What size dumpster is rented the most?
Choosing the right dumpster size can save you time, space, and money. When looking into Boston dumpster rental options, many people ask: “Which size do most people rent?”
The most commonly rented dumpster size is the 20 yard dumpster.
It offers a good balance of space and cost. For homeowners, contractors, and landlords across Boston, the 20 yard container is versatile enough to handle most small-to-medium projects.
Here’s what you need to know about dumpster sizes and which one may work best for your project.
What can a 15 yard dumpster hold?
A 15 yard dumpster is a solid middle-ground option.
Size and dimensions:
- Typically 16 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 4.5 feet high
- Holds about 4.5 pickup truck loads of waste
Best for:
- Small renovations
- Yard cleanups
- Roofing projects
- Basement or attic decluttering
What it fits:
- Old furniture and appliances
- Broken fencing
- Drywall and flooring debris
- Roofing shingles (around 2,500–3,000 sq. ft. of single-layer shingles)
If you live in an older Boston neighborhood with tight driveways, a 15 yard dumpster might also be easier to maneuver onto your property.
Is it the most rented?
Not quite. It’s popular, but most renters find they either need a little less or a little more space.
Should I get a 20 or 30 yard dumpster?
This is a common question for large cleanouts or home projects.
Here’s how to decide between them.
20 Yard Dumpster
Dimensions:
- About 22 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 4.5 feet high
- Holds 6 pickup truck loads
Ideal for:
- Home remodels
- Garage cleanouts
- Siding and window replacements
- Large furniture disposal
Why it's the most rented:
- Big enough for most home jobs
- Easy to fit in driveways
- More affordable than the 30 yard option
30 Yard Dumpster
Dimensions:
- Roughly 22 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 6 feet high
- Holds 9 pickup truck loads
Best for:
- Major renovations
- Whole-home cleanouts
- Commercial or multi-unit building waste
- Demolition debris
Why you might skip it:
- It’s taller, which can make tossing heavy debris over the edge more difficult
- May not fit well in smaller residential spaces
If you’re doing a heavy job like a multi-room remodel or have a short timeline, the 30 yard dumpster could be worth it.
But for most dumpster rental Boston projects, the 20 yard hits the sweet spot.
Call Paul's team for more details.
How much can I fit in a 10 yard dumpster?
If your project is small, a 10 yard dumpster might be all you need.
Size and dimensions:
- About 14 feet long x 7.5 feet wide x 3.5 feet high
- Holds about 3 pickup truck loads
Good for:
- Bathroom or small kitchen remodels
- Garage cleanouts
- Dirt or concrete
- Roof tear-offs (1,500 sq. ft. of shingles max)
What fits inside:
- A few pieces of bulky furniture
- Drywall and tile from one room
- Yard debris like branches and soil
Watch out for weight limits.
This smaller size can get overloaded fast if you’re tossing heavy materials.
Also, for many homeowners in Boston, space can be tight. The 10 yard dumpster is great for tight urban lots or alleys.
But it’s rarely the most rented, simply because most people underestimate how much waste they’ll create. If you’re torn between a 10 and 15 yard, it’s usually safer to size up.
What is the most commonly used roll off dumpster?
The answer is clear: the 20 yard roll off dumpster is the most commonly used.
Why?
- It handles diverse jobs — from spring cleaning to kitchen remodels.
- Fits most driveways in the Boston area, including tighter urban zones.
- Affordable pricing — lower cost per yard compared to smaller units.
- Minimizes risk — you’re less likely to run out of space midway through.
Typical use cases for a 20 yard roll off dumpster:
- Moving out of a family home
- Flood or fire restoration
- New roof installation
- Landscaping overhauls
- Estate cleanouts
If you’re booking a Boston dumpster rental for a standard household project, this is the go-to size.
Pro tip: Always confirm the container’s dimensions with your local provider. Not every 20 yard dumpster is the same size down to the inch, and you want to be sure it fits your location.
Quick comparison chart: Dumpster sizes and uses
Dumpster Size | Volume (cubic yards) | Pickup Loads | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
10 Yard | 10 | 3 | Small remodels, dirt, minor cleanups |
15 Yard | 15 | 4.5 | Medium cleanouts, roofing, yard work |
20 Yard | 20 | 6 | Most home projects, renovations |
30 Yard | 30 | 9 | Large remodels, commercial use |
How to choose the right size for your Boston dumpster rental
Ask yourself:
- What type of waste will I be throwing out?
- How long will my project take?
- Do I have space on-site for a larger dumpster?
- Will it be mostly bulky items or dense, heavy debris?
For most residential needs in Boston, the 20 yard size delivers the best mix of capacity and cost.
If you’re still unsure, it’s smart to call a pro at Paul's Rubbish Removal and Demolition and talk through your project. A good vendor will help you avoid under- or over-ordering.
Final thoughts
The 20 yard dumpster is the most rented size across the Boston dumpster rental market — and for good reason. It works well for most jobs, offers ample room, and doesn’t take up too much space.
Still, every project is different.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Go 10 yard for tight spaces or minor jobs
- Choose 15 yard for medium cleanups or roofing
- Pick 20 yard for almost any home project
- Use 30 yard for major remodels or commercial jobs
A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, go one size up. It's usually cheaper than needing a second dumpster halfway through your job.
Call Paul's Rubbish Removal and Demolition and book your dumpster today!



GET YOUR JUNK REMOVED TODAY!
Enter the form below, or give us a quick call at
857-567-9676 and we will get back with you in 15 minutes!