Large Dumpster Rental — Roll-Off Containers for Big Projects
Large dumpsters — the 20-yard, 30-yard, and 40-yard roll-off containers — are built for projects that produce serious volume: whole-home renovations, new construction, large roofing jobs, commercial cleanouts, and demolition work. If a small dumpster isn't going to cut it, this guide covers everything you need to choose the right large container, understand the cost, and find one near you.
What Is a Large Dumpster?
In the roll-off dumpster industry, “large” refers to containers in the 20 to 40-yard range. A 20-yard dumpster is the most commonly rented large container — measuring approximately 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4.5 ft tall and holding 6–8 pickup truck loads of debris. It supports weight limits of roughly 4–6 tons, making it the workhorse for whole-home remodels, large cleanouts, and mid-size roofing projects.
A 30-yard dumpster steps up to 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 6 ft tall and holds 9–12 pickup truck loads, with weight limits typically between 4–8 tons. It's the go-to for new construction, commercial cleanouts, and large roofing jobs over 3,000 sq ft. The 40-yard dumpster — at 22 ft long × 8 ft wide × 8 ft tall and 12–16 pickup truck loads of capacity — is reserved for the largest commercial and industrial projects where maximum volume is the priority.
20-Yard vs. 30-Yard: Which Large Dumpster Do You Need?
22 × 7.5 × 4.5 ft
6–8 pickup loads
~4–6 tons
7–14 days
Typical Uses
- Whole-home remodel or renovation
- Large cleanout (3+ bedroom home)
- Roofing job under 3,000 sq ft
- Flooring and drywall removal
- Major garage or basement overhaul
Best for: Homeowners and remodelers tackling multi-room projects who need real capacity without the footprint of a 30-yard container.
22 × 7.5 × 6 ft
9–12 pickup loads
~4–8 tons
7–14 days
Typical Uses
- New construction debris and waste
- Large roofing job (3,000+ sq ft)
- Commercial space cleanout
- Demolition and structural removal
- Large estate or multi-home cleanout
Best for: Contractors, commercial crews, and large residential projects where a 20-yard would require multiple hauls and a 40-yard is more than necessary.
Need even more capacity? Consider a 40-yard dumpster ($550–$750)
The 40-yard container — 22 ft long × 8 ft wide × 8 ft tall, holding 12–16 pickup truck loads — is the largest standard roll-off available. It's used for large-scale commercial cleanouts, industrial projects, and major new construction where volume and heavy mixed loads are the defining constraint. Most residential driveways cannot accommodate a 40-yard; a street permit or staging area is typically required.
Best Uses for a Large Dumpster Rental
Large roll-off dumpsters are the right tool for high-volume and heavy-material projects. Here are the six project types where they consistently earn their keep.
Whole-Home Renovation
A full-house remodel — multiple rooms, flooring removal, drywall, cabinetry, and fixtures — generates far more debris than a small container can handle. A 20 or 30-yard is the standard choice.
New Construction
Construction sites generating lumber cutoffs, drywall scraps, concrete, and packaging need the volume of a 30 or 40-yard container. Most contractors keep one on-site for the duration of the build.
Large Roofing Jobs (3,000+ sq ft)
Asphalt shingles are heavy. A full tear-off on a 3,000+ sq ft roof can weigh 5–8 tons. A 20 or 30-yard dumpster with a dedicated weight allowance for roofing keeps the job moving without multiple hauls.
Commercial Cleanouts
Office build-outs, retail closures, and warehouse cleanouts produce high volumes of material fast. A 30 or 40-yard dumpster gives commercial crews the capacity to work without stopping.
Major Landscaping & Demolition
Removing a deck, retaining wall, concrete patio, or large tree requires a container that can handle both bulk and weight. Large roll-offs are rated for the heavy mixed loads demolition creates.
Large Estate & Whole-Home Cleanout
Clearing a large property of furniture, appliances, clothing, and household accumulation across multiple rooms almost always requires a 20-yard minimum — and often a 30-yard for homes over 2,500 sq ft.
Large vs. Small Dumpster — How to Choose
Not sure whether you need a large or small container? This comparison covers the key differences so you don't over- or under-order.
| Category | Large (20–40 yd) | Small (10–15 yd) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20–40 yards | 10–15 yards |
| Capacity | 6–16 pickup truck loads | 3–6 pickup truck loads |
| Avg. Price | $375–$750 | $200–$425 |
| Best For | Whole-home remodels, new construction, large roofing jobs | Single-room remodels, cleanouts, small roofing jobs |
| Fits in Driveway? | Usually, but tight for 30–40 yd | Yes — most standard driveways |
* Prices are national averages. See the full dumpster rental cost guide for city-specific pricing.
As a general rule: if your project spans multiple rooms, involves structural materials, or covers a large square footage, a large dumpster is the right call. For focused single-room work or smaller cleanouts, a small dumpster will save you money without sacrificing capacity.
How Much Does a Large Dumpster Rental Cost?
20-Yard Dumpster
$375–$500The most rented large roll-off. The national average falls around $425–$450, with rural markets often coming in under $400 and dense metros like New York or San Francisco reaching $550+. Price includes delivery, pickup, and typically 2–4 tons of debris.
30-Yard Dumpster
$450–$600Averages roughly $500–$550 nationally. The price increase over a 20-yard is usually $75–$150, which is well worth it on large projects — a second haul with a 20-yard can add $400+ to your total cost.
Factors That Affect the Price
- Location: Landfill tipping fees vary dramatically by market. Dense metro areas pay 2–3x more than rural counties, and that cost is passed directly to the rental rate.
- Debris weight: Rental prices include a base tonnage (usually 2–4 tons for large containers). Heavy materials like concrete, shingles, soil, and brick generate overage charges of $60–$100/ton when you exceed the included weight.
- Rental duration: Standard rentals cover 7–14 days. Extensions run $5–$15/day. Construction and commercial projects often run longer — confirm extension policies before signing.
- Street permits: Larger containers often cannot fit in driveways and must sit on the street. City permit fees of $20–$150 apply in most municipalities, and some require 48-hour advance applications.
- Seasonal demand: Spring and summer are peak season for construction and renovation. Book 5–7 days ahead during warm months for large containers, which have more limited fleet availability than small sizes.
Money-Saving Tips
- Get quotes from at least 3 local companies — prices for the same container often vary by 20–30% across competitors in the same market.
- Ask for an all-in price that includes fuel surcharges, taxes, environmental fees, and overage policies upfront.
- Use your driveway when possible to avoid street permit fees — save the permit application effort for when the driveway genuinely cannot accommodate the container.
- When choosing between a 20 and 30-yard, estimate high — the extra $75–$150 for the larger size is almost always cheaper than scheduling a second haul.
- Separate heavy materials (concrete, dirt, asphalt) into a dedicated small container if you have both light and heavy debris — it avoids expensive overage fees on your large container.
- Book mid-week for better scheduling flexibility. Large roll-offs have tighter fleet availability than small containers, so earlier booking wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need for a whole-house cleanout?
For most whole-house cleanouts, a 20 to 30-yard dumpster is the right call. A 20-yard container (approximately 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4.5 ft tall) handles the contents of a typical 3-bedroom home — furniture, appliances, general household junk, and some construction debris. If you're also dealing with flooring, drywall, or structural materials, step up to a 30-yard. Homes larger than 2,500 sq ft or those requiring heavy demolition often benefit from a 30-yard or two separate hauls with a 20-yard.
Can a 30-yard dumpster fit in a standard driveway?
A 30-yard dumpster (typically 22 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 6 ft tall) can fit in many residential driveways, but it is tight. You'll need approximately 70 ft of clearance from the street to accommodate the container and the delivery truck's swing room. Vertical clearance requirements of at least 18 ft apply for tree branches, garage door headers, and utility lines — the 6-ft height of a 30-yard container is not the concern, but the delivery truck arm can reach 20+ ft during placement. A 40-yard dumpster at 22 ft long and 8 ft tall generally requires a large driveway or an on-street permit.
How much does a large dumpster rental cost?
Large dumpster rental costs range from $375 to $750 depending on the container size and your local market. A 20-yard dumpster averages $375–$500 nationally. A 30-yard runs $450–$600, and a 40-yard typically costs $550–$750. Urban markets with higher landfill tipping fees — like New York, San Francisco, or Boston — can push prices 30–50% above those averages. Prices generally include delivery, pickup, and a base weight allowance of 2–4 tons. Overage fees of $60–$100 per ton apply when you exceed the included weight.
What's the difference between a 20 and 30-yard dumpster?
The main difference is capacity and height. A 20-yard dumpster holds approximately 6–8 pickup truck loads of debris and stands about 4.5 ft tall — making it easy to toss debris over the side. It's the standard choice for whole-home remodels, large cleanouts, and mid-size roofing jobs under 3,000 sq ft. A 30-yard dumpster holds 9–12 pickup truck loads and stands 6 ft tall, which is better for new construction, large roofing jobs over 3,000 sq ft, and commercial cleanouts that generate significant volume. The 30-yard typically costs $75–$150 more than a 20-yard but eliminates the need for a second haul on bigger projects.
Find a Large Dumpster Rental Near You
Compare prices from local companies in your area. Most markets have next-day availability for 20 and 30-yard containers. Get quotes and book in minutes.
Find Local Companies Near MeWorking on a smaller project? See small dumpster rental options (10 & 15 yard).