A 20 yard dumpster is one of the most popular roll off sizes, giving you the perfect balance of capacity and easy loading. It’s large enough for remodels, cleanouts, and light construction projects, but still compact enough to fit in most residential driveways.
If you’re planning a cleanout, remodel, or junk removal project, the 20 yard is often the perfect fit.
Standard 20-Yard Dimensions
🎯 Pro tip: In some cities, we offer a “high-side 20,” which is 16 feet long and 6 feet tall — a more compact option with the same volume, perfect for shorter driveways. Availability varies by service area.
These are the standard 20 yard dumpster dimensions, providing about 20 cubic yards of capacity — equal to roughly 8 pickup truck loads of debris, with about 2 tons of disposal included in the flat-rate price.
This size is ideal for most mid-size projects. Here’s what typically fits:
A 20 yard dumpster has the right capacity for these kinds of projects, and many more, making it one of the most versatile dumpster sizes for both homeowners and contractors.
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.
If you're disposing of large, bulky items or doing a whole-home renovation, you may need a 30 yard or 40 yard dumpster. For smaller cleanouts or minimal debris, a 10 yard or 15 yard may be more cost-effective.
Not sure which way to go? Start with our Dumpster Size Guide or use live chat to get a quick size recommendation.
Choosing the right dumpster size ensures you don’t run out of space during your project.
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.
The 20 yard is the go-to size for all kinds of self-service junk removal - home cleanouts, small to mid-size remodels, roofing projects up to 35 squares, and standard deck removals. It’s also popular for garage, attic, and basement cleanouts.
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.
The 20 yard dumpster is one of the most versatile and commonly rented dumpster sizes, with dimensions and capacity that make it ideal for everything from home remodels to cleanouts. It's also very commonly available and is a great value in any area.
Still wondering if it’s the right fit? At Trash Daddy Dumpsters, we’re the dumpster rental experts. Our team can quickly recommend the best size for your project and location.
Order online in minutes for a fast, flat-rate quote — or call us if you’d like help choosing the right size.
