How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

Renting a dumpster that's too small means a second haul. Renting one that's too big means paying for capacity you don't use. Getting the size right the first time saves you money and keeps your project moving.

At RedArk, we offer two trailer sizes — the 15-yard and the 20-yard. Here's how to decide which one fits your job.

The fastest way to pick a size is to match it to your project. Here's a quick breakdown:

15-Yard Trailer — Best For:

• Garage or basement cleanouts
• Single-room remodels (bathroom, kitchen)
• Small roofing jobs (1–2 squares)
• Yard waste and landscaping debris
• Estate cleanouts (single-story home)
• Furniture and appliance removal

20-Yard Trailer — Best For:

• Full home cleanouts
• Large roofing and siding tear-offs
• Interior demolition
• Construction site debris
• Concrete, dirt, or heavy material removal
• Commercial property cleanouts

This is where a lot of people get tripped up. A trailer can look half-empty and still be at its weight limit.

Both trailers include 2 tons (4,000 lbs) of weight in the rental price. Anything over 2 tons is charged additionally.

If you're hauling heavy materials — concrete, brick, dirt, or roofing shingles — weight fills up faster than space. A 15-yard trailer loaded with concrete can hit its weight limit before it's even visually full. For heavy debris, the 20-yard gives you more room to work with.

For remodeling projects with drywall, plaster, or cement board, use the Drywall Weight Calculator to estimate the disposal weight before choosing a trailer.

For carpet and flooring removal, use the Carpet Weight Calculator to estimate the combined weight of carpet, padding, and attached debris.

For tile removal — ceramic, porcelain, stone, or cement board — use the Tile and Mortar Weight Calculator to estimate the weight of tile, thinset, mortar beds, and backer board.

Both trailers are designed to fit in standard residential driveways. Here are the dimensions:

• 15-Yard: 14' long × 7' wide × 4' high
• 20-Yard: 16' long × 7' wide × 5' high

If you have a short driveway, a low-hanging tree, or a tight turn from the street, let us know when you book. We'll confirm placement before delivery so there are no surprises.

If you're on the fence between the two, go with the 20-yard. It's better to have extra room than to run out of space mid-project and need a second pickup. The price difference is smaller than the cost of a second haul.

Call us. We've helped hundreds of homeowners and contractors in Southeast Michigan pick the right trailer for their job. Tell us what you're hauling and we'll tell you exactly what you need — no upsell, no runaround.

RedArk Dumpster Rentals — (734) 250-9331