Picking a dumpster size is the one part of renting that trips people up. Go too small and you’re paying for a second haul. Go too big and you’re paying for space you didn’t need. The good news is we only carry two sizes, so the choice is simple once you know what you’re throwing away.
Here’s how to pick between a 15-yard and a 20-yard dumpster from 1st In Dumpsters. Questions? Call (919) 858-2700 or see our dumpster sizes and prices.
What “Yard” Actually Means
A dumpster’s size is how many cubic yards of debris it holds. A 15-yard dumpster holds 15 cubic yards, and a 20-yard holds 20. One cubic yard is a cube about 3 feet on each side.
If that’s hard to picture, think in pickup loads. A standard pickup bed holds roughly 2 to 3 cubic yards when it’s loaded level, so a 15-yard dumpster is in the neighborhood of five to seven pickup loads, and a 20-yard is a few more on top of that. It’s a rough guide, but it beats driving back and forth to the convenience center all weekend.
Both of our sizes come with a walk-in door, so you can roll a wheelbarrow in or walk furniture in instead of lifting it over the wall.
When a 15-Yard Dumpster Is Enough
The 15-yard is the right call for smaller, contained jobs where you can mostly see the pile before you start:
- A one-car garage, basement, or attic cleanout
- A small bathroom remodel
- A small kitchen update (cabinets, counters, flooring from one room)
- Taking down a small deck or a shed
- A move-out or apartment cleanout
If the whole job fits in one or two rooms, the 15-yard usually does it.
When to Step Up to a 20-Yard
The 20-yard is our most popular size, and for good reason. It covers bigger jobs with room to spare:
- A full garage, or a garage plus an attic
- Whole-house, estate, or rental property cleanouts
- Larger kitchen or multi-room remodels
- Flooring or carpet removal across several rooms
- A mid-size deck removal
- Yard cleanups with brush, old fencing, and outdoor furniture
Our Rule of Thumb: When in Doubt, Go Bigger
The price difference between our two sizes is small. A 20-yard costs $25 to $30 more than a 15-yard. Needing a second dumpster because the first one filled up costs a lot more than that.
So if you’re stuck between the two, the 20-yard is almost always the safer bet. And if you tell us what you’re tearing out or cleaning up, we’ll give you a straight answer on which one fits.
Prices for Both Sizes
Same rates in Raleigh, Garner, Clayton, Smithfield, Four Oaks, Benson, and the rest of our service area:
| Size | 3-Day Rental | 7-Day Rental |
|---|---|---|
| 15-yard | $325 | $370 |
| 20-yard | $350 | $400 |
Every rental includes delivery and pickup, 2 tons of debris, and a walk-in door.
Other costs to know about: $65 per ton over the 2 tons included, $20 per extra day, and set fees for tires ($50), appliances ($100), and mattresses ($50).
Size Is About Space, Weight Is About the Bill
The size you pick decides how much fits. The weight decides whether you go over the 2 tons included. Most cleanouts and remodels stay under 2 tons without trouble, because furniture, cabinets, carpet, and household junk are bulky but not very heavy.
If your project has a lot of dense material, mention it when you call. We’ll help you plan so the final bill doesn’t surprise you.
A Few Loading Tips to Get the Most Out of It
- Load flat and heavy first. Put heavier, flat items on the bottom and fill gaps with smaller stuff.
- Break things down. Take apart furniture and cut long boards so they lie flat.
- Keep it level with the top. Don’t pile debris above the walls. We can’t safely haul an overfilled container.
- Keep banned items out. No fluids like oil or paint, batteries, TVs and computers, hazardous chemicals, or asbestos. Ask if you’re not sure.
Still Not Sure? Just Call
Tell us what’s going in and where it’s going, and we’ll help you pick the right size in a two-minute phone call. We aim to deliver and pick up within 24 hours, and we’re open Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM.
Call (919) 858-2700 or request your dumpster online today.
