The 30-second answer: match your project type to the right container, and mind the weight limit, not just the space. Use the finder below or read the full guide — written for Savannah-area projects.
Two quick picks — get a recommendation instantly. Free, no contact info needed.
The lineup
"Yards" means cubic yards of debris the container holds. One pickup truck bed holds roughly 2–2.5 cubic yards.
Compare
Dimensions are typical for the industry — exact specs vary slightly by container. Weight allowances are what's commonly included; heavy materials change the math (see below).
| Size | Typical footprint | Holds about | Typical weight allowance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12' × 8' × 3.5' tall | 3–4 pickup loads | 1–2 tons | One-room or garage cleanout, small bath remodel, small roof (≤15 squares), concrete/dirt/brick |
| 15 yard | 16' × 8' × 4.5' tall | 4–6 pickup loads | ~2 tons | 2–3 room cleanout, kitchen remodel, deck removal, medium roof |
| 20 yard | 22' × 8' × 4.5' tall | 6–8 pickup loads | 2–3 tons | The all-rounder: most remodels, large cleanouts, roofs to ~35 squares, flooring & carpet |
| 30 yard | 22' × 8' × 6' tall | 9–12 pickup loads | 3–4 tons | Whole-home renovation, additions, estate cleanouts, large roofs, light demo |
| 40 yard | 22' × 8' × 8' tall | 12–16 pickup loads | 4–5 tons | New construction, commercial jobs, major demolition (bulky, light debris) |
By project
These match what we see on real Savannah-area jobs. When you're between two sizes, go up one — it's cheaper than overage fees or a second haul.
A single garage or one room fits a 10-yard. Two to three rooms, or a packed two-car garage, take a 15-yard. A whole-house or estate cleanout usually needs a 20-yard — go 30 if the house is large or very full.
A bathroom gut fits a 10-yard (tile and fixtures are heavy — don't overfill). A full kitchen — cabinets, counters, flooring, drywall — is a 15 or 20-yard job. Remodeling both, or multiple rooms? Take the 20.
Multi-room renovations and additions generate more debris than people expect — framing, drywall, flooring, cabinetry all at once. A 30-yard keeps the job moving with one container instead of two swaps.
Shingles run ~250–300 lbs per square (100 sq ft). Up to ~15 squares fits a 10-yard; 15–25 squares a 15-yard; 25–35 squares a 20-yard; bigger roofs or double layers need a 30-yard. Tell us the squares and layers — we'll size it exactly.
A small deck (to ~200 sq ft) or a few fence sections fit a 10-yard. Larger decks, or deck + railing + stairs, take a 15 or 20-yard — lumber is bulky and doesn't stack tight.
Branches, shrubs, and trimmings from a typical cleanup fit a 10-yard. Major clearing or post-storm debris takes a 15-yard or larger. Whole tree trunks and stumps are extremely heavy — ask first.
Dense material hits weight limits long before the box is full — a 10-yard of concrete can weigh over 10 tons. Use a 10-yard, single-material load (no trash mixed in) so it can be recycled and legally hauled. Never load masonry into a 30/40.
Framing scraps, siding, and packaging pile up fast: a 30-yard covers most residential builds and teardowns of light structures. A 40-yard suits commercial jobs and high-volume, lighter debris.
The #1 mistake
Furniture, drywall, cabinetry, lumber, yard waste. The box fills up before it gets heavy — so choose by volume and consider sizing up. Debris must stay level with the rim for legal transport.
Shingles, tile, plaster, concrete, brick, dirt. The box hits its ton limit while still looking half-empty — so choose by weight, keep loads clean, and use a smaller container. Overage runs by the ton, so this is where wrong sizing gets expensive.
Local knowledge
If the container sits entirely on private property (driveway, side yard, private lot), the City of Savannah requires no permit. Leave ~60 feet of straight clearance for the delivery truck and keep overhead wires and low branches in mind. We place boards under the rails on request to protect your driveway.
Placement on the street, curb lane, or sidewalk (public right-of-way) requires a Dumpster/Container Permit from the City of Savannah's Traffic Engineering Division, and the container needs reflective striping and plywood under the rails. Rules differ in Pooler, Richmond Hill, and Rincon. We help you sort this out before delivery — just ask.
Good to know
The 20-yard — about 6–8 pickup truck loads. It fits in a standard driveway and covers most remodels, large cleanouts, and mid-size roofs. When in doubt between a 15 and a 20, the 20 usually wins on value.
By roof size: up to ~1,500 sq ft (15 squares) → 10-yard; 1,500–2,500 sq ft → 15–20 yard; over 2,500 sq ft or two shingle layers → 20–30 yard. Shingles are heavy, so weight — not space — is the limit.
A single garage or one room → 10-yard. A packed two-car garage, or garage plus attic → 15-yard.
No — dense material maxes out weight long before volume. It goes in a 10-yard as a clean, single-material load. Never in a 30 or 40-yard.
Debris must stay level with the rim, and tonnage over the included allowance is billed per extra ton. If you're between sizes, size up — it's almost always cheaper.
Not for your own driveway or private property. Street/right-of-way placement needs a City of Savannah Dumpster/Container Permit before delivery — we'll help you figure it out.
Tell us about the project instead — sizing it for you is free, and it's exactly what we do all day. Pick "Not sure" on the quote form or just call.
20-second form, fast local response, no obligation. Still unsure? We'll size it for you on the call.
Get my quote Call (651) 243-3424