"What size dumpster do I need?" is the most common question we hear from Atlanta homeowners and contractors — and it's the right one to ask. Order too small and you're paying for a second haul. Order too big and you're paying for air.
This guide breaks down the three roll-off dumpster sizes we rent across metro Atlanta — 10, 20, and 30 yards — with real project examples, a quick-reference chart, and the weight and placement rules that trip people up.
The quick answer: dumpster size chart
Match your project to a size, then read on for the details:
| Project | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Garage or attic cleanout | 10-yard |
| Furniture from a whole house | 20-yard |
| Kitchen or bath remodel | 20-yard |
| Roof replacement | 20-yard (30-yard for large roofs) |
| Deck or fence removal | 10-yard |
| Estate or hoarding cleanout | 20- or 30-yard |
| New construction or demolition | 30-yard |
| Warehouse or office cleanout | 30-yard |
Dumpster sizes, explained
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards — the volume of debris they hold. Here's what each size actually handles on real Atlanta projects:
10-yard dumpster
Garage cleanoutsBest for: Garage cleanouts, small remodels, yard debris
The right fit for a one- or two-car garage cleanout, a small bathroom refresh, fence or deck tear-down, or a big yard-debris pile. Holds roughly 3–4 pickup-truck loads.
20-yard dumpster
Kitchen or bath renovationsBest for: Kitchen or bath renovations, estate cleanouts, roofing
Our most popular size. Handles a full kitchen renovation, a whole-home estate or move-out cleanout, flooring for a mid-size home, or most residential roofing jobs. Holds roughly 6–8 pickup-truck loads.
30-yard dumpster
ConstructionBest for: Construction, commercial projects, large cleanouts
Built for new construction, demolition debris, multi-room renovations, warehouse and dock cleanouts, and tenant turnovers. Holds roughly 9–12 pickup-truck loads.
Signs you should size up
When in doubt, go one size bigger. The price difference between sizes is almost always smaller than the cost of a second rental or an overage fee. Size up if any of these sound like your project:
- You're clearing more than one room or structure at once
- The pile includes bulky furniture like sectionals, mattresses, or appliances
- You're doing demolition — debris always takes more space than the finished material did
- Your project runs more than a few days and debris keeps growing
Volume isn't everything: watch the weight
Every dumpster rental includes a weight allowance, and heavy materials hit that limit long before the container looks full. Shingles, concrete, dirt, brick, and plaster are the usual suspects. A 20-yard dumpster of household junk and a 20-yard dumpster of roofing shingles are two very different loads.
If your project involves heavy debris, tell us up front — we'll recommend the size and placement that keeps you within the limit and avoids overage charges.
Where will it go? Placement and permits in Atlanta
The easiest spot is your own driveway — flat, paved, and clear of overhead wires. If the dumpster needs to sit on a public street or right-of-way, the City of Atlanta generally requires a right-of-way permit, with placement rules like keeping clear of fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections. Not sure which applies to your address? Ask when you book and we'll help you sort it out.
What can't go in a dumpster
Federal and Georgia law prohibit hazardous materials in roll-off dumpsters. Keep these out:
- Wet paint and solvents
- Motor oil and fuels
- Industrial chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Asbestos
- Batteries (ask about options)
When you don't need a dumpster at all
If your pile is a single item or a small stack — a couch, a mattress, an old refrigerator — a full-service junk removal pickup is usually faster and cheaper than renting a container. Our crew does the lifting, and you pay only for the space your items take in the truck. For big renovations and job sites, the dumpster wins; for a few bulky items, pickup wins.
Renting a dumpster in metro Atlanta
EcoClear Hauling delivers 10, 20, and 30-yard roll-off dumpsters across Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and the surrounding metro — with same-week delivery, flat-rate pricing from $349, and swap-outs for ongoing job sites. We sort every load for recycling to keep as much as possible out of Georgia landfills.
Still not sure which size?
Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the right dumpster — delivered same-week anywhere in metro Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need for a garage cleanout?+
A 10-yard dumpster handles most one- and two-car garage cleanouts, including old furniture, boxes, and yard debris. If you're clearing a garage plus an attic or basement, step up to a 20-yard.
What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen remodel?+
A 20-yard dumpster is the standard choice for a full kitchen or bathroom renovation — cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures. A small half-bath refresh can fit in a 10-yard.
What size dumpster do I need for a roofing job?+
Most residential roof replacements fit in a 20-yard dumpster. Larger roofs or multi-layer tear-offs may need a 30-yard. Shingles are extremely heavy, so weight limits matter more than volume here.
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in Atlanta?+
If the dumpster sits on your private driveway, usually not. If any part of it sits on a public street or right-of-way, the City of Atlanta requires a right-of-way permit. We can help you figure out which applies to your address.
What can't go in a roll-off dumpster?+
Paint, motor oil, chemicals, propane tanks, asbestos, and other hazardous materials are prohibited by law. Tires and batteries often carry special handling rules. Ask us and we'll point you to the right disposal option.
Ready to book? Contact EcoClear Hauling for a flat-rate dumpster quote anywhere in the Atlanta metro area.