Choosing the right dumpster size is one of the most common questions we get at All American, and for good reason. Picking a dumpster that’s too small can slow your project down, while going too big can cost more than you need to spend.
Dumpster size affects:
- How much debris you can load
- How many trips you’ll need
- Where the dumpster can be placed
- Overall project cost and efficiency
What Does “Cubic Yardage” Actually Mean?
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, which is simply a way to describe volume.
A good rule of thumb:
- 1 cubic yard ≈ the size of a washing machine
- A 15-yard dumpster holds roughly 15 washers
- A 20-yard holds about 20 washers, and so on
This makes it easier to estimate how much debris you’ll generate, whether it’s furniture, drywall, roofing material, or general household junk.
Residential vs Commercial Pricing (Quick Breakdown)
- Residential pricing usually includes a set rental period and a certain amount of tonnage.
- Commercial pricing is often structured as a haul rate plus landfill tonnage based on weight.
If you’re unsure which applies to your project, we’ll help you figure it out before delivery.
15-Yard Dumpster – Small Projects & Cleanouts
Our 15-yard dumpster is the smallest size we offer and is perfect for lighter jobs.
Best for:
- Single-room cleanouts
- Small bathroom renovations
- Garage or shed cleanups
- Minor landscaping debris
Typical size:
- 15′ L x 8′ W x 4′ H.
- Roughly the size of a small parking space.
It has a rear swing door for easy walk-in loading and is great for homeowners who want something compact but effective. It’s also perfect for tight driveways and limited space locations.
20-Yard Dumpster – Most Popular Residential Size
The 20-yard dumpster is our most requested size for residential customers.
Best for:
- Whole-house cleanouts
- Larger renovation projects.
- Commonly used for 2,500 sq. ft. roofing tear-offs.
Why customers love it:
- Same footprint as a 15-yard
- Fully-opening rear doors for easy walk-in access.
- About 2 feet taller
- Holds significantly more without taking up more driveway space.
- 15′ L x 8′ W x 6′ H.
If you’re unsure which size to choose, this is usually the safest bet for residential jobs.
30-Yard Dumpster – Construction & Remodels
The 30-yard dumpster is built for serious work.
Best for:
- New construction
- Large remodels
- Commercial projects
- Major debris removal
Why our commercial customer love it:
- Multiple units with fast, on-call switch outs.
- Fully-opening rear doors for easy walk-in access.
Typical size:
- Available in multiple heights and between 16′ to 20′ feet in length.
This is our number one construction dumpster. It fits a massive amount of debris while still being manageable for job sites.
Serving Wausau and Greater Central Wisconsin
At All American, we bring the right dumpster, the right truck, and make sure it’s placed safely and professionally. If you’re planning a cleanup, remodel, or construction project in the Wausau area, this guide should make choosing the right dumpster size easier for you.
Ready to book your dumpster?
Click here get a fast, free quote for your project.
About All American
All American is a family-owned and operated local business, providing roll-off dumpster rentals, commercial and residential trash pickup, and specialty waste removal services. We currently provide trash removal services to a growing list of communities, including Antigo, Wausau, Merrill, Rhinelander, and Stevens Point.
Our mission is simple: to provide the best possible trash removal services for our Northwoods neighbors with top-notch customer care. When you call, a local person answers! Experience the difference of working with the Antigo area’s leading trash removal service. Contact us today.
