What Size Dumpster Do I Need? A Buffalo Homeowner’s Guide
Picking the wrong size is the most common dumpster mistake. Too small means a second delivery. Too large means paying for space you do not use. This guide matches each size to real Buffalo projects.
The Four Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Included weight | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12 ft L x 8 ft W x 3.5 ft H | 1-2 tons | Garage, attic, one-room cleanouts, small bathroom demos |
| 20 yard | 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 4.5 ft H | 2-4 tons | Whole-home cleanouts, kitchen remodels, roof tear-offs |
| 30 yard | 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 6 ft H | 3-5 tons | Large remodels, estate cleanouts, small commercial jobs |
| 40 yard | 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 8 ft H | 4-6 tons | New construction, major demolition, commercial buildouts |
Think in Pickup Loads
A common rule of thumb is that a 10-yard holds about three pickup loads, a 20-yard about six and a 30-yard about nine. It is a rough guide, so check it against the actual container.
Weight Beats Volume for Heavy Material
Concrete, brick, block, dirt and shingles are heavy. A cubic yard of concrete can weigh around 2 tons, so a container can reach its weight allowance long before it looks full. Tell your dumpster company what you are loading.
Older Buffalo Homes Weigh More
The median Buffalo home was built in 1938. Plaster, lath, old lumber and masonry weigh more than modern materials, so an old-house gut job can need a bigger weight allowance than the same room in a newer home. See our guide to older-home renovations.
Will It Fit?
The 10-yard is 12 feet long, and the larger sizes are 22 feet long, so measure your driveway and check for wires and branches. If the container must go on the street, you need a city permit. Read our permit guide.
Project Examples
- Garage or attic cleanout: a 10-yard.
- Small bathroom demo: a 10-yard if the walls are not plaster.
- Kitchen remodel: a 20-yard.
- Roof tear-off: a 20-yard, depending on the roof size and the number of layers.
- Basement cleanout: a 20-yard, or a 10-yard for a lighter load.
- Whole-house cleanout or estate cleanout: a 30-yard.
- New build or major demolition: a 40-yard, or two containers.
When Two Containers Beat One
If part of the load is dense, such as concrete or dirt, and part is bulky, such as furniture, it can make sense to use two containers. Dense material fills the weight allowance fast, and bulky material fills the space fast. Ask the company how to split the load.
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Choosing by price alone and ending up with a second rental.
- Ignoring weight when loading concrete, brick or shingles.
- Forgetting that older homes have heavier materials.
- Not measuring the driveway before choosing a 22-foot container.
If you are still stuck, call (716) 415-6801 and describe the project. We will help you size it.