 pickup truck loads) and typically measures 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4.5 ft high. A 30-yard dumpster holds 30 cubic yards (roughly 9 pickup truck loads) and typically measures 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 6 ft high. The main difference is height — a 30-yard sits noticeably taller. Pricing difference averages $75–$150 more for the 30-yard.
How much does a 20 yard dumpster cost vs a 30 yard?
According to Angi's 2025 national cost data, a 20-yard dumpster averages $350–$550 per week while a 30-yard averages $450–$700 per week. Prices vary significantly by location — markets with higher landfill fees (California, Northeast) cost 20–40% more than the national average.
Is a 20 yard dumpster big enough for a roof replacement?
A 20-yard dumpster handles most residential roof replacements (1,500–2,500 sq ft, single layer of shingles). For larger roofs, multiple layers of shingles, or homes over 3,000 sq ft, a 30-yard is the safer choice. Roofing debris is heavy — most providers cap roofing-only loads at 3–4 tons in a 20-yard.
What is a 30 yard dumpster used for?
A 30-yard dumpster is ideal for large home renovations, whole-house cleanouts, major construction projects, commercial remodels, and large roofing jobs. It's the most popular size for contractors handling multi-room renovations or estate cleanouts with bulky furniture and appliances.
Will a 20 yard dumpster fit in my driveway?
Most standard driveways can accommodate a 20-yard dumpster. You need approximately 60 feet of clearance (driveway + street) for the truck to deliver. A 30-yard requires the same footprint length but sits 18 inches taller. Neither size should be placed under low-hanging power lines or tree branches.
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