Dumpster Weights & Dimensions
Complete specifications for 15, 20, and 30 yard roll-off dumpsters including empty weights, dimensions, and capacity limits.
Dumpster Weight & Size Guide
Understanding dumpster weights and dimensions helps you choose the right size and plan for load limits on your Utah project.
| Dumpster Size | Dimensions (L×W×H) | Empty Weight | Max Load Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Yard Dumpster | 16' × 7' × 4' | 3,500 - 4,000 lbs | 15,000 - 20,000 lbs | 15 cubic yards |
| 20 Yard Dumpster | 16' × 7' × 6' | 4,000 - 4,500 lbs | 20,000 - 25,000 lbs | 20 cubic yards |
| 30 Yard Dumpster | 22' × 7' × 6' | 5,000 - 5,500 lbs | 25,000 - 30,000 lbs | 30 cubic yards |
How Much Does a Dumpster Weigh Empty?
15 Yard Dumpster Weight
An empty 15 yard dumpster weighs between 3,500-4,000 pounds. This is the tare weight before any debris is added.
- • Empty weight: ~3,750 lbs average
- • Steel construction
- • Smallest roll-off option
- • Best for light materials
20 Yard Dumpster Weight
How much does a 20 yard dumpster weigh empty? Between 4,000-4,500 pounds, making it our most popular size.
- • Empty weight: ~4,250 lbs average
- • Most popular size
- • Great for mixed materials
- • Ideal for renovations
30 Yard Dumpster Weight
The largest dumpster weighs 5,000-5,500 pounds empty, with the highest capacity for big projects.
- • Empty weight: ~5,250 lbs average
- • Largest option available
- • Commercial projects
- • Major cleanouts
Roll-Off Dumpster Dimensions Explained
Roll-off dumpster dimensions are standardized across the industry, but understanding the specifics helps with placement planning and load management:
15 Yard Dumpster Dimensions
At 16 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 4 feet high, the 15-yard is perfect for driveways and smaller spaces. The compact height makes loading easier while still providing 15 cubic yards of capacity.
20 Yard Dumpster Dimensions
The 20-yard shares the same 16' × 7' footprint as the 15-yard but adds 2 feet in height (6 feet total). This extra vertical space significantly increases capacity while maintaining the same ground footprint.
30 Yard Dumpster Dimensions
Our largest option measures 22' × 7' × 6', adding 6 feet of length compared to smaller sizes. The longer profile provides 30 cubic yards while maintaining a manageable 6-foot height.
Weight Capacity vs. Volume Capacity
Understanding the difference between weight limits and volume capacity is crucial:
Important: You may reach the weight limit before filling the container to capacity, especially with heavy materials like concrete, dirt, or roofing shingles.
Material Weight Guidelines
Different materials have vastly different weights per cubic yard:
- Household debris: 150-300 lbs per cubic yard
- Construction debris: 300-600 lbs per cubic yard
- Roofing shingles: 2,000-4,000 lbs per cubic yard
- Concrete/asphalt: 3,000-4,000 lbs per cubic yard
- Dirt/soil: 2,200-2,700 lbs per cubic yard
How Much Does an Empty Dumpster Weigh?
The empty weight (tare weight) of roll-off dumpsters varies by manufacturer and construction, but here are the typical ranges:
- 15 yard dumpster empty weight: 3,500 - 4,000 lbs
- 20 yard dumpster empty weight: 4,000 - 4,500 lbs
- 30 yard dumpster empty weight: 5,000 - 5,500 lbs
These weights are automatically deducted when we weigh your load at the disposal facility, so you only pay for your actual debris weight at $55/ton.
Choosing the Right Size
Consider both volume and weight when selecting your dumpster size:
- Light, bulky materials: Focus on volume capacity
- Heavy materials: Consider weight limits first
- Mixed loads: Balance both factors
- Space constraints: Check dimensions for placement
Need help choosing the right size? Call us at (801) 918-6000 and describe your project. We'll recommend the perfect dumpster size for your Utah project.
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