Dumpster Weight Limit Calculator
Overage fees hit when your load exceeds the weight limit — typically $50–$100 per extra ton. Enter your material and volume to see whether you'll stay within limits.
Estimate Your Load Weight
Material Weight Reference
Weights per cubic yard for common dumpster materials. Source: Portland Cement Association, industry averages.
| Material | lbs/cu yd | tons/cu yd | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete / brick | 4,050 | 2.03 | Heaviest — use concrete-only dumpsters |
| Gravel / stone | 2,800 | 1.40 | Very heavy — watch limits carefully |
| Soil / dirt | 2,700 | 1.35 | Very heavy — even small volumes add up |
| Sand | 2,700 | 1.35 | Very heavy — use heavy-material dumpster |
| Tile / ceramic | 1,800 | 0.90 | Heavy — mix with lighter materials |
| Asphalt shingles | 850 | 0.43 | Moderate — watch for multi-layer tear-offs |
| Lumber / wood | 600 | 0.30 | Moderate — mix of solid and hollow lumber varies |
| Drywall / plaster | 500 | 0.25 | Moderate — typically fine in standard limits |
| Yard waste / brush | 400 | 0.20 | Light — usually stays well within limits |
| General household junk | 300 | 0.15 | Light — furniture, boxes, misc debris |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical dumpster weight limits?
Weight limits vary by dumpster size: 10-yard dumpsters typically allow 2 tons, 20-yard dumpsters allow 3–4 tons, 30-yard dumpsters allow 4–6 tons, and 40-yard dumpsters allow 6–8 tons. These limits are set by the hauler based on truck capacity and local road weight restrictions.
How much does it cost to exceed a dumpster weight limit?
Overage fees typically run $50–$100 per ton over the included weight limit. If your load exceeds the limit by 2 tons and the overage rate is $65/ton, you'd pay an extra $130. Overage fees are charged at pickup when the truck is weighed at the disposal facility.
How heavy is a cubic yard of concrete?
According to the Portland Cement Association, standard concrete weighs approximately 4,050 lbs per cubic yard (about 2 tons). This means a 10-yard dumpster filled entirely with concrete would weigh roughly 20 tons — far exceeding any standard weight limit. Always rent a concrete-specific dumpster for heavy materials.
What materials are heaviest in a dumpster?
The heaviest common dumpster materials are concrete (~4,050 lbs/cu yd), gravel (~2,800 lbs/cu yd), sand (~2,700 lbs/cu yd), and soil (~2,700 lbs/cu yd). Asphalt shingles (~850 lbs/cu yd) and tile (~1,800 lbs/cu yd) are also significantly heavier than general household debris (~300 lbs/cu yd).
Can I put concrete in a regular dumpster?
Concrete can go in a regular roll-off dumpster, but weight limits apply strictly. Many haulers offer concrete-only or heavy material dumpsters at lower rates since concrete can be recycled. A 10-yard concrete-only dumpster is often more economical than attempting to fit concrete into a larger general dumpster.
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