The Most Common Size Dumpster Rentals & Accepted Materials

When folks call us at S&A Container Service, one of the first questions they usually ask us is, “What size dumpster do I need?” It’s a great question—and the answer really depends on the type and size of your project. Our roll-off dumpsters come in a range of sizes, and we always try to match you with the right one so you’re not paying for space you don’t need—or worse, running out of room halfway through the job.

1. Our smallest option is the mini dumpster, but the 10-yard dumpster which is perfect for low volume cleanouts, light home renovation work, or quick landscaping jobs. Think of it like the equivalent of about 3 pickup truck loads. It’s compact—roughly 10 feet long and 3.5 feet high—so it fits nicely in tighter driveways.

2. Next up is our 15-yard dumpster. This one works well for mid-size projects like attic or basement cleanouts or small remodels. It’s a bit longer at 16 feet and gives you a little more breathing room without taking up a ton of space.

3. The 20-yard dumpster is what a lot of customers go with. It’s a solid middle-ground option that can handle everything from bathroom renovations to larger landscaping jobs. At about 22 feet long and 4.5 feet tall, it holds roughly 6 pickup loads of debris, making it super versatile.

4. For bigger projects, like a full home remodel or new construction, our 30-yard dumpster is the way to go. It’s still 22 feet long but stands 6 feet tall, so it can handle a serious amount of waste—ideal for large renovations or even roof replacements.

5. And when you’re dealing with the really big stuff—demolition work, commercial cleanouts, or major construction jobs—we’ve got the 40-yard dumpster. It’s our largest option, holding about 12 pickup loads worth of debris. At 8 feet tall, it’s a beast—and we’ve got the trucks to handle it.

If you’re ever unsure what size is best, just give us a shout. We’ll help you figure it out based on what you’re working on. That’s what we’re here for.

(Sizes can vary slightly depending on the provider, but these are typical options for residential and commercial projects.)

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What Household Items Fit in the 10 Yard & 15 Yard Dumpsters?

At S&A Container Service, we get it—picking the right dumpster size can feel like a bit of a guessing game. So, let me break it down for you in plain terms, based on the kinds of cleanouts and projects we see every day here in Long Island.

10-Yard Dumpster Rental

You can fit:

• A few small-to-medium furniture pieces—think a couch, a couple of chairs, maybe a dining set.

• Some small appliances like a microwave or even a washer.

• Several boxes of household items—books, clothes, old toys, kitchenware.

• Small electronics like a TV or computer.

• Yard waste like branches, leaves, or a few bags of grass clippings.

• Light remodeling debris—tiles, flooring, or drywall from a single room redo.

If you’re just dipping your toes into a home project or cleaning out the garage, this one does the trick.

15-Yard Dumpster Rental

You can toss in:

• Larger furniture or more pieces—sectionals, mattresses, big dining sets.

• Bigger appliances, like a fridge or oven.

• Heavier loads of boxes and bulkier items during a full attic or garage cleanout.

• Larger TVs or home office electronics.

• A bigger pile of yard waste—tree limbs, soil, even some stump pieces.

• Construction debris from a kitchen or bath remodel—cabinets, counters, drywall, you name it.

This one’s solid if you’re in that “this is turning into more than I expected” zone. You know the one.

20 & 30-Yard Dumpsters: Built for Bigger Jobs

20-Yard Dumpster Rental

The 20-yarder is the sweet spot for mid-sized projects. It holds around 6 pickup truck loads and gives you a lot of space without being overwhelming.

Here’s what it handles:

• Plenty of construction debris like drywall, plaster, old flooring, doors, and windows.

• Kitchen or bath demo leftovers like cabinets, countertops, sinks—you name it.

• A few squares of roofing material or heavier scraps like wood and trim.

• Moderate piles of demolition debris—bricks, scrap metal, siding.

• Yard and landscaping materials like soil, sod, shrubs, or small tree limbs.

It’s kind of the “Goldilocks” of dumpsters—not too small, not too big, just right for a wide range of jobs.

30-Yard Dumpster Rental

Now we’re talking heavy duty. The 30-yard dumpster is our big guy—it holds about 9 pickup truck loads and is made for major projects.

Perfect for:

• Large quantities of construction debris—subflooring, structural wood, even full-room tear-outs.

• Bigger remodels where you’re pulling out tubs, cabinets, and tearing down walls.

• Large roofing jobs—up to 90–100 squares of asphalt shingles.

• Serious demolition waste like concrete, stone, brick, and metal.

• Full-scale outdoor cleanups—tree trunks, decks, fences, patios, and even the remains of that old shed you’ve been meaning to knock down.

If you’re deep into a build, reno, or teardown and don’t want to stop every two seconds to make room, this one’s your best friend.

Learn more about pricing by dumpster size:

• Everything You Need to Know About 15 Yard Dumpster Rentals
• Mini Dumpster Rental Uses & Pricing in Queens, NY
• How Much Do Big Dumpster Rentals Cost in Long Island?
• What do Small Dumpster Rentals Cost in Long Island?

Long Island Regulations on Items Permitted in Dumpster Rentals

When renting a dumpster on Long Island, it’s essential to adhere to local regulations – which vary by town- regarding acceptable and prohibited items to ensure safe and environmentally responsible disposal.

Prohibited Items:

The following materials are generally prohibited in dumpster rentals across Long Island:

• Hazardous Materials:
  • Chemicals, pesticides, pool chemicals, and other toxic substances.
  • Flammable or explosive materials, including gasoline, diesel, oils, and propane tanks.
  • Asbestos-containing materials.
  • Batteries (e.g., lead-acid or lithium).
  • Paints, stains, lacquers, and solvents.
  • Medical waste, including needles and sharps.

• Appliances:
  • Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners due to refrigerant gases.
• Tires and Mattresses:
  • Tires and mattresses are typically not accepted in dumpsters.
• Electronics:
  • Electronics such as TVs, computers, and printers are generally prohibited due to e-waste regulations.
• Other Prohibited Items:
  • Contaminated soil.
  • Hot water tanks.
  • Burning or smoldering materials.

Acceptable Items:

While specific regulations will vary by municipality, the following items are generally accepted in dumpsters on Long Island:

• Construction and Demolition Debris:
  • Wood, tiles, drywall, and other clean materials from construction projects.
  • Concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, and dirt in small quantities.
  • Roofing shingles.

• Yard Waste:
  • Branches, shrubs, and other landscape waste.
• General Household Items:
  • Furniture.
  • Paper products.
  • General household garbage.

Learn more about permissible items here.

Important Considerations:

• Weight Limits: Be aware of weight limits for your dumpster size, especially when disposing of heavy materials like concrete or dirt.
• Special Disposal: For prohibited items, such as hazardous materials or electronics, seek out designated disposal facilities or community collection events.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to environmental protection and ensure compliance with local laws. To learn more about which dumpster rental is right for your next project, contact Long Island’s S&A Container.