When it’s time to rent a dumpster also, called a roll-off container, the hardest part is often choosing which size you need and it is often one of our top FAQs. The good news? Once you understand how dumpsters are measured, it’s easy to picture what each one can hold — and make sure you have enough room for your project’s mess.
At Gregory Roll-Off Containers, we’ve delivered thousands of dumpsters across Medina, Stark, Wayne, Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Portage counties, so we’ve seen just about every type of job there is. Here’s how to figure out what size dumpster is right for yours.
How Dumpster Sizes Work (Without the Math)
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, which is just a way to use math to determine how much stuff fits inside.
Instead of numbers, it helps to think in terms of real-life objects or pickup-truck loads:
- 1 cubic yard = roughly the space of one standard washing machine.
- A 10-yard dumpster fits about 4 pickup-truck loads of debris.
- A 20-yard dumpster fits around 8 pickup-truck loads.
- A 30-yard dumpster holds about 12 pickup-truck loads.
At Gregory Roll-Off Containers, we offer 12-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-yard dumpsters, which cover everything from small home cleanups to major renovation projects.
What Each Dumpster Size Can Handle
Here’s how to visualize what fits in each dumpster, plus some local examples based on common Northeast Ohio projects. You can also check out our Residential Dumpster Rentals page for more ideas on how to use a dumpster.
12-Yard Dumpster – Small Jobs, Quick Cleanouts
About the size of:
4 king-size mattresses or about 5–6 pickup-truck loads.
Perfect for:
- Small garage or attic cleanouts
- Replacing carpet or flooring in a few rooms
- Bathroom remodels
- Yard cleanup after a storm
Example:
You’re in Medina and cleaning out your basement after years of storage buildup — a 12-yard bin will handle it without taking up your whole driveway.
15-Yard Dumpster – Medium-Sized Projects
About the size of:
6–7 pickup-truck loads or enough space for an entire room’s worth of old drywall, flooring, and cabinets.
Perfect for:
- Kitchen or bathroom remodels
- Roofing projects up to 25 squares
- Replacing old furniture or large appliances
Example:
You’re remodeling a small kitchen in Wooster — cabinets, countertops, flooring, maybe some drywall. A 15-yard dumpster gives you breathing room without overpaying.
20-Yard Dumpster – The Most Popular Size
About the size of:
8–10 pickup-truck loads or roughly a full two-car garage’s worth of debris.
Perfect for:
- Whole-home cleanouts
- Deck removals
- Medium construction or renovation projects
- Roofing projects up to 40 squares
Example:
A homeowner in Cuyahoga Falls doing a full first-floor remodel — new flooring, drywall, cabinets, plus old furniture. The 20-yard dumpster is your all-around go-to.
25-Yard Dumpster – Big Jobs Without Needing Two Containers
About the size of:
10–12 pickup-truck loads or about 300 contractor trash bags.
Perfect for:
- Larger home remodels
- Estate cleanouts
- Small commercial renovation projects
- Multi-room cleanups
Example:
You’re a contractor in Brunswick working on a kitchen + master bath renovation. The 25-yard bin keeps you from needing a second pickup.
30-Yard Dumpster – Major Construction or Demolition
About the size of:
12–14 pickup-truck loads or 400+ large trash bags.
Perfect for:
- New home builds
- Full-house demolition
- Commercial construction cleanup
- Large estate or hoarder cleanouts
Example:
A property manager in Akron clearing out an entire rental house — furniture, flooring, drywall, appliances, and yard waste. The 30-yard container gets it done in one trip.
Need Help Deciding? We’ll Guide You.
Still not sure what size you need? That’s totally normal. Just give our local team a call and within a few questions like what kind of project?, How long do you need?, What materials are you’re tossing? they will be able to direct you to choosing the right dumpster.
And if your project grows (it often does) because once you start cleaning up it becomes fun to toss items out for a fresh start, Gregory offers swap-outs. A swapout is when we deliver an empty dumpster and haul away your full one the same day. And if you are done with the dumpster early and want it hauled off we also do early pick-ups for free.
Why Northeast Ohio Contractors & Homeowners Trust Gregory Dumpsters
✅ Fast Delivery: Usually within 24 hours.
✅ Driveway Protection: We use wooden boards to prevent surface damage.
✅ No Surprises: Transparent pricing with included tonnage and clear overage rates.
✅ Local Knowledge: We know the permit rules and driveway access quirks of Medina, Stark, Wayne, Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Portage counties.
Quick Dumpster Sizing Summary
| Size | Fits About | Best For |
| 12-Yard | 4–6 pickup-truck loads | Small cleanouts, yard debris |
| 15-Yard | 6–7 pickup-truck loads | Kitchen/bath remodels |
| 20-Yard | 8–10 pickup-truck loads | Whole-home cleanouts |
| 25-Yard | 10–12 pickup-truck loads | Larger renovations |
| 30-Yard | 12–14 pickup-truck loads | Construction or demolition |
Ready to Pick Your Dumpster Size?
Whether you’re decluttering, renovating, or starting a construction project in Summit County or near by, Gregory Roll-Off Containers can help you find the perfect dumpster for the job — delivered fast.
Request a fast, no-pressure quote now:
👉 Get a Quote Here
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Competitive pricing on all sizes of dumpster rentals – 12, 15, 20, & 25 yard containers are available.