Updated 2026-10-21. Prices are sourced ranges, checked against national cost data — your hauler's written quote is the number that counts. Get it in writing, with the included tons and overage rate on it.
The 20-yard is America's most-rented dumpster: roughly 22 ft long, 7.5 ft wide, 4.5 ft high — about 8 pickup-truck loads. Typical rental: $350–$564, usually with 2–3 tons included.
This is the size in most overage complaints: a friendly ~$439 phone quote, then a weight bill weeks later that dwarfs the rental. The defense is boring and total: written quote, included tons, overage $/ton, weight ticket. Full story: the $4,200 overage trap.
If your debris is heavy (tile, plaster, roofing) the 30-yard's higher included tonnage often ends up cheaper than a 20-yard plus overage. If it's bulky but light (furniture, insulation, yard waste), the 20-yard is plenty.