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Debris tonnage calculator

See how heavy your debris could be before choosing a dumpster. Start with an example, then adjust the numbers for your project.

  1. 1. Estimate the spaceEnter cubic yards of debris. Measure a pile if you are unsure.
  2. 2. Choose a weight factorTry an example or use a figure for your actual material.
  3. 3. Review the estimateUse the result to discuss a container and loading plan with us.
Start with an example

Each example uses 2 cubic yards so you can see how the material changes the weight. That is the volume of a pile 6 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet high.

Dirt / topsoil

2 yd³ × 2,000 lb per yd³

About 2 US tons

4,000 pounds of debris

A topsoil example. Wet soil, clay and rocks can change the weight considerably.

Topsoil supplier reference

Broken bricks

2 yd³ × 1,400 lb per yd³

About 1.4 US tons

2,800 pounds of debris

Loose, broken brick. Whole bricks stacked on pallets use a different factor.

County of Lake conversion sheet

General trash

2 yd³ × 300 lb per yd³

About 0.3 US tons

600 pounds of debris

Loose mixed trash: this example uses the upper end of EPA’s 250–300 lb/yd³ reference. Furniture or dense debris may differ.

EPA conversion factors, page 5

Drywall debris

2 yd³ × 500 lb per yd³

About 0.5 US tons

1,000 pounds of debris

Removed drywall measured as a pile. Other demolition materials need their own estimate.

County of Lake conversion sheet

These published reference factors are examples, not measured weights for your load. Moisture, packing and mixed materials change the result. Confirm material acceptance and loading limits with Icon before booking.

Calculate your estimate

Try an example above, or enter your own volume and material weight below.

Enter your volume and material weight per cubic yard to calculate.

How to convert cubic yards to tons

Multiply cubic yards by pounds per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000 for US short tons. For an arithmetic example only, 4 cubic yards at an entered 500 pounds per cubic yard gives 2,000 pounds, or 1 US ton. The 500-pound figure is not a recommended density for any particular material.

If your source gives pounds per cubic foot, multiply that figure by 27 before entering it here. Use a density for loose material when measuring a loose pile; a solid slab's density does not describe a pile containing gaps. Estimate different materials separately and add their weights.

Need a volume estimate first? Use the pile volume calculator. For a slab or shingle tear-off, use the concrete calculator or roofing calculator. Without a reliable material weight, share your project details instead of guessing.

US short tons differ from metric tonnes. Unit definitions: NIST conversion tables.

Four different weights, explained

  • Empty or tare weight: the container itself, without debris. Container construction and equipment affect this figure; cubic-yard size alone cannot establish it.
  • Debris weight: the waste being removed. This is what the calculator estimates; it does not include the container or truck.
  • Included disposal weight: the allowance in your rental price. Exceeding it may add charges; it is not the maximum permitted load. Compare published pricing and use the quoted-cost calculator.
  • Permitted load: the loading limit confirmed for your container, material and haul. An estimate never authorizes a fill level or load weight.

How much does an empty 15-, 20- or 30-yard dumpster weigh?

We do not publish a verified empty weight for these containers yet. Ask for the specification of the actual container assigned to your job if you need tare weight. Do not use the included disposal allowance or a debris-weight estimate as its empty weight.

Compare container dimensions

Understanding dumpster weights and dimensions helps you choose the right size and plan for your Utah project. Below are specifications for 10, 15, 20, and 30 yard roll-off dumpsters.

Dumpster Size Dimensions (L×W×H) Capacity Best For
10 Yard Concrete Dumpster 16' × 8' × 3' 10 cubic yards Concrete, dirt, brick, and small heavy loads
15 Yard Dumpster 16' × 8' × 5' 15 cubic yards Garage cleanouts and small remodeling projects
20 Yard Dumpster 14' × 8' × 6' 20 cubic yards Renovations, roofing, and mid-size construction
30 Yard Dumpster 18' × 8' × 8' 30 cubic yards Large construction, demolition, and full cleanouts

Roll-Off Dumpster Measurements

10 Yard Concrete Dumpster

Measures 16' long × 8' wide × 3' high.

15 Yard Dumpster

Measures 16' long × 8' wide × 5' high.

20 Yard Dumpster

Measures 14' long × 8' wide × 6' high.

30 Yard Dumpster

Measures 18' long × 8' wide × 8' high.

Dimensions vs. Capacity

Dumpster dimensions tell you how much physical space a container will take up in a driveway or jobsite, while cubic yard capacity gives you a better idea of how much debris it can hold.

General Material Guidance

  • 10 yard: better for concrete, dirt, brick, and smaller heavy loads
  • 15 yard: good for household junk, garage cleanouts, and smaller remodels
  • 20 yard: a strong fit for roofing, renovations, and mid-size jobs
  • 30 yard: best for large cleanouts, bulky debris, and bigger construction work

Need Help Choosing a Dumpster Size?

If you are comparing which size makes the most sense for your project rather than just looking at measurements, visit our dumpster sizes page.

Detailed Size Pages

Dumpster Dimensions FAQ

How big is a 20 yard dumpster?

A 20 yard dumpster measures approximately 14' long × 8' wide × 6' high.

How big is a 15 yard dumpster?

A 15 yard dumpster measures approximately 16' long × 8' wide × 5' high.

What is the largest dumpster available?

Our 30 yard dumpster is the largest size available and is ideal for larger cleanouts, demolition, and construction debris.

Need a Dumpster Rental in the Wasatch Front?

Tell our local team about your project, delivery address and timing. We’ll help you compare sizes and confirm current availability.

Get Pricing & Availability Call (801) 918-6000