The Complete Guide to Dumpster Sizes for St. Paul Projects

Choosing the right dumpster size is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your St. Paul project. Get it wrong, and you'll either pay for space you don't need or find yourself scrambling for additional pickups mid-project.

Understanding Dumpster Measurements

Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, not by weight. A 20-yard dumpster doesn't mean it can hold 20 yards of concrete – it means it has 20 cubic yards of space. Here's what that looks like in real terms:

10-Yard Dumpster (12' × 8' × 3.5')

Perfect for small St. Paul home projects like bathroom remodels or garage cleanouts. This size holds about 3-4 pickup truck loads of debris. Popular in neighborhoods like Highland Park and Summit Hill where space is limited.

20-Yard Dumpster (22' × 8' × 4.5') - Most Popular

Our most requested size in St. Paul. Ideal for kitchen remodels, flooring projects, and medium-sized cleanouts. Fits in most driveways and holds 6-8 pickup truck loads.

30-Yard Dumpster (22' × 8' × 6')

Great for larger St. Paul renovation projects, new construction cleanup, or whole-house cleanouts. Popular with contractors working on Grand Avenue commercial projects.

40-Yard Dumpster (22' × 8' × 8')

The largest size we offer, perfect for major construction projects or commercial cleanouts in downtown St. Paul.

St. Paul-Specific Considerations

Living in St. Paul comes with unique challenges that affect dumpster sizing:

• Narrow streets: Many St. Paul neighborhoods have narrow streets that limit truck access
• Permit requirements: Street placement often requires permits from St. Paul Public Works
• Seasonal considerations: Winter deliveries may require smaller sizes due to snow-covered driveways

Project-Specific Recommendations

Kitchen Remodels

Most St. Paul kitchen remodels need a 20-yard dumpster. This handles cabinets, countertops, flooring, and drywall with room to spare.

Bathroom Remodels

A 10-yard dumpster usually suffices for bathroom projects, unless you're doing multiple bathrooms or adding significant square footage.

Basement Cleanouts

St. Paul's older homes often have decades of accumulated items in basements. Start with a 20-yard – you can always get a second one if needed.

Roofing Projects

Roofing debris is heavy. A 20-yard dumpster typically handles most St. Paul residential roofing projects, but check weight limits.

Weight Considerations

Each dumpster size includes a weight allowance:

• 10-yard: Up to 1 ton included
• 20-yard: Up to 2 tons included
• 30-yard: Up to 3 tons included
• 40-yard: Up to 4 tons included

Heavy materials like concrete, brick, or dirt should go in smaller dumpsters to avoid overage charges.

When in Doubt, Go Bigger

It's usually more cost-effective to rent a slightly larger dumpster than to pay for a second delivery. The price difference between sizes is often less than the cost of an additional rental.

Get Expert Advice

Still not sure? Call us at (651) 342-7269. We've been serving St. Paul for over 15 years and can help you choose the perfect size based on your specific project and location.