Dumpster Size and Rental Cost Calculator

Estimate the right dumpster size and total rental cost based on your project type, debris volume, and rental duration.

1 pickup truck load ≈ 2–3 cubic yards

Formulas Used

Buffered Volume = Debris Volume × 1.20 (20% packing inefficiency buffer)

Recommended Size = Smallest standard size (10, 15, 20, 30, 40 yd³) ≥ Buffered Volume

Base Rental Rate = Size Base Rate × Location Multiplier
  (Rural: ×0.85 | Suburban: ×1.00 | Urban: ×1.30)

Daily Rate = Base Rental Rate ÷ 7 (standard 7-day period)

Extra Days Cost = max(0, Rental Days − 7) × Daily Rate

Weight Overage Fee = max(0, Debris Weight − Included Tons) × $65/ton

Total Cost = Base Rate + Extra Days Cost + Overage Fee + Project Surcharge + Delivery Fee

Cost per Cubic Yard = Total Cost ÷ Dumpster Size (yd³)

Assumptions & References