What Size Dumpster Do I Need? A Hampton Roads Guide

Quick answer by project

For most homes in Chesapeake and across Hampton Roads, the 20 yard is the place to start. It is our most popular size and handles renovations, roofing tear-offs, large yard cleanups and estate cleanouts, while still fitting many driveways. A 10 yard suits bathroom remodels, small roofing jobs and shingle tear-offs, garage or small attic cleanouts, and yard debris. A 15 yard suits medium renovations, flooring and drywall removal, deck or porch removal and single-room remodels.

The 30 yard is for whole-house cleanouts, large renovations, new construction and demolition debris. The 40 yard is for major construction, commercial and industrial cleanups and large estate or warehouse clearances. Not sure? Call (757) 844-5926 and we will help you choose.

The five sizes side by side

Roll-off sizes are measured by volume, in cubic yards. Pickup truck loads are the easiest way to picture the space, and the typical weight limit is the other half of the picture.

Dimensions are approximate, and where our pages differ we show a range. Most people under-count the pile. Walk the house or the job before you call, estimate the pile in pickup loads, and allow for bulky items. If you are between two sizes and the debris is light, the larger size usually saves a second haul. If it is heavy, talk to us first.

Weight, not just volume

Every size has a typical weight allowance: 2 to 3 tons on a 10 or 15 yard, 3 to 4 on a 20, 4 to 5 on a 30 and 5 to 6 on a 40, depending on the debris. Furniture and household junk fill the box before they reach the weight limit. Concrete, dirt, brick, asphalt, tile and shingles reach it first. Going over the allowance can bring extra charges, since our terms list excess weight among them, so we help you estimate the load before you fill the box.

Measure the drop spot

The driveway is the usual spot. Check the length first: about 12 feet for a 10 yard, about 14 feet for a 15, and about 22 feet for the 20, 30 and 40 yard, all about 8 feet wide. Keep the access clear for the truck and move vehicles out of the way. Our drivers are trained for tight and narrow driveways, so tell us about tight access, a shared lot or a steep drive when you call. Protective boards are available on request; ask us when you book.

If the box has to sit on a public street or right-of-way, a permit or consent may be needed, and we check the City's rules before booking. In Chesapeake, the City's Portable Storage Containers page sets limits for containers on a residential lot, but does not say which apply to a dumpster, so we check the City's rules before booking. The permit guide covers each city and county. A state highway is never an option.

Five ways to get the size right

1. Estimate the debris before you call. Count rooms or pickup loads, or tell us what is coming out, such as a roof, a kitchen or a basement.
2. Allow for bulky items. Furniture and cabinets take more room than they weigh, so break down large pieces before loading.
3. Ask about weight, not just size. Concrete, dirt, brick, asphalt, tile and shingles are heavy. Keep them separate and plan the weight with us.
4. Keep heavy and light debris apart where you can. Keep yard waste on its own when you have a lot of it.
5. Call early in the day. We offer same-day or next-day delivery when availability allows, and if you call before noon we can often deliver within hours.

Price, rental length and changing your size

Typical rentals in Chesapeake range from $295 to $695, depending on size, debris, location and rental length, with no hidden fees. Our standard rental includes up to 7 days, unless otherwise arranged. Need longer? Extensions are available on request and may carry daily or weekly fees. Need more space mid-job? We can swap the bin, and contractors can ask about emailed invoices and monthly billing.

Where to start

Describe the job on the phone: the materials, the scope and the timeline. We will recommend a size, and if the job grows we can swap the bin. Call (757) 844-5926. The phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.