What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen remodel?
A kitchen remodel often needs a 17- or 20-yard dumpster depending on cabinets, flooring, drywall, counters, and fixture debris.
Which Dumpster Size Do I Need? Roll-Off Size Guide
Most homeowners need a 13- or 17-yard dumpster for cleanouts and a 20- or 21-yard dumpster for renovation or construction debris.
Direct Answers
What dumpster size do most homeowners need?
Most homeowners need a 13- or 17-yard dumpster for cleanouts and a 20- or 21-yard dumpster for renovation or construction debris.
When should I size up?
A customer should size up when bulky material, awkward furniture, or multiple rooms may create a second haul.
Can FTH help me choose a size?
FTH Services can help compare the 13, 17, 20, and 21 yard dumpsters before you book.
How to Choose a Dumpster Size in 3 Steps
1. Estimate Volume
Start with how many rooms, piles, or truckloads of debris you expect. Bulky furniture and mattresses take up space quickly even when they are not extremely heavy.
2. Check Weight
Shingles, tile, flooring, wet carpet, drywall, books, and tools can reach the included ton before the container looks full. Heavy material should be planned before delivery.
3. Check Driveway Space
Choose a firm, level placement area with room for the truck, the container, and the rear doors. Keep low limbs, vehicles, soft ground, and narrow gates in mind.
Side-by-Side: 13 vs 17 vs 20 vs 21 Yard
| Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Yard Dumpster | 14 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4 ft high | ≈ 4 pickup loads / 70–90 trash bags | $265 | Best for small cleanup jobs such as garage or attic cleanouts, yard debris, spring cleaning, or decluttering before a move. |
| 17 Yard Dumpster | 14 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 5 ft high | ≈ 6 pickup loads / 110–130 trash bags | $295 | Best for larger home cleanouts, multiple-room renovations, rental turnovers, flooring, cabinets, or light remodeling. |
| 20 Yard Dumpster | 16 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 5 ft high | ≈ 8 pickup loads / 140–160 trash bags | $325 | The longest dumpster we carry at 16 ft, with lower 5 ft walls. Built for heavier debris loaded low and spread out: remodel and demolition debris, roofing tear-offs, and contractor cleanup. We do not accept concrete, dirt, brick, or rock in any dumpster. |
| 21 Yard Dumpster | 14 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 6 ft high | ≈ 9 pickup loads / 160–180 trash bags | $325 | Same floor size as the 13 and 17 but with the tallest 6 ft walls, so it holds the most by volume. Built for bulky, lighter material you pile high: furniture, mattresses, and whole-home cleanouts. |
Dumpster Size by Project Type
Garage Cleanout
A 13- or 17-yard dumpster usually works for garage clutter, boxes, household items, and smaller furniture.
Full-Home Cleanout
A 21-yard dumpster gives more volume for bulky furniture, mattresses, boxes, and whole-home cleanout material.
Remodeling Debris
A 20-yard dumpster is useful for cabinets, flooring, drywall, fixtures, trim, and contractor cleanup.
Roofing Debris
Roofing should be planned by weight first. The 17- and 20-yard dumpsters are common options for shingle tear-offs.
When to Size Up
Sizing up is usually better than needing a second haul. One extra haul, extra scheduling, or a blocked pickup can cost more than selecting the next available size at the start.
Dumpster Size FAQs
What size dumpster do I need for a garage cleanout?
A garage cleanout often fits in a 13- or 17-yard dumpster unless the garage contains bulky furniture, shelving, or years of stored material.
What size dumpster do I need for a roof?
A roofing job often needs a 17- or 20-yard dumpster, but shingle weight, number of layers, and roof size matter more than volume alone.
Can I change sizes after booking?
Dumpster size changes depend on availability and timing, so contact FTH Services as soon as possible if the project scope changes.