What Size Dumpster Do I Need for Furniture?
The best dumpster size depends on the type of furniture
A 20-yard dumpster is the most common size and can fit multiple pieces of furniture.
If you only have a few items to toss, a 10- or 15-yard dumpster may suffice.
Dismantling furniture and properly packing the dumpster helps you fit more items in.
If you have several pieces of old or worn-out furniture in your home but aren’t sure how to get rid of them, consider renting a dumpster. If you’re wondering, “What size dumpster do I need for furniture?” this guide will explain the different sizes of dumpsters and how much they hold, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Common Dumpster Sizes
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, and they typically range from 10 yards to 40 yards. Here are the most common dumpster sizes and the types of projects they’re best for.
| Dumpster Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10 cubic yards | Small furniture and heavy debris |
| 12 cubic yards | Small furniture and minor home renovations |
| 15 cubic yards | Medium furniture and landscaping projects |
| 20 cubic yards | Medium to large furniture and major home cleanouts |
| 30 cubic yards | Large or bulky furniture and major home renovations |
| 40 cubic yards | Large or bulky furniture and construction projects |
10 Cubic Yards
A 10-yard dumpster is usually the smallest option offered by local dumpster rental companies. It can hold roughly four pickup truck loads or 60 standard trash bags, making it ideal for smaller furniture pieces like side tables, small chairs, and console tables.
12 Cubic Yards
Some dumpster rental companies offer 12-yard dumpsters. These dumpsters can hold between 65 and 85 contractor trash bags, so they’re best for smaller furniture. The 12-yard size is a good compromise between the smaller 10-yard dumpster and the larger 15-yard one.
15 Cubic Yards
A 15-yard dumpster can accommodate around 90 trash bags or six pickup truck loads. It’s ideal for small to medium furniture like bookshelves, chairs, and love seats.
20 Cubic Yards
20-yard dumpsters are the most popular, holding eight pickup truck loads of 120 trash bags. If you need to remove excess furniture and other household items before a move, a 20-yard dumpster will likely be the ideal size.
30 Cubic Yards
If you have a lot of bulky furniture to get rid of, consider a 30-yard dumpster. This size dumpster can hold about 12 pickup truck loads or 180 trash bags. It can accommodate multiple small to medium furniture pieces and several larger pieces like dining tables and bed frames.
40 Cubic Yards
A 40-yard dumpster can hold about 16 pickup truck loads of 240 trash bags. In most cases, 40-yard dumpsters are intended for major construction projects, but they can also be ideal for clearing out a big home with multiple large pieces of furniture.
What Size Dumpster Is Best for Different Types of Furniture?
For most furniture disposal, a 20-yard dumpster offers plenty of space. Here are some common furniture types and the best dumpster sizes for each.
Couches and Sectionals
Generally, a standard-size couch or sectional should fit comfortably in a 20-yard dumpster. However, if you have an oversized couch or multiple couches to dispose of, you might need a larger 30-yard dumpster. Smaller armchairs or loveseats typically fit in a smaller 15-yard dumpster.
Tables and Chairs
A dining table and chairs should fit in a 15-yard dumpster, depending on their size. If you can fully dismantle the furniture, it will likely fit in a smaller dumpster. However, if you can’t break down the table and chairs, stick with a 20-yard dumpster.
Bedroom Furniture
Bedroom furniture, like bed frames, box springs, mattresses, dressers, and bedside tables, is often bulky. Depending on how much furniture you have and its size, you may need a 20-yard dumpster or even a 30-yard one.
TV Stands and Entertainment Units
TV stands and entertainment units can be bulky, but they’re usually easy to disassemble. Smaller TV stands or dismantled entertainment units may fit in a 15-yard dumpster, while larger pieces might require a 20-yard dumpster.
Cost to Dispose of Furniture
The average cost to remove furniture via a junk removal company is between $75 and $250, depending on the size and type of furniture. Dumpster rental costs between $300 and $480 per week, but it is more cost-effective than junk removal when you have more than one item of furniture.
Tips for Disposing of Furniture in a Dumpster
Although dumpsters are ideal for furniture disposal, there’s a right and wrong way of doing it. Follow these tips to ensure you’re maximizing the space in your dumpster and loading it the right way.
Remove cushions and padding from furniture.
Break up or dismantle furniture as much as possible.
Use a saw to cut through wooden furniture that’s not easily dismantled.
Place heavier pieces on the bottom of the dumpster to prevent it from becoming top-heavy.
Face each furniture item the same way to optimize the space as much as possible.
Keep the dumpster's weight limit in mind and try not to exceed it.
Don’t load the dumpster above the top rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard couch will likely fit in a 10-yard dumpster easily. You may be able to fit a large or oversized couch in a dumpster of this size, but you’ll probably have to break it down as much as possible first. If you’re concerned your couch is too big, ask a local dumpster rental company for advice on which size dumpster you need.
Most dumpster rental lengths are between five and 14 days. However, some dumpster rental companies offer daily rentals, while others charge by the week or the month. Check with your local dumpster rental company to determine your options.
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