Trailer Dumpster Sizes, Weight Limits, and Rental Costs

man loading yard waste into trailer dumpster

Updated November 22, 2022

Trailer dumpsters, also referred to as dump trailers, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners that need a temporary disposal solution.

Due to their rubber wheels, trailer dumpsters are a surface-friendly, easily maneuvered alternative to a traditional roll-off container.

We'll go over the different available sizes for dump trailers and how much weight they can hold on average so you can determine if a trailer dumpster is the right container choice for your project.

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Trailer dumpster sizes, dimensions, weight limits, and costs infographic

Average Trailer Dumpster Sizes

Trailer dumpsters come in a variety of different sizes, all measured in cubic yards. (1 cubic yard= 3 ft long x 3 ft wide x 3 ft high)

The most popular sizes for trailer dumpsters are 10 yard, 15 yard, and 20 yard capacities, making them ideal for parking in smaller driveways or alleys. 

While not very popular, some companies do offer 30 yard and 40 yard dump trailers to accommodate larger scale projects, like new home construction or commercial roof replacement.

Trailer dumpsters can also come in "mini" dumpster sizes for more flexible placement in tight spaces, including 5 yard, 6 yard, and 8 yard sizes.

In-between sizes are sometimes available too, like 11 yard, 12 yard, or 25 yard dump trailers.

The variety of different holding capacities available makes trailer dumpsters an attractive option for nearly every type of cleanup project you can think of. 

Check out the trailer below to see average dimensions of these trailer dumpsters to see how they'd fit in your space.

Average Trailer Dumpster Dimensions

Trailer Dumpster Size Average Dimensions
5 Yard 10 ft L x 6 ft W x 3 ft H
6 Yard 8 ft L x 5 ft W x 4 ft H
8 Yard 14 ft L x 7 ft W x 2 ft H
10 Yard 12 ft L x 8 ft W x 4 ft H
11 Yard 14 ft L x 7 ft W x 4 ft H
12 Yard 14 ft L x 7 ft W x 4.5 H
15 Yard 14 ft L x 7.5ft W x 4.5 ft H
17 Yard 14 ft L x 7.5 ft W x 5 ft H
20 Yard 22 ft L x 6 ft W x 4.5 ft H
25 Yard 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 7 ft H
30 Yard 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 6 ft H
40 Yard 22 ft L x 8 ft W x 8 ft H

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Average Weight Limits for Trailer Dumpsters

piled-up trash bags on a trailer dumpster

Accurately estimating the weight of dumpster contents can be the difference between several hundred dollars when it comes to dumpster costs.

Renting a dumpster that is too small means that you'll either be charged overage fees or worse, have to rent a second or third dumpster.

Overage fees from exceeding a dumpster's weight limit will cost you additional money per ton over the limit.

These dumpster overage fees can add up quickly, especially when disposing of heavy material like brick and concrete. 

Overage fees vary from company to company, but the average cost is $60-$100 per additional ton and having to rent a second dumpster will instantly double the cost of your disposal fees.

Weight limits exist for the safety of the driver and all others on the road with them, as well as making sure that no damage is done to the dumpster itself or the axis it sits on.

The following chart is meant to serve as a rough estimate for the weight limit of each dumpster size and will help you decide which size and weight limit your project will require.

Average Trailer Dumpster Weight Limits

Trailer Dumpster Size Average Weight Limit
5 Yard 1,000 lbs
6 Yard 1,200 lbs
8 Yard 1,600 lbs
10 Yard 2,000 lbs
11 Yard 2,200 lbs
12 Yard 2,600 lbs
15 Yard 4,000 lbs
17 Yard 4,600 lbs
20 Yard 6,000-10,000 lbs
25 Yard 6,000-10,000 lbs
30 Yard 8,000-12,000 lbs
40 Yard 12,000-16,000 lbs

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Average Cost to Rent a Trailer Dumpster

Excavator dumping yard debris into trailer dumpster

When it comes to comparing the cost of a trailer dumpster rental to a roll-off dumpster rental, there isn't much of a price discrepancy.

There are many factors at play when it comes to the cost of a dumpster rental, and one of the biggest factors is the weight of your debris/trash.

Dumpster rental companies are charged tipping fees at the landfill when they go to dump the contents of your container and these fees are based on the overall weight of your garbage.

Because type and amount of debris is the biggest dumpster rental pricing factor, trailers and roll-offs are typically similar in price depending on the weight each size can carry.

Here are some other factors that affect the price of a dumpster rental:

  • Type of debris/trash: Recyclables tend to be cheaper than garbage.
  • Where you live: The cost of living in your area will determine landfill fees, fuel costs, employee wages, etc., which all affect the price companies charge for services.
  • Rental period: The cost of renting a dumpster for 3 days versus 3 weeks will affect the cost of a rental.
  • Who you hire: Small, local dumpster rental companies have lower overhead than large chains, allowing them to charge less than their heavy-weight competitors.

In addition to the weight of your junk, who you hire is a major factor in the bottom dollar you will pay for a dumpster rental.

Renting from locally-owned and operated companies not only benefits your community's economy, it's usually less costly.

Finding local dumpster rental companies that service your area is easy with Hometown.

By searching your zip code and providing some information about the type of dumpster you're looking for, you'll be shown local, licensed, and insured dumpster rental companies that service your area.

You can also request no-obligation quotes from as many companies as you'd like to price shop and compare customer service.

The following chart is based on U.S. national averages and will vary based on the factors mentioned above.

Average Weekly Cost to Rent a Trailer Dumpster

Trailer Dumpster Size Average Cost to Rent Weekly
5 Yard $150-$225
6 Yard $175-$250
8 Yard $225-$275
10 Yard $250-$350
11 Yard $250-$350
12 Yard $250-$350
15 Yard $300-$450
17 yard $300-$450
20 Yard $350-$450
25 Yard $350-$500
30 Yard $400-$500
40 Yard $450-$550

 


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