20 Yard Dumpsters: Essential Tips & Benefits

Choosing the Right Dumpster: All About 20 Yard Dumpsters

OVERVIEW

A 20 yard dumpster provides the versatility needed for handling larger volumes of waste without stepping into oversized territory. Measuring roughly 16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 5 feet high, it accommodates up to 20 cubic yards of debris, ideal when a 15 yard isn’t enough but a 30-yard feels excessive.

This size is excellent for full-scale remodels, estate cleanouts, roofing tear-offs and heavier construction waste. Its capacity makes it suitable for both residential and commercial projects while maintaining an efficient footprint on most properties.

For property owners and contractors aiming to keep projects on track, the 20 yard dumpster delivers the perfect mix of space and functionality.

Understanding 20 Yard Dumpster Rental Prices & Cost Factors

Renting a 20 yard dumpster is an efficient option for larger cleanouts and renovation projects, providing ample capacity without requiring excessive space. Pricing depends on several factors, including rental duration, delivery location, type of materials, and disposal fees. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost components and what impacts the overall price.

Average Pricing

Renting a 20 yard dumpster typically costs between $550 and $900, depending on your location, rental length, and disposal fees.

Factors That Influence Cost:

Rental Period – Options include 3, 7, 14, or 30 days. Extending your rental adds daily or weekly charges.
Weight Allowance & Overage – A 2-ton limit applies. Any excess weight incurs $130 per ton in additional fees.
Type of Debris – Household junk, yard waste, construction & demolition debris, commercial cleanouts, warehouse clearing, etc.
Extra Charges – Overfilled bins, restricted materials, and failed pickups can result in added costs.

Common Uses

A 20 yard dumpster is a versatile solution for tackling bigger cleanup and renovation projects where extra capacity is needed. Here are some of the most common uses:

Large Home Cleanouts – Perfect for clearing out entire homes, handling furniture, bulky appliances, and accumulated household junk from basements, attics, and garages.

Extensive Renovations – Ideal for multi-room remodels, full kitchen overhauls, large bathroom upgrades, deck removals, and disposing of heavier construction materials.

Major Landscaping & Outdoor Project – Great for clearing trees, shrubs, sod, storm debris, and large-scale yard waste from outdoor redesigns or property cleanups.

With its generous capacity and efficient design, a 20 yard dumpster is the go-to option for homeowners, contractors, and businesses managing larger-scale projects. It offers plenty of room for bulky debris, making disposal simple, convenient, and cost-effective.

Dumpster Size Reference

Environmental Benefits of Renting a 20 Yard Dumpster

When your project produces a significant amount of waste, a 20 yard dumpster offers an eco-friendly solution while maintaining efficiency and convenience. With its larger capacity, you can consolidate more materials in one container, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing multiple trips to disposal sites.

Green Advantages of a 20 Yard Dumpster 🌿

✅ Fewer Hauls, Lower Emissions – A single 20 yard container can handle more debris, meaning fewer pickups and a reduced carbon footprint.

✅ Better Sorting Efficiency – The additional space makes it easier to organize bulkier items, helping ensure recyclables and reusable materials are kept separate from general waste.

✅ Supports Sustainable Construction – Ideal for large remodels and commercial jobs where salvaging materials like metals, concrete, and lumber is a priority.

Smart Tips for Sustainable 20 Yard Use 🌎

✔ Maximize space by stacking heavier, reusable materials first for easier sorting later.

✔ Coordinate with your provider for drop-offs at recycling centers instead of landfills.

✔ Plan ahead to include local donation facilities in your cleanup strategy.

By choosing a 20 yard dumpster, you’re optimizing waste removal while helping reduce environmental impact — a smarter, greener solution for bigger projects.

Pros and Cons of a 20 Yard Dumpster

Pros:

✔ Spacious Yet Practical – Offers double the capacity of a 10-yarder and more room than a 15-yarder without becoming overly bulky.

✔ Ideal for Larger Projects – Perfect for multi-room remodels, major home cleanouts, roofing jobs, and moderate construction debris.

✔ Handles Bulkier Items – Accommodates furniture, cabinetry, drywall, flooring, and other oversized materials with ease.

✔ Efficient for Contractors & Homeowners – A great balance of size and functionality for residential and light commercial projects.

✔ Reduces Hauling Frequency – Bigger capacity means fewer trips, saving both time and disposal costs.

Cons:

✘ May Be Too Large for Tight Spaces – Requires more driveway or job site space compared to smaller dumpster sizes.

✘ Higher Rental Costs – Larger capacity comes with a higher upfront price and potentially higher disposal fees.

✘ Weight Limits Still Apply – Heavy materials like concrete, brick, or dirt may require a separate container designed for dense loads.

✘ Overfilling Risks – Because it holds more, it’s easier to exceed weight limits if not loaded carefully.

20-Yard Dumpster Rental FAQs

1. What is a 20-yard dumpster, and how big is it?

A 20-yard dumpster from Major Dumpsters is a large, versatile waste container designed for bigger cleanouts, remodels, and light construction projects. It holds up to 20 cubic yards of debris, equivalent to about 6 pickup truck loads. Typical dimensions are 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet high—spacious enough for bulkier jobs while still fitting in most residential driveways.

2. How much weight can a 20-yard dumpster hold?

A 20-yard dumpster typically handles 2 to 4 tons (4,000 to 8,000 pounds), depending on the materials. It’s ideal for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, roofing debris, and light construction waste but not recommended for concrete, asphalt, dirt, soil, sand, stones, or cement due to weight restrictions.

3. How much does a 20-yard dumpster rental cost?

Pricing varies by location, rental duration, and material type. On average, Major Dumpsters’ 20-yard rentals cost between $400–$650, with upfront, transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

4. How long can I keep a 20-yard dumpster?

Most rentals last 7 to 10 days, but we offer extensions if your project takes longer. Just contact us before your scheduled pickup to arrange extra time.

5. What are the dimensions of a 20-yard dumpster?

The standard 20-yard dumpster measures approximately 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet high—making it larger than a 15-yarder while still being compact enough for residential driveways.

6. What types of projects are best for a 20-yard dumpster?

A 20-yard dumpster is perfect for:

Multi-room home renovations

Large garage, basement, or attic cleanouts

Furniture and appliance removal

Roofing projects up to 3,000 sq. ft.

Light construction and office renovation debris

7. How much debris can a 20-yard dumpster hold?

It accommodates 20 cubic yards of waste, which equals roughly 100–120 contractor-size trash bags or about 6 pickup truck loads—making it ideal for larger residential and commercial projects.

8. Can a 20-yard dumpster handle concrete, dirt, or asphalt?

No. A 20-yard dumpster is not suitable for heavy materials like concrete, dirt, soil, sand, asphalt, stones, or cement because of strict weight limits. If your project involves these, Major Dumpsters recommends renting a smaller 10-yard container designed for dense loads.

9. Can I put large furniture in a 20-yard dumpster?

Absolutely! A 20-yard dumpster has plenty of room for couches, mattresses, cabinets, dining tables, wardrobes, and other bulky household items—perfect for downsizing or prepping for a move.

10. Can a 20-yard dumpster be used for roofing debris?

Yes! A 20-yard dumpster is excellent for roofing projects up to 3,000 sq. ft., holding around 50–70 roofing squares of single-layer asphalt shingles.

11. What happens if I exceed the weight limit on a 20-yard dumpster?

If your load exceeds the agreed weight limit, overage fees will apply. To avoid extra costs, estimate your debris weight ahead of time or consult with us—we’ll recommend the right size based on your project.

12. How do I estimate the weight of my waste for a 20-yard dumpster?

Here’s a quick reference:

Household Junk: 150–300 lbs per cubic yard

Yard Waste: 300–500 lbs per cubic yard

Roofing Shingles: 250–350 lbs per 100 sq. ft.

Construction Debris: 300–600 lbs per cubic yard

For heavier materials, consider a 10-yard dumpster instead.

13. What items are not allowed in a 20-yard dumpster?

Prohibited items include:

Hazardous waste (paints, oils, chemicals, asbestos)

Tires, car batteries, and propane tanks

Medical waste and biohazards

Refrigerators & AC units containing freon

Large quantities of concrete, dirt, asphalt, or stones

14. Can I throw away appliances or electronics in a 20-yard dumpster?

Yes, small appliances like microwaves, fans, and toasters are allowed. However, large appliances such as refrigerators, AC units, and TVs may require special disposal—contact us for eco-friendly e-waste solutions.

15. Can I mix different types of waste in a 20-yard dumpster?

Yes! You can combine household junk, furniture, construction debris, and yard waste in the same container. However, avoid mixing heavy materials like concrete or dirt, which require separate disposal solutions.

16. Do I need a permit to place a 20-yard dumpster in my driveway or on the street?

Driveway placement: Usually no permit required.

Street placement: Some towns require permits.

Major Dumpsters can assist in checking local requirements and securing permits if needed.

17. How far in advance should I book a 20-yard dumpster rental?

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. However, same-day delivery may be possible depending on current demand—call us to check!

18. How is a 20-yard dumpster delivered and picked up?

Major Dumpsters uses specialized trucks to safely deliver and position your container where you need it. When your project is finished, we’ll return to pick it up and haul everything away for eco-friendly disposal.

19. Do I need to be home when the dumpster is delivered or picked up?

Nope! As long as you provide clear placement instructions, our driver can drop off or remove your dumpster without you being present.

20. How can I avoid additional fees when renting a 20-yard dumpster?

Stay within the weight limit

Avoid prohibited items

Do not overfill past the rim

Use the rental within the agreed period

Distribute waste evenly to prevent overflow

SERVICE AREAS

Major Dumpsters proudly serves Westbury, Williston Park, and Herricks with dependable dumpster rental solutions. Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, decluttering your property, or managing a construction project, we make waste removal quick and hassle-free. No matter where you are in these service areas, we’ve got the right dumpster for your needs!

Barnum Island

Baxter Estates

Bay Park

Bayville

Bellerose

Bellerose Terrace

Bellmore

Bethpage

Brookville

Carle Place

Cedarhurst

Centre Island

Cove Neck

East Atlantic Beach

East Garden City

East Hills

East Massapequa

East Meadow

East Williston

Flower Hill

Garden City Park

Garden City South

Glen Head

Glenwood Landing

Great Neck

Great Neck Estates

Great Neck Gardens

Great Neck Plaza

Greenvale

Harbor Hills

Harbor Isle

Hempstead

Herricks

Hewlett

Hewlett Bay Park

Hewlett Harbor

Hewlett Neck

Hicksville

Inwood

Island Park

Jericho

Kensington

Kings Point

Lake Success

Lakeview

Lattingtown

Laurel Hollow

Locust Valley

Malverne Park Oaks

Manhasset Hills

Manorhaven

Massapequa

Massapequa Park

Matinecock

Merrick

Mill Neck

Mineola

Munsey Park

Muttontown

New Cassel

New Hyde Park

North Bellmore

North Hills

North Lynbrook

North Massapequa

North Merrick

North New Hyde Park

North Valley Stream

North Wantagh

North Woodmere

Oceanside

Old Bethpage

Old Brookville

Old Westbury

Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Cove

Plainedge

Plainview

Plandome

Plandome Heights

Plandome Manor

Point Lookout

Port Washington

Port Washington North

Rockville Centre

Roosevelt

Rosedale

Roslyn

Roslyn Estates

Roslyn Harbor

Roslyn Heights

Russell Gardens

Saddle Rock

Saddle Rock Estates

Salisbury

Sands Point

Sea Cliff

Seaford

Searingtown

South Farmingdale

South Floral Park

South Hempstead

South Valley Stream

Stewart Manor

Syosset

Thomaston

Uniondale

University Gardens

Upper Brookville

Woodbury

Woodsburgh

Ready to Rent a 20 Yard Dumpster?

Major Dumpsters makes the rental process simple, affordable, and hassle-free. Whether you’re tackling a home cleanout, renovation, or yard waste project, we have the right dumpster for you.

We’ll handle everything from start to finish, ensuring that all waste is disposed of properly and responsibly. It’s no wonder people love us! See what our customers have to say in the reviews.

If you’re ready to order, book now online or if you have any other questions check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or call and speak to one of our project managers at 516-696-3867.