How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size for Your Project

OJB Solutions | Dumpster Rentals Throughout Portland, Oregon

When you’re tackling a cleanout, renovation, or construction job, one of the most overlooked decisions is choosing the right dumpster size. Go too small, and you’ll need multiple hauls. Go too big, and you’re paying for empty space. The key is to match the scale of your project with the right dumpster—both in volume and weight capacity.

At OJB Solutions, we make that easy. We offer 7-yard, 15-yard, and 20-yard dumpster rentals that cover everything from household junk to construction debris.

Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Think About What You're Throwing Away

Start by looking at the materials you’ll be removing.

  • Light but bulky: Things like mattresses, furniture, cardboard, and household junk take up a lot of space but aren’t very heavy.

  • Heavy debris: Dirt, concrete, bricks, shingles, and tile are dense and can max out weight limits quickly—even in a small container.

  • Mixed debris: A combination of furniture, renovation debris, and small household items usually falls in the middle.

Choosing the right size starts with understanding how dense or bulky your load will be.

Match the Dumpster to Your Project

Here’s a quick breakdown of what works best for common projects:

7-Yard Dumpster
Ideal for small cleanouts, yard debris, or heavy materials like concrete, dirt, bricks, and sod. Because these items are dense, this smaller size keeps the load within legal weight limits. It’s also perfect for tight spaces or smaller driveways.

15-Yard Dumpster
This is the sweet spot for most homeowners. Great for garage cleanouts, bathroom remodels, small kitchen updates, and general junk removal. If you're tossing bulky but lightweight items like furniture, old rugs, or wood, this is usually the right fit.

20-Yard Dumpster
Best for larger renovation projects, multiple-room cleanouts, roofing jobs, or prepping a property for sale. This size can handle couches, mattresses, drywall, cabinetry, and other large-volume debris with ease.

Consider Access and Space

Not every driveway or alley can accommodate a large dumpster. If you live in a tight neighborhood, work in a narrow jobsite, or are renting in an HOA-managed property, let us know.

We can help with:

  • Driveway-safe placement

  • Drop-offs in tight or sloped spaces

  • Same-day or weekend deliveries

  • Short-term rentals for fast turnarounds

Need help loading the dumpster? We also offer junk removal and labor add-ons if you need extra hands.

Don’t Forget About Weight Limits

Each dumpster includes a set tonnage in the rental price. Overloading can lead to additional fees. If you’re tossing heavy material—like tile, roofing, or concrete—be sure to discuss this with us in advance. We’ll help you choose the right container to avoid surprises at pickup.

When in Doubt, Call Us

Not sure which size is best for your project? No problem.

We’ve delivered thousands of dumpsters across the Portland metro area, and we’re happy to recommend the best option based on:

  • What you’re tossing

  • How long you need it

  • Where it’s being dropped

  • Whether you’ll need help loading

Just give us a call, text us a photo of the pile, or shoot over a quick list of what’s going — and we’ll take care of the rest.

Serving the Portland Metro Area

We proudly serve:

  • Portland

  • Oregon City

  • Tigard

  • Tualatin

  • Gresham

  • Beaverton

  • Clackamas

  • Happy Valley

  • Milwaukie

  • West Linn

  • Wilsonville

  • Lake Oswego

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or realtor, OJB Solutions has your back with fast, clean, and affordable dumpster service.

Ready to Book Your Dumpster?

Let’s get your project rolling — literally.

Call or text us at (503) 882-0704
Email: contact@oregonjunkbusters.com
Visit: ojbsolutions.com

Same-day delivery available in most areas. Ask about our junk removal packages if you want full-service help.

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