What Size Dumpster Do I Need?
By Dumpstar Hauling & Dumpster Rental of Lexington, KY | Dumpster Rental Tips
For most projects in Lexington, KY, you need either a 14-yard dumpster — best for single-room renovations, garage cleanouts, and small roofing jobs — or a 20-yard dumpster — best for whole-home cleanouts, large remodels, and full roof replacements. Two questions decide it: how much debris your project produces, and how dense that debris is. Not sure? Use our free Dumpster Size Calculator to get a recommendation in under a minute.
If you've ever stared at a dumpster rental website trying to figure out which size is right for your project, you're not alone. Most people searching "what size dumpster do I need?" have a specific project in mind — a garage they've been meaning to clean out for three years, a bathroom that's finally getting torn down, or a roof that's overdue for a replacement. The sizing question feels like it should have a simple answer, and the good news is: it usually does.
At Dumpstar Hauling & Dumpster Rental of Lexington, KY, we offer two roll-off dumpster sizes — a 14-yard and a 20-yard — which together cover the vast majority of residential and commercial projects across Lexington and the surrounding suburbs. Here's exactly how to decide which one fits your project.
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🧮 Tap to Find Your Size — Free CalculatorThe Two Factors That Decide Your Dumpster Size
Before looking at specific project types, it helps to understand the two things that actually determine your dumpster size — volume and weight. Get both right and you'll never pay for space you don't need or run into surprise overage fees.
1. Volume — How Much Debris Does Your Project Produce?
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards — the amount of space inside the container. A 14-yard dumpster holds roughly five to six pickup truck loads of debris. A 20-yard holds roughly six to eight. If you're doing one room, five truck loads is usually plenty. If you're clearing an entire home, you'll need the extra room the 20-yard provides.
2. Weight — How Dense Is Your Debris?
This is the one most people overlook. A 14-yard dumpster comes with a 2-ton weight allowance. A 20-yard comes with a 2.5-ton allowance. Overage is charged at $100 per ton beyond your included limit. The issue is that dense materials — roofing shingles, concrete, brick — hit the weight limit long before the container looks full. If your project involves heavy material, that changes the calculation. We always review expected debris weight with you before booking so there are no surprises at pickup.
Our Two Sizes at a Glance
14-Yard Dumpster
Mid-size · Most driveways
- Single-room remodels
- Garage & basement cleanouts
- Flooring & carpet removal
- Small roofing repairs
- Kitchen or bath tearouts
Starting at $400 See full pricing →
20-Yard Dumpster
Largest size · Most popular
- Whole-home & estate cleanouts
- Multi-room remodels
- Full roof replacements
- Deck & structure removal
- Construction debris
Starting at $495 See full pricing →
Dumpster Size by Project Type
Here's how the most common Lexington projects map to our two sizes. If your project involves heavy material like concrete or multiple layers of shingles, always call us first to review weight limits.
| Project type | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garage / basement cleanout | 14-Yard | Most cleanouts fit comfortably |
| Kitchen remodel | 14-Yard | Cabinets, tile, countertops, drywall |
| Bathroom remodel | 14-Yard | Fixtures, tile, vanities, flooring |
| Flooring / carpet removal | 14-Yard | Bulky but usually within weight limit |
| Small roofing repair | 14-Yard | Under 15 squares, 1 layer |
| Yard / landscaping debris | 20-Yard | Bulky even when light — size up |
| Whole-home cleanout | 20-Yard | Estate, downsizing, or pre-sale |
| Multi-room remodel | 20-Yard | Multiple rooms at once |
| Full roof replacement | 20-Yard | 15–35 squares, standard shingles |
| Deck / structure removal | 20-Yard | Lumber, framing, railings |
| Construction debris | 20-Yard | Mixed materials, drywall, framing |
| Concrete / brick / demo | Call us | Dense material — weight review needed |
| Large roofing (35+ squares / 3+ layers) | Call us | Weight limits likely to be a factor |
The Weight Question — Why It Matters More Than You Think
Volume is obvious — you can eyeball roughly how much debris your project produces. Weight is trickier, and it's where most dumpster sizing mistakes happen.
Asphalt shingles are one of the heaviest common debris types. A single square of shingles weighs around 200–350 lbs depending on the product — which means even a moderately sized roof tear-off can generate several tons of material before the dumpster looks anywhere near full. The same goes for concrete, brick, and demolition rubble.
Important: Both our 14-yard and 20-yard dumpsters have weight allowances included in the rental price — 2 tons and 2.5 tons respectively. Going over the allowance costs $100 per ton. We'll always review expected weight with you before delivery so you know what to expect.
If your project involves dense material, just tell us. We'd rather give you an accurate picture upfront than have the weight come as a surprise at pickup.
When to Size Up
If you're torn between the 14-yard and 20-yard, lean toward the larger option. Renting a second dumpster mid-project typically costs more than sizing up from the start. The one exception: if your driveway is tight and space is genuinely a concern, the 14-yard's more compact footprint (~14 ft long) fits where the 20-yard (~22 ft long) sometimes can't. Our drivers know Lexington driveways well — we'll talk through placement options before delivery day.
Still Not Sure? Two Ways to Get an Answer
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🧮 Find My Dumpster Size →or call us directly — we'll sort it out in about two minutes.
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Flat-rate pricing starting at $400. Driveway protection on every delivery. Locally owned and operated.
