Choosing the Right Size Boyd Dumpster

Having an understanding of dumpster sizes and dimensions will go a long way in helping you select the right dumpster for your clean-up project. Our dumpster sizes chart below shows common dimensions for our popular container sizes.

The length, width, and height in the chart above are typical, but dumpster dimensions are not standardized. They may vary a bit.

Boyd Dumpster Price List:

*Pricing is for the Pittsburgh Area.
• $15 fuel surcharge per dumpster.
• 20yd & 30yd has 10 ton weight limit. $55/ton after 10 tons.

9 day rental / $15.00 per day after.
Payment due on delivery or credit card upon order.
Credit Card processing fee: $5.50.
24-48 hour notice for delivery.

INDOOR DUMPING FACILITY
$85 minimum (up to 1 ton).
$95.00/ton
$2.50 fuel surcharge per dump.

Location:
1107 Thompson Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

What Is A “Cubic Yard”?

Cubic yards is a measure of volume.  A cube of space that is 3 ft. long by 3 ft. wide by 3 ft. high is equal to 1 cubic yard.

If we have the dimensions of a dumpster in feet, we can calculate the number of cubic yards of debris the dumpster can hold with this formula:

1. Multiply length X width X height in feet to get total cubic feet
2. Divide total cubic feet by 27 to get number of cubic yards

Dumpster dimensions are typically given in feet and are measured from the outside of the container.  The formula above will over estimate cubic yards a little if you use the exterior dimensions of the dumpster. To get a more accurate interior volume, use interior dimensions by shaving 6 to 8 inches or so off of each exterior measurement (i.e., an 8 ft. exterior width becomes 7.3 ft. interior width).

Considerations when selecting a container size

Estimating the volume of your debris is challenging, especially for household junk or construction debris.  Picking the right size dumpster for roofing is more straightforward.  Whatever your project, getting the size right is step one in having a good dumpster rental experience.

Choosing a dumpster that’s too small can be an expensive mistake

If you have 15 yards of debris and you try to save a few dollars by trying to squeeze your debris into a 10 yard dumpster, it likely will result in you paying much more than necessary.  You’ll probably need a “switch out.” That’s when the dumpster service delivers another empty 10 yard dumpster, drops it at your location, and hauls away your full dumpster.  This ends up costing you exactly double your original 10 yard price.  There’s no discount for the 2nd dumpster.  Ordering a 20 yard container up front would’ve been much cheaper.  Learn more about dumpster rental cost at BoydRolloff.com or just call us at 412-331-6830

Another no-no… don’t overfill the dumpster!  Your debris must be level with or under the top of the container or you’re headed for more hassle and cost.

It may be tempting to solve a “my dumpster is too small” problem by piling the debris high above the rim of the dumpster.  That would be a big mistake!  The dumpster service cannot legally haul your debris on the road with it piled over the top.  It’s a major road hazard.  In most cases, the roll off driver will leave and you’ll be informed that the dumpster can’t be picked up until you level it. You’ll be charged a “trip charge” typically in that case. Other times, the driver may jump up and level your dumpster himself, by throwing out debris.  You’ll probably be charged an “overfilling fee” and you’ll have a pile of debris leftover that you still need to get rid of.

It is best to double check dimensions if space is tight

If you need the dumpster delivered to a small driveway or alley, be sure to double check the dimensions of the dumpster with the hauler and compare it to the space you have available.  It’s very typical for all container sizes to be 8 feet wide, so width is usually not a difference maker. But length of the dumpster typically jumps up significantly with a move from a 10 yard container (i.e. 12 feet long) to a 20 yard container (i.e. 22 feet long).

When considering the space you need, keep in mind that dumpsters typically have an 8 ft. wide door that swings open on the back.  If you plan on loading through the door (rather than throwing debris over the top), then add an additional 8 feet of length needed for the door to swing open.

Source: Hometown Dumpster Rental