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How Dumpster Weight Limits Work

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a roll off dumpster filled with heavy debris being loaded onto a truck

How Much Weight Can You Put in a Dumpster?

Weight limits for temporary dumpsters vary based on the type of debris you’re throwing out and the size of the container. 10 tons, or 20,000 pounds, is the max weight that the average dumpster truck can haul, but limits will often fall between 2-6 tons, or 4,000-12,000 pounds, to meet local road safety restrictions. Overfilling your dumpster can result in overage charges, so use this guide to help you find the right size container to avoid unexpected costs.

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What’s the Weight Capacity for Each Dumpster Size?

We provide a generous weight limit for each of our container sizes, allowing you to toss debris from a wide range of projects, from home cleanouts to large-scale remodeling jobs. If you have questions about finding the right dumpster for your project, give us a call.

10 Yard Dumpster

10 Yard Dumpster

10 Yard Dumpster Weight Limit:

A 10 yard container typically holds 2-3 tons, or 4,000-6,000 pounds. But if you're getting rid of materials like concrete or brick, you can rent a special heavy debris dumpster with a 10 ton weight limit.

Household Debris Examples:

  • 50-60 13-gallon trash bags
  • 2,500 pounds of loose yard waste
  • 2,500-3,500 square feet of carpeting

Construction Debris Examples:

  • 50-70 4x8-feet sheets of drywall
  • 48-72 bundles of roofing shingles
  • 70-100 square feet of concrete or asphalt
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20 Yard Dumpster

20 Yard Dumpster

20 Yard Dumpster Weight Limit:

A 20 yard container typically holds 3 tons, or 6,000 pounds.

Household Debris Examples:

  • 100-120 13-gallon trash bags
  • 3,000-4,200 square feet of carpeting
  • 1,500 square feet of hardwood flooring

Construction Debris Examples:

  • 62-84 4x8-feet sheets of drywall
  • 60-90 bundles of roofing shingles
  • 80-110 square feet of concrete or asphalt
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30 Yard Dumpster

30 Yard Dumpster

30 Yard Dumpster Weight Limit:

A 30 yard container typically holds 3.5-5 tons, or 7,000-10,000 pounds.

Household Debris Examples:

  • 150-180 13-gallon trash bags
  • 7,500 pounds of loose yard waste
  • 4,200-6,000 square feet of carpeting

Construction Debris Examples:

  • 84-122 4x8-feet sheets of drywall
  • 90-120 bundles of roofing shingles
  • 1,750-2,500 square feet of hardwood flooring
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40 Yard Dumpster

40 Yard Dumpster

40 Yard Dumpster Weight Limit:

A 40 yard container typically holds 5-6 tons, or 10,000-12,000 pounds.

Household Debris Examples:

  • 100-240 13-gallon trash bags
  • 10,000 pounds of loose yard waste
  • 6,000-9,000 square feet of carpeting

Construction Debris Examples:

  • 144-188 4x8-feet sheets of drywall
  • 120-192 bundles of roofing shingles
  • 2,500-3,000 square feet of hardwood flooring
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Exact weight limits may vary by location and type of debris.

Tips to Stay Within Your Weight Limit

1. Get the Right Size

We'll help you choose from our range of dumpster sizes to find the best fit for your project, so you won’t have to worry about exceeding your weight limit.

2. Fill It Smartly

Walk heavy items through the bin's swinging door and fill the container evenly. Our team will tell you how high to place your specific debris so you don’t overload the dumpster.

3. Reach Out With Questions

We're here to help. If you have more debris than you anticipated or questions about specific items, our expert team is just a call, text or email away.

Dumpster Weight FAQs

How do we price the weight of your dumpster?

How much does an empty dumpster weigh?

How is your dumpster weight measured?

How do I know what my debris weighs?

How much weight can a roll off truck carry?

More Dumpster Rental Resources

Check out these helpful resources and learn more about the dumpster rental process.