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Dumpster Material Weights

Know your material weights — avoid overweight fees and pick the right dumpster.
concrete dumpster

Home | Material Weights

How Much Does a Cubic Yard Weigh?

Not every cubic yard of material weighs the same — and since landfills charge by weight, knowing your material type helps you choose the right dumpster size and avoid unexpected overage fees.

Below is a general guide to the average weight of materials commonly put in dumpsters. These numbers come directly from landfill data.

Note: These are averages. Factors like moisture, particle size, and material type will affect the actual weight (e.g., wet dirt vs. dry, aluminum vs. copper).

1 Cubic Yard Of Material
Weight In Pounds
Tree branches and stumps
127
Carpet (dry)
147
Wood (scrap)
169
Household items (furniture, appliances, misc)
180
Metal (scrap)
225
Yard waste (mixed)
250
Drywall
467
Construction debris (C&D)
484
Shingles (asphalt)
731
Asphalt
773
Dirt & sand
929
Gravel & rock (loose)
999
Ceramic tile
1214
Concrete (loose)
1855
Brick (loose)
3024

Heavy Materials and Dumpster Sizing

Dense materials like concrete, brick, dirt, and rock can max out weight limits quickly. That’s why these jobs usually require a smaller dumpster (10, 12, or sometimes 20 yards) — even if you don’t need much volume.

In many areas, we also offer a Heavy Can option with a higher weight allowance, designed specifically for dense debris. Call us to check Heavy Can availability in your area.

How to Estimate Total Weight for Your Project

10 yard dumpster with dirt

Knowing material weights per cubic yard is helpful, but how do you calculate the total weight of your entire project?

Follow these steps:

  1. Estimate your project volume – Calculate how many cubic yards of debris you'll generate using our Cubic Yard Calculator.
  2. Identify your primary material – Use the weight chart above to find the pounds per cubic yard.
  3. Calculate total weight – Multiply: Cubic yards × Weight per cubic yard ÷ 2,000 = Total tons

Example:

  • You're removing 8 cubic yards of concrete
  • Concrete weighs 1,855 lbs per cubic yard
  • 8 × 1,855 = 14,840 lbs ÷ 2,000 = 7.4 tons

This is why choosing the right size (and considering a Heavy Can) matters.

Dumpster Weight FAQs

How much does a cubic yard weigh?

It depends on the material. A cubic yard of concrete can weigh nearly a ton, while a cubic yard of wood or drywall is much lighter. Use the chart above to estimate common material weights.

How many pounds can a roll off dumpster hold?

Most roll off dumpsters are built to hold up to 30,000 pounds (15 tons). But trucks and local laws usually limit hauls to around 10 tons for safety. That’s why it’s important to size correctly for heavy debris.

What if my dumpster weighs more than the weight limit?

The weight limit is the amount included in your flat-rate price (for example, 2 tons with a 20 yard). If you go over, it’s simply billed per ton at a pro-rated rate. Overweight dumpsters are common with heavy debris, so ask us about Heavy Can options to help manage costs.

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