How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size
For most residential projects in Jacksonville, a 15-yard dumpster ($325) is the right choice. It holds 5 pickup truck loads and handles kitchen remodels, roofing tear-offs, and multi-room cleanouts. Choose a 10-yard dumpster ($275) for single-room projects or a 20-yard dumpster ($375) for whole-house cleanouts and construction jobs. When in doubt, size up, since ordering a second dumpster costs more than the $50 difference between sizes.
After 2,000+ deliveries across Jacksonville since 2016, we have seen every type of project. Here is how to choose correctly the first time.
Dumpster Size Comparison Table
| Specification | 10-Yard | 15-Yard | 20-Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $325 | $375 |
| Dimensions | 12' x 7.5' x 3.6' | 14' x 7.5' x 4.5' | 14' x 7.5' x 5.8' |
| Capacity | 10 cubic yards | 15 cubic yards | 20 cubic yards |
| Truck Loads | 3 pickup loads | 5 pickup loads | 7 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs) | 2 tons (4,000 lbs) | 2 tons (4,000 lbs) |
| Rental Period | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Best For | Small cleanouts, garage | Roofing, remodels | Whole-house, construction |
All prices include delivery, pickup, rental period, and disposal. No hidden fees.
10-Yard Dumpster - $275
Dimensions: 12 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 3.6 feet high
Capacity: 10 cubic yards (approximately 3 pickup truck loads)
Weight Limit: Up to 3,000 pounds (1.5 tons)
Ideal Projects:
The 10-yard dumpster is our most compact option, making it perfect for Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach homes with smaller driveways. At only 3.6 feet tall, it is easy to load without lifting items over your head.
15-Yard Dumpster - $325
Dimensions: 14 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 4.5 feet high
Capacity: 15 cubic yards (approximately 5 pickup truck loads)
Weight Limit: Up to 4,000 pounds (2 tons)
Ideal Projects:
The 15-yard dumpster is our most popular size in Jacksonville. It provides significantly more capacity than the 10-yard while still fitting in most residential driveways. Perfect for projects in Riverside, San Marco, and other established Jacksonville neighborhoods.
20-Yard Dumpster
Dimensions: 14 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 5.8 feet high
Capacity: 20 cubic yards (approximately 7 pickup truck loads)
Weight Limit: Up to 4,000 pounds (2 tons)
Price: $375 flat rate for maximum capacity
Ideal Projects:
The 20-yard dumpster handles the biggest residential projects. Popular in Clay County and St. Johns County where larger properties are common.
How to Estimate Your Debris Volume
Method 1: The Room Count
For cleanout projects, use this rough guide:
Method 2: The Pickup Truck Comparison
If you have ever loaded a pickup truck with debris, use this conversion:
Method 3: Square Footage for Roofing
For roofing projects, base your choice on roof size:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Going Too Small
The most common mistake is underestimating debris volume. Once a dumpster is full, you will need to pay for a swap or haul-away and get a second dumpster. This costs more than renting the larger size from the start.
Tip: When in doubt, go one size up. The price difference is usually less than the cost of a second dumpster.
Ignoring Weight Limits
Cubic yard capacity and weight limits are different constraints. Heavy materials like concrete, dirt, roofing shingles, and drywall can hit weight limits before filling the container.
Heavy Material Guidelines:
Forgetting About Access
Make sure the dumpster you choose will fit in your delivery location:
Frequently Asked Questions
For a single room, use a 10-yard dumpster ($275). For 2-3 rooms, the 15-yard dumpster ($325) is the best fit. For a whole-house or estate cleanout, choose the 20-yard dumpster ($375).
A 15-yard dumpster handles most residential roofing projects up to 2,500 sq ft. Roofing shingles are heavy, so the 2-ton weight limit is more important than the cubic yard capacity. For roofs over 2,500 sq ft or multi-layer tear-offs, use a 20-yard dumpster or ask about swap-outs.
The 15-yard and 20-yard dumpsters share the same 14' x 7.5' footprint. The 20-yard has taller walls (5.8' vs. 4.5'), giving it 33% more capacity for only $50 more. Both include a 2-ton weight limit. If you are debating between the two, the 20-yard is the safer choice.
Yes, but be careful with weight limits. Concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot and can exceed weight limits quickly. For concrete-only loads, call us at (904) 240-5598 for heavy debris pricing.
When to Call Us
Still not sure which size you need? Call 904 Dumpster at (904) 240-5598. We will recommend the right size based on 10 years of experience with Jacksonville projects. We would rather help you choose correctly than have you pay for the wrong size.
Before loading your dumpster, review our guide on prohibited items to ensure smooth disposal. And if you are unsure about permit requirements, we can help with that too.
We deliver same-day throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra. Book online or call (904) 240-5598.