Home | Roll Off Dumpster Sizes | 20 Yard
The 20 yard dumpster is the most commonly rented size. At only 3.5-4 feet tall, it's easy to load by hand while offering plenty of capacity for medium to large projects. Because this size is so common in every market, it's typically priced very close to smaller sizes—which is why we say "bigger is usually better" when it comes to dumpster rental. You get significantly more capacity without paying much more. The 20 yarders (and 30s) tend to be the best "bang for your buck".
A 20 yard dumpster is a waste container that measures approximately 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall. It can hold up to 20 cubic yards of trash, which is equivalent to about 8 pickup truck loads.
Weight limit: 2 tons included in price (in most areas)
Best for: Medium-sized projects including roof replacements, basement or attic cleanouts, kitchen remodels, fence removal, or deck tear-offs. This is our most popular size for homeowners because it handles most residential renovation debris without taking up too much driveway space.
In some cities, we offer a “high-side 20,” which is aroun 16 feet long and 6 feet tall — a more compact option with the same volume, perfect for shorter driveways. Availability varies by service area.
Pro-Tip on Placement: Because a standard 20-yard dumpster is roughly 22 feet long, it requires a (mostly) flat, accessible space for delivery. If you are working in a tight residential area like an alley or a short driveway, ensure you have at least 30 feet of straight-line clearance to be able to open the door on the end all the way.
Yes — in most cases, a 20-yard dumpster will fit in a standard residential driveway. It requires about 30 feet of length clearance, including the door swing space and truck delivery angle.
Pro tip: all sizes, including the 20 yd, have a door on one end, but one reason the 20 is popular is because you don't have to use the door since it's not as tall as most sizes. Many people don't use the door on a 20 at all and just throw the trash in over the side.
If your driveway is especially short or curved, ask about high-side or alternate placement options when booking.
A 20 yard dumpster can technically hold over 10 tons of material, but with flat-rate pricing, most rentals include about 2 tons in the base price. Overage fees apply if the dumpster exceeds the weight limit, but that is not common.
It’s widely available from haulers, versatile for both residential and contractor jobs, and provides the best balance of capacity and value. That combination makes it the most frequently rented size nationwide.
A 20 yard dumpster is the go-to size for most home projects. It typically holds:
This makes the 20 yard dumpster a versatile option for both residential and light commercial projects, offering plenty of space without being too tall to load easily.
