Choosing the Right Dumpster Size for Your Project
Whether you’re cleaning out the garage, remodeling a kitchen, tackling a home renovation, or finally getting rid of years of accumulated clutter, choosing the right dumpster size can make the entire project easier. A dumpster that’s too small can mean extra trips or another container, while one that’s too large may take up more space than you need.
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Understanding Dumpster Sizes
At Tri County Trash, we offer 12, 15, 20, and 30-yard dumpsters for residential projects throughout the Greater Wilmington, NC area, including New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County. Not sure which size is right for your project? Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
12-Yard Dumpster — Great for Smaller Home Projects
Our 12-yard dumpster is a great choice when you have a smaller amount of debris but still want the convenience of having a dumpster right at your home.
It can be a good fit for:
Garage or attic cleanouts
Small room renovations
Decluttering projects
Yard and landscaping cleanup
Furniture and household junk removal
Small DIY projects
A 12-yard dumpster holds approximately 324 cubic feet of material and can typically handle about 4–6 pickup truck loads, depending on what you’re throwing away.
If your project is relatively small and you’re mainly dealing with household items, boxes, furniture, or general debris, the 12-yard can be an excellent option.
15-Yard Dumpster — A Little More Room to Work With
If you have more debris than a 12-yard can comfortably handle, our 15-yard dumpster gives you some additional room without jumping all the way up to a larger container.
A 15-yard dumpster is often a good choice for:
Larger garage cleanouts
Basement or attic cleanouts
Moving or downsizing
Flooring replacement
Bathroom renovations
Moderate home improvement projects
Larger amounts of household junk
With approximately 405 cubic feet of capacity, a 15-yard dumpster can hold roughly 4–6 pickup truck loads of debris.
If you’re between sizes and aren’t sure whether a 12- or 15-yard dumpster will work, choosing the 15-yard can give you a little extra breathing room.
20-Yard Dumpster — A Popular Choice for Homeowners
For many residential projects, our 20-yard dumpster is a great all-around option. It provides plenty of room for larger cleanouts and remodeling projects without being unnecessarily large for a typical home.
Consider a 20-yard dumpster for:
Whole-house cleanouts
Estate cleanouts
Larger garage cleanouts
Kitchen or bathroom remodeling
Multiple-room renovations
Moving or downsizing
Larger DIY projects
Home renovation debris
For an estate cleanout, a 20-yard dumpster can be a good starting point, while a 30-yard may be a better choice if the home contains a lot of furniture or other bulky items.
If you’re not sure how much debris your project will produce, the 20-yard is often a comfortable middle-ground choice for homeowners.
30-Yard Dumpster — For Big Cleanouts and Renovations
When you have a major project with a lot of debris, our 30-yard dumpster provides the extra capacity you need.
A 30-yard dumpster is a great option for:
Large estate cleanouts
Whole-home cleanouts
Major renovations
Large remodeling projects
Multiple-room renovations
Moving or downsizing a large home
Large amounts of furniture and household debris
Major DIY or construction projects
Our 30-yard dumpster holds approximately 810 cubic feet and can accommodate roughly 9–12 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
If you’re looking at a large cleanout and expect to have furniture, appliances, boxes, household items, and other bulky materials, going with the 30-yard can help give you the space you need.
Which Dumpster Size Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick way to think about our residential dumpster sizes:
Dumpster Size | Good For |
12 Yard | Small cleanouts, decluttering, small DIY projects |
15 Yard | Garage cleanouts, moving, moderate renovations |
20 Yard | Larger cleanouts, remodeling, estate cleanouts |
30 Yard | Large cleanouts, major renovations, bulky furniture |
Keep in mind that the type of debris matters just as much as the amount. A pile of boxes and household items takes up space differently than construction debris, furniture, or heavier materials.
When in Doubt, Go One Size Larger
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is underestimating how much debris their project will create. Once you start cleaning out a garage, remodeling a room, or emptying a house, it’s easy to discover that you have more to get rid of than you originally expected.
If you’re deciding between two sizes, choosing the larger dumpster can give you some extra room and help prevent the hassle of needing another container.
We’re also happy to help you choose the right size based on what you’re cleaning out and how much you expect to have.
Making Dumpster Rental Easy
At Tri County Trash, we want renting a dumpster to be simple and stress-free. We provide residential dumpster rentals throughout Greater Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County, with flexible rental periods and friendly service from people who understand local homeowners and their projects.
Whether you’re tackling a weekend garage cleanout or a major home renovation, we’ll help you choose the right dumpster size, deliver it where you need it, and pick it up when you’re finished.
Not sure which size you need? Give Tri County Trash a call or text us. We’re happy to help you find the right dumpster for your project.



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