Calculate the Weight of Your Debris to Choose the Right Dumpster
Use the dumpster weight calculators below to see which size dumpster you’ll need to handle the job. Have any questions? Give us a call and our team will help you choose the best container based on the debris you’re dealing with.
How Much Weight Can I Put in a Dumpster?
All of our dumpsters come with a covered weight limit between 2 and 6 tons (which is 4,000 to 12,000 pounds). Your weight limit is included in your bundled price, but will depend on the dumpster size you rent.
See How Much Each Dumpster Size Holds
Each of our dumpster sizes has a weight limit that represents the amount of debris we can haul on the road. These limits help us comply with safety regulations, and they also allow us to offer all-inclusive pricing. Since landfills charge by the ton for disposal, we include a specific weight limit within our flat-rate prices so you’ll know the cost upfront, without having to wait until your debris is weighed.
Please be aware that if you fill your dumpster past its weight limit, overage fees may apply. Our team will give you advice to avoid going over the limit, and you can always rent additional containers or schedule an empty-and-return if you end up with more debris than expected.
Weight of Debris | Recommended Dumpster Size |
|---|---|
4,000 - 6,000 Pounds | |
4,000 - 6,000 Pounds | |
6,000 Pounds | |
7,000 - 10,000 Pounds | |
10,000-12,000 |
*Please note: Accepted debris types and weight limits vary by location.
How Many Dumpsters Do I Need?
Some debris types, like concrete, are so heavy they can’t be hauled in anything larger than a 20 yard container. In cases like these, you may need to rent multiple containers. Check the chart below to estimate how many dumpsters you’ll need for your upcoming project.
Debris Type | Amount | Number of Dumpsters Recommended |
|---|---|---|
Architectural Shingles | 40-60 squares | (2) 20 yard roofing dumpsters |
Three-tab Shingles | 60-80 squares | (2) 20 yard roofing dumpsters |
Architectural Shingles | 60-80 squares | (3) 20 yard roofing dumpsters |
Heavy Debris | 10-20 tons | (2) Heavy debris dumpsters |
Heavy Debris | Over 20 tons | Ask our team. |
Dumpster Calculator FAQs
How is the weight of debris calculated?
After pickup, the driver will haul your dumpster to the landfill where a scale will measure the total weight of the dumpster, truck and debris. After emptying the dumpster, the truck stops at a second scale to be weighed empty. The exact weight of your debris is determined by taking the difference between these two scale readings.
How do you calculate cubic yards of debris?
In order to help estimate which dumpster size you'll need, you can find the cubic yardage of your debris. If you multiply the length x width x height/depth of your waste (in feet), then divide that number by 27, you will find the number of cubic yards.
How is dumpster size calculated?
A dumpster's external dimensions are often measured in feet. However, a dumpster's volume is measured in cubic yards. This is determined by multiplying the interior length x width x height of a dumpster (in feet) and multiplying that number again by 27.