Home | Material Weights
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).
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.
Knowing material weights per cubic yard is helpful, but how do you calculate the total weight of your entire project?
Follow these steps:
Example:
This is why choosing the right size (and considering a Heavy Can) matters.
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.
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.
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.
