Dumpster Weight Calculator
Estimate how much your load weighs before the hauler weighs it for you. Mix materials and compare the total against each size’s weight allowance.
All weights from the U.S. EPA’s Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors (2016).
Dumpster weight calculator
Add up to three materials. Weights are U.S. EPA averages for loose debris.
Weight by material and size
How much does a cubic yard of debris weigh?
These are the EPA’s average weights for loose debris as it is hauled. The last column shows how many cubic yards of each material make one ton, which is handy when your allowance is quoted in tons.
| Material | Pounds per cubic yard | Cubic yards per ton |
|---|---|---|
| Household junk & furniture (mixed) | 250–300 | 6.7–8.0 |
| Mixed renovation / construction debris | 417–484 | 4.1–4.8 |
| Asphalt shingles (roofing tear-off) | 731 | 2.7 |
| Drywall / gypsum board | 467 | 4.3 |
| Lumber & wood (deck boards, framing) | 169 | 11.8 |
| Engineered wood (cabinets, particleboard) | 268 | 7.5 |
| Yard waste (mixed, loose) | 250 | 8.0 |
| Branches & stumps | 127 | 15.7 |
| Leaves | 250–500 | 4.0–8.0 |
| Carpet | 147 | 13.6 |
| Carpet padding | 62 | 32.3 |
| Scrap metal (mixed) | 143–225 | 8.9–14.0 |
Why “full” and “too heavy” are different problems
Every rental price includes a weight allowance. The ones we found range from 1–3 tons for a 10-yard up to 2.75–6 tons for a 40-yard. A 20-yard filled to 85% with shingles is about 17 cubic yards × 731 lb, or 6.2 tons, far beyond most 20-yard allowances. The same container filled with household junk weighs about 2.1–2.6 tons. That’s why roofers usually order a smaller container or a higher allowance.
Concrete, dirt, brick and rock are left out of this calculator. The EPA’s figures for them describe loose, broken loads, which are much lighter than the same material in place. Weigh them with the concrete & dirt dumpster calculator, which uses in-place densities from state DOT manuals and USDA soil data.
How we calculate
Every number in the calculator comes from these steps and the data below. The page runs the same numbers you see here.
- For each material: weight (lb) = cubic yards × the EPA pounds-per-cubic-yard factor. Where EPA gives a range, we show low–high.
- Total weight = the sum of all materials; tons = pounds ÷ 2,000.
- The weight bar compares the high estimate with the most conservative published allowance for the chosen size.
- Overage = (high estimate − allowance) × $75 per ton, a typical rate (published range $40–$100).
Material weights used
| Material | Weight per cubic yard | EPA table row |
|---|---|---|
| Household junk & furniture (mixed) | 250–300 lb | Mixed MSW, uncompacted: 250–300 lb/yd³ |
| Mixed renovation / construction debris | 417–484 lb | C&D remainder/composite 417; C&D bulk 484 lb/yd³ |
| Asphalt shingles (roofing tear-off) | 731 lb | Composition roofing: 731 lb/yd³ |
| Drywall / gypsum board | 467 lb | Gypsum board: 467 lb/yd³ |
| Lumber & wood (deck boards, framing) | 169 lb | Clean dimensional lumber: 169 lb/yd³ |
| Engineered wood (cabinets, particleboard) | 268 lb | Clean engineered wood: 268 lb/yd³ |
| Yard waste (mixed, loose) | 250 lb | Mixed yard waste, uncompacted: 250 lb/yd³ |
| Branches & stumps | 127 lb | Branches & stumps: 127 lb/yd³ |
| Leaves | 250–500 lb | Leaves: 250–500 lb/yd³ |
| Carpet | 147 lb | Carpet: 147 lb/yd³ |
| Carpet padding | 62 lb | Carpet padding: 62 lb/yd³ |
| Scrap metal (mixed) | 143–225 lb | Composite metal 143; other ferrous 225 lb/yd³ |
Weight allowances by size
| Size | Length × height | Pickup loads | Included weight (range found) | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yd | 12–14 × 3.5 ft | 3 | 1–3 tons | $250–$586 |
| 15 yd | 16 × 4.5 ft | — | 2–3 tons | $306–$609 |
| 20 yd | 22 × 4–4.5 ft | 6 | 1.5–4 tons | $275–$679 |
| 30 yd | 22 × 6 ft | 9 | 2.15–5 tons | $300–$809 |
| 40 yd | 22 × 8 ft | 12 | 2.75–6 tons | $350–$906 |
Assumptions and limits
- EPA factors are statewide averages compiled from waste-characterization studies (mainly California’s 2006 C&D study). Your load may be lighter or heavier.
- Wet materials weigh more. Leaves, yard waste and drywall can gain a lot of weight after rain.
- Heavy aggregates (concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt) are excluded; they have their own calculator with in-place densities.
- Appliances and electronics often carry separate fees or are refused; check with your hauler.
Sources
We opened and checked every source below in October 2026.
- U.S. EPA — Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors (April 2016)
- Fixr — Dumpster rental cost (updated Jan 31, 2025)
- HomeGuide — Dumpster rental prices (Apr 5, 2023)
- Thumbtack — How much does it cost to rent a dumpster? (updated Mar 31, 2026)
- Discount Dumpster — How much does a dumpster rental cost in 2026? (updated Aug 5, 2026)
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Full methodology
Dumpster weight FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of shingles weigh?
The EPA’s factor for composition (asphalt) roofing is 731 lb per cubic yard of loose debris.
How much does a cubic yard of drywall weigh?
About 467 lb per cubic yard, per the EPA’s factor for gypsum board.
How heavy is a dumpster full of household junk?
Mixed household waste weighs 250–300 lb per cubic yard (EPA), so a 20-yard filled to 85% holds roughly 2.1–2.6 tons.
What happens if my dumpster is too heavy?
You’ll usually pay an overage fee for each ton over your allowance, typically $40–$100 per ton. A badly overloaded container may not be hauled until some weight is removed.
How much weight is included in a dumpster rental?
It varies by company. The allowances we found range from 1–3 tons for a 10-yard to 2.75–6 tons for a 40-yard. Always ask before you book.