20 Yard Dumpster Rentals
The versatile solution for medium to large residential and commercial projects. Perfect for renovations, construction, and cleanouts.

- Dimensions
20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 4.5 feet high
- Weight Capacity
3 tons (6,000 pounds)
- Volume
20 cubic yards (approximately 540 cubic feet)
- Typical Locations
Large residential projects, medium commercial sites, construction projects
Common Uses for 20 Yard Dumpsters
A 20 yard dumpster provides excellent capacity for a wide range of medium to large projects:
Home Renovations
Whole house renovations, large kitchen or bathroom remodels
Construction Projects
New home construction, additions, deck or garage builds
Roofing Projects
Complete roof replacements, large repairs, multi-layer removals
Property Cleanouts
Estate cleanouts, foreclosure cleanups, hoarding situations
Commercial Projects
Office renovations, retail remodels, restaurant updates
Landscape Overhauls
Major yard redesigns, tree removal, hardscape installation
What Can & Cannot Go in a 20 Yard Dumpster
Acceptable Items
- Construction Debris
- Household Junk
- Furniture
- Appliances (non-refrigerant)
- Carpeting
- Yard Waste
- Wood & Lumber
- Flooring Materials
- Roofing Materials
- General Trash
Prohibited Items
- Hazardous Waste
- Paint & Solvents
- Oils & Fuels
- Batteries
- Tires
- Appliances with Freon
- Electronics
- Medical Waste
- Asbestos
- Propane Tanks
Note: Regulations may vary by location. Always confirm acceptable items with your dumpster rental provider, as disposal of prohibited items can result in additional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20 yard dumpster rental cost?
The cost of renting a 20 yard dumpster typically ranges from $450 to $650, depending on your location, rental duration, and weight allowance. Most haulers inlude between 1-3 tons of weight in the rental price.
What can fit in a 20 yard dumpster?
A 20 yard dumpster can hold approximately 20 cubic yards of material, which equates to roughly 6 pickup truck loads. This capacity makes it ideal for medium to large projects. To provide perspective, a 20 yard container can typically accommodate: (1) The debris from a complete kitchen and bathroom renovation; (2) Roofing materials from a 3,000 square foot roof replacement; (3) The junk from a whole-house cleanout of a 2,000-3,000 square foot home; (4) Construction waste from a 500-700 square foot room addition; (5) Between 100-120 standard 33-gallon trash bags of debris. The container's dimensions (typically 20' long × 8' wide × 4.5' high) provide ample space for bulky items like furniture, appliances, or large amounts of construction debris. When loading heavy materials like concrete, dirt, or brick, be mindful of the weight limitations, as you may reach the weight capacity before filling the entire volume of the container. For optimal use, distribute weight evenly and break down larger items when possible.
Do I need a permit for a 20 yard dumpster?
Permit requirements for 20 yard dumpsters vary by location and placement situation. If the dumpster will be placed entirely on your private property (such as a driveway, yard, or private lot), permits are typically not required in most municipalities. However, if the dumpster needs to be placed on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, a permit is almost always necessary. These permits are usually obtained from your local public works department, transportation department, or building services division. The permit application process generally requires information about the container size, placement location, and rental duration. Permit fees range from approximately $25 to $100 depending on your location, with processing times typically between 1-5 business days. Some neighborhoods with Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have additional approval requirements regardless of container placement. Many dumpster rental companies offer assistance with the permitting process, either by providing guidance or handling the application directly (sometimes for an additional fee). Always verify local requirements before scheduling delivery, as unauthorized placement can result in fines or having the container removed.
Ready to Rent a 20 Yard Dumpster?
Enter your ZIP code to find local providers offering 20 yard dumpsters for your renovation, construction, or cleanup project.