30-Yard Dumpster Dimensions and Capacity Overview

Key Takeaways:

• A 30-yard dumpster measures approximately 22 feet long, 7.5 to 8 feet wide, and 5 to 6 feet high with a footprint similar to a large pickup truck
• The container holds 30 cubic yards of volume, equivalent to 9 to 12 pickup truck loads or 170 to 190 standard 33-gallon trash bags
• Weight capacity typically ranges from 3 to 5 tons (6,000 to 10,000 pounds) depending on the rental agreement and debris type
• Most 30-yard containers include a rear walk-in door for easier loading of heavy or bulky items
• Peoria contractors need approximately 60 feet of clearance for delivery and 23 feet of vertical space for the truck’s hydraulic hoist
• Permits cost $20 per 30 days in Peoria when placing containers on public streets or alleys

Article Summary: A 30-yard dumpster serves as a versatile large-capacity solution for major construction projects, full-home renovations, and commercial cleanouts in Peoria. You may be forgiven for assuming a 30 yard dumpster dimensions multiply up to exactly 30 cubic yards but in reality they are roughly 22 feet by 8 feet by 6 feet, with a typical weight limit of 3 to 5 tons. This size bridges the gap between mid-range containers and the largest 40-yard options, offering substantial volume without overwhelming residential driveways or tight job sites.

Understanding 30-Yard Dumpster Physical Dimensions

The 30-yard designation refers to the internal cubic yardage the container can hold. For general contractors working across Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, and Fulton counties, understanding the actual footprint helps with site planning and equipment coordination.

Standard exterior measurements typically include a length of 22 feet, width between 7.5 and 8 feet, and height ranging from 5 to 6 feet. These dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, but the internal 30 cubic yards of space remains consistent.[1] The container occupies roughly the same ground space as a large pickup truck or standard driveway section, making it accessible for most residential and commercial properties.

Most 30-yard roll-off containers feature a large rear door that swings open. This walk-in design allows contractors to wheel heavy materials like appliances, cabinets, or concrete chunks directly into the container rather than hoisting them over the 5 to 6-foot walls. The door access significantly reduces physical strain and speeds up loading for multi-person crews managing demolition or renovation debris.

How Container Dimensions Impact Job Site Planning

The 22-foot length requires adequate street frontage or driveway space. When Zap Dumpsters sources a 30-yard container for your Peoria project, delivery trucks need approximately 60 feet of straight-line clearance to safely position and drop the bin.[2] This measurement accounts for the truck itself plus the hydraulic roll-off mechanism.

Vertical clearance matters just as much as horizontal space. Delivery vehicles require roughly 23 feet of overhead clearance to operate the hoist system that lifts and lowers the container. Low-hanging utility lines, tree branches, or building overhangs can prevent proper placement. Contractors should walk the delivery path and measure any potential obstructions before scheduling container arrival.

The width of 7.5 to 8 feet fits within most driveway widths but leaves minimal margin on narrow residential driveways. Some contractors choose to place containers partially in the street when driveway width becomes restrictive. In these situations, Peoria regulations require a right-of-way permit costing $20 per 30-day period, obtainable through the City of Peoria Permits Division at 309-494-8800.[3]

Volume Capacity and Material Equivalents

Thirty cubic yards translates to substantial holding capacity for mixed construction debris, household cleanouts, and commercial waste streams. For contractors estimating project needs, this size accommodates approximately 9 to 12 pickup truck loads worth of material.[4] The range accounts for how efficiently materials compact and whether debris contains significant air gaps.

Material Type	Approximate Capacity
Standard 33-gallon trash bags	170 to 190 bags
Pickup truck loads (full bed)	9 to 12 loads
Roofing shingles (bundles)	70 to 120 bundles
Drywall sheets (4×8 standard)	450 to 600 sheets
2×4 lumber (8-foot lengths)	1,200 to 1,600 pieces

Weight Capacity Versus Volume Capacity

The confusion between cubic yards (volume) and weight limits causes many contractors to exceed their rental agreements. While a 30-yard container physically holds 30 cubic yards of space, the weight capacity typically ranges from 3 to 5 tons, which equals 6,000 to 10,000 pounds.[5] Some heavy-duty units marketed for specific debris types can handle up to 6 tons, but most standard rental agreements cap weight between 3 and 4 tons.

Dense materials like concrete, brick, dirt, or roofing shingles reach weight limits long before filling the available volume. A 30-yard container loaded one-third full with broken concrete can easily exceed 5 tons. Contractors working with these heavy materials should request smaller containers with higher weight allowances or coordinate with hauling partners about density-specific pricing.

Lightweight materials rarely approach weight limits. Household furniture, cardboard boxes, wood framing, plastic items, and general construction debris from interior renovations typically max out the container’s volume before reaching 3 tons. This makes the 30-yard size highly efficient for mixed-material jobs where bulk rather than weight drives disposal needs.

Calculating Project Debris Volume

General contractors can estimate debris volume by measuring the area being demolished or renovated. A complete gut renovation of a 2,500 to 3,000 square foot home generates enough material to fill most of a 30-yard container. This includes drywall, flooring, cabinets, trim work, doors, windows, and miscellaneous construction debris.

Major roofing projects involving 70 to 120 bundles of shingles fit comfortably within a 30-yard container’s capacity. Each roofing square (100 square feet of coverage) produces roughly one-third to one-half cubic yard of debris when removed. A 3,000 square foot roof equals approximately 30 squares, generating 10 to 15 cubic yards of shingle waste. Adding felt paper, old flashing, and damaged decking boards brings total volume into the 15 to 20 cubic yard range, leaving buffer space within the 30-yard capacity.

Weight Limits and Material Restrictions

Understanding weight limits prevents unexpected overage fees and ensures safe transportation. Illinois EPA regulations and hauler equipment limitations establish practical weight ceilings for roll-off containers.[6] Exceeding these limits creates safety hazards during transport and risks damage to driveways, roads, and the container itself.

Standard Weight Allowances by Material Type

Most rental agreements for 30-yard containers include 3 to 5 tons in the base price. Hauling partners calculate weight at the landfill or transfer station by weighing the loaded truck, emptying the container, then weighing the empty truck. The difference equals debris weight, with overage charges typically running $50 to $100 per ton beyond the included allowance.

Mixed construction debris from home renovations averages 150 to 400 pounds per cubic yard depending on material composition. A full 30-yard container of mixed renovation debris weighs approximately 4,500 to 12,000 pounds (2.25 to 6 tons). The wide range reflects different ratios of heavy materials like drywall and lumber versus lighter materials like insulation and cardboard.

Concrete and masonry hit weight limits fastest. Broken concrete weighs roughly 2,400 pounds per cubic yard. Just 4 to 5 cubic yards of concrete chunks reach a 5-ton weight limit, leaving 25 cubic yards of empty space. Contractors disposing of concrete, brick, or block should request smaller containers specifically rated for heavy debris.

Asphalt shingles fall into a problematic middle category. They compact tightly and weigh more than they appear. Each bundle weighs 60 to 80 pounds when removed from a roof. A complete tear-off generating 100 bundles produces 6,000 to 8,000 pounds of shingle debris alone, approaching or exceeding weight limits before the container reaches half capacity.

Prohibited Items and Material Separation

Illinois regulations prohibit certain materials from standard landfills, which means they cannot go into roll-off containers. Hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, and automotive fluids require special disposal through licensed facilities. Batteries, fluorescent bulbs containing mercury, electronics, and appliances containing refrigerants also need separate handling.[7]

Contractors must keep these restricted items away from job site dumpsters to avoid contamination fees ranging from $250 to $500 per incident. Hauling partners reserve the right to refuse pickup if prohibited materials are visible in the load.

Some materials incur extra fees but are acceptable with advance notice. Mattresses and box springs may cost $25 to $50 extra per item due to processing requirements. Whole tires typically require separate disposal through tire recycling programs. Appliances containing refrigerants need professional recovery services before disposal.

Best Use Cases for 30-Yard Containers

The 30-yard size serves as the workhorse container for contractors managing medium to large projects across Peoria’s residential and commercial markets. The balance of substantial capacity with manageable footprint makes this size popular for work requiring extended rental periods and steady debris accumulation.

Project Type	Typical Debris Generated	Container Fill Level
Whole-house renovation (2,500-3,000 sq ft)	Drywall, flooring, cabinets, fixtures, trim	80-100%
New home construction	Wood scraps, packaging, drywall cutoffs	60-80%
Estate cleanout (4-bedroom home)	Furniture, appliances, household items	70-90%
Commercial roof replacement (10,000 sq ft)	Roofing membrane, insulation, metal flashing	40-60%
Large landscaping project	Tree branches, shrubs, sod, yard debris	90-100%

Home Renovation and Remodeling Projects

Full-house renovations involving multiple rooms generate the consistent debris volume that justifies a 30-yard container. Kitchen remodels produce cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and drywall. Bathroom renovations add fixtures, tile, vanities, and plumbing materials. When contractors tackle kitchens, bathrooms, and additional living spaces simultaneously, debris accumulates quickly.

The rear walk-in door proves particularly valuable during renovation work. Contractors can wheel loaded wheelbarrows directly into the container rather than lifting materials over the walls. This feature saves time and reduces injury risk when disposing of heavy items like cast-iron bathtubs, granite countertops, or solid wood cabinets.

Demolition phase generates most volume. Removing old drywall, flooring, and fixtures creates bulkier waste than installation generates. A 2,500 square foot home renovation removing all interior finishes down to studs produces approximately 20 to 25 cubic yards of debris. Adding exterior work like siding replacement, window removal, or deck demolition pushes total volume toward 30 cubic yards.

Estate Cleanouts and Large Property Clearing

Complete estate cleanouts require substantial container capacity when dealing with decades of accumulated belongings. A typical 4-bedroom home filled with furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, and miscellaneous household items generates 25 to 30 cubic yards of disposal volume. Contractors managing estate cleanout projects in Peoria benefit from the extended time frame that 30-yard rentals accommodate.

Multi-generational homes with full basements, attics, and garages often require two 30-yard containers or one 30-yard container with an exchange service. The first container handles furniture, appliances, and large items. The second accommodates boxes, bags, and smaller debris after initial clearing.

Yard waste from neglected properties adds considerable volume. Overgrown shrubs, fallen branches, dead trees, and accumulated leaf litter compress well but still occupy significant space. A half-acre property with severe overgrowth can fill 15 to 20 cubic yards after clearing, trimming, and pruning.

Site Preparation and Placement Requirements

Proper site preparation prevents damage to property and ensures efficient container delivery and pickup. Contractors should complete a site walk-through before scheduling delivery to identify potential obstacles and confirm adequate clearance.

Surface Protection and Driveway Considerations

An empty 30-yard steel container weighs approximately 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. When loaded to a 5-ton weight limit, total weight approaches 16,000 pounds concentrated on four small wheel points. This extreme pressure can crack concrete driveways, damage asphalt surfaces, or create deep ruts in unpaved areas.

Contractors should place protective materials under the container wheels. Four pieces of 3/4-inch plywood measuring 2 feet by 2 feet work well for distributing weight over larger surface areas. Some hauling partners provide plastic wheel pads or rubber mats as standard equipment. For particularly vulnerable surfaces like stamped concrete or new asphalt, contractors can rent heavy-duty steel plates from equipment suppliers.

Driveway slope affects container stability. Containers should sit as level as possible to prevent doors from swinging open unexpectedly and materials from shifting during loading. Steep driveways may require placement in the street with proper permitting. Grades exceeding 10 percent create safety concerns during delivery and pickup when the hydraulic system struggles to maintain control.

The container should sit close enough to the work area for efficient loading but not so close that it blocks essential access. Contractors typically position containers 10 to 20 feet from the main work zone, allowing room for material staging and equipment movement while keeping walking distance manageable.

Clearance Requirements and Delivery Logistics

Roll-off delivery trucks measure 30 to 35 feet long and require turning radius similar to large semi-trucks. Narrow residential streets with parked cars create maneuvering challenges. Contractors should ensure clear street access on delivery day and communicate any tight clearances to the hauling partner beforehand.

The hydraulic hoist system extending from the truck requires 23 feet of vertical clearance when lifting or lowering containers. Low utility lines, tree canopies, and building awnings frequently create problems. A quick measurement with a measuring tape or laser distance tool prevents delivery failures.

Property corners, fences, and retaining walls need adequate clearance during container placement. The truck extends the container backward while lowering it onto wheels. This process requires roughly 10 feet of side clearance on each side to account for minor positioning adjustments during the drop.

Permit Requirements in Peoria

Contractors placing 30-yard containers on private property within Peoria city limits do not need permits if the container sits entirely on the project site without extending into streets, sidewalks, or alleys. Private property placement includes driveways, yards, parking lots, and construction sites where the owner controls access.

When Permits Become Necessary

The City of Peoria requires a right-of-way use permit when containers occupy any portion of public property. This includes streets, alleys, sidewalks, parkways, and any area within the city-managed right-of-way.[8] Contractors cannot assume street placement is acceptable without proper authorization.

The permit costs $20 per 30-day period, payable to the City of Peoria Permits Division located at 3505 N Dries Lane. Applications require details about container location, duration, and hauling company information. The city reviews applications to ensure containers do not create traffic hazards, block emergency access, or obstruct utilities.

Permit violations carry financial penalties. Unauthorized container placement on public property may result in citations starting at $75 per day. In cases where containers create safety hazards or block emergency access, the city may require immediate removal regardless of project status.

Street placement becomes necessary when driveways lack adequate width or length, when surface damage concerns prohibit driveway placement, or when multiple trades need simultaneous site access. In these situations, contractors should apply for permits at least 72 hours before scheduled delivery to allow processing time.

Multi-Container Projects and Extended Timelines

Projects requiring multiple 30-yard containers or extended rental periods beyond 30 days need careful permit coordination. Each 30-day period requires a new $20 permit. For projects spanning several months, contractors should budget permit costs into overall project expenses.

Some construction jobs benefit from sequential container placement rather than simultaneous multiple containers. As crews complete demolition phases and fill the first container, scheduling pickup and replacement maintains continuous disposal capacity without occupying excess street space. This approach reduces permit costs and minimizes neighborhood impact.

Mini Case Study: Peoria Whole-Home Renovation — A general contractor managing a 3,200 square foot gut renovation in a historic Peoria neighborhood needed extended disposal capacity. The home’s narrow driveway couldn’t accommodate a 30-yard container without blocking garage access. The contractor obtained two consecutive 30-day permits for street placement at $20 each, positioned the container directly in front of the property, and coordinated with the hauling partner for one exchange midway through demolition. Total permit cost of $40 enabled six weeks of convenient disposal without property damage or access issues.

Mini Case Study: New Construction Site — A commercial builder constructing a 6,000 square foot office building in Peoria needed consistent waste disposal throughout the 9-month project. Rather than maintaining a 30-yard container continuously, the builder scheduled containers for specific phases: foundation and framing (2 weeks), rough-in (2 weeks), and finish work (1 week). Private site placement eliminated permit requirements, and targeted rental periods reduced total disposal costs by 40 percent compared to long-term container rental.

Optimizing Container Usage and Load Efficiency

Maximizing the value of a 30-yard container rental requires strategic loading practices that balance volume utilization with weight management. Contractors who plan debris removal sequencing can significantly improve efficiency and avoid common problems.

Loading Techniques for Mixed Debris

Start with heavy items on the bottom. Place dense materials like concrete chunks, brick, or bagged soil in the container first. This creates a stable base that won’t shift during loading or transport. Heavy materials at the bottom also make weight distribution safer for the delivery truck during pickup.

Break down bulky items before disposal. Furniture, cabinets, and large appliances occupy less space when disassembled. A couch broken into sections stacks more efficiently than one left intact. Kitchen cabinets separated from countertops and backs removed create gaps that accommodate smaller debris.

Fill gaps progressively. As contractors load large items, they create voids and air pockets throughout the container. Sweep up smaller debris like drywall pieces, wood scraps, and packaging materials to fill these gaps. This approach maximizes volume utilization without requiring complex stacking strategies.

Distribute weight evenly across the container length. Loading all heavy materials at one end creates imbalanced loads that complicate transport and may violate DOT regulations. Spread dense debris throughout the container’s 22-foot length rather than concentrating it.

Common Loading Mistakes That Cost Money

Overfilling beyond the rim creates safety violations. Materials should not extend above the container walls. Hauling partners cannot safely transport overloaded containers, and most refuse pickup until loads are brought to legal levels. This creates project delays and may incur reloading fees.

Mixing prohibited materials with acceptable debris forces entire load rejection. One can of paint or container of pesticides contaminates the entire load, requiring complete removal, separation, and reloading. Contamination fees range from $250 to $500, and disposal timing suffers.

Failing to account for settlement causes confusion. Loose materials like drywall scraps, insulation, and wood shavings settle during transport. What appears to fill the container to capacity when loaded may only reach 80 percent capacity after the truck drives over roads and highways. This natural settlement does not constitute short-loading by the hauling partner.

Poor timing of container exchanges interrupts workflow. Contractors should schedule pickups when containers reach 90 to 95 percent capacity rather than waiting until they’re completely full. This prevents having excess debris on-site with nowhere to put it while waiting for exchange service.

Cost Factors and Rental Considerations

Understanding pricing structures helps contractors budget accurately for 30-yard container rentals. Multiple factors influence final costs beyond the base rental rate.

Base Rental Rates and Included Services

Typical base rates for 30-yard containers in the Peoria market range from $450 to $650 for a 7-day rental period. This price generally includes delivery, one pickup, and disposal of 3 to 5 tons of debris. Rates vary based on hauling partner, debris type, seasonal demand, and final disposal location.

Extended rental periods beyond the initial 7 to 10 days incur daily fees ranging from $5 to $15 per day. Long-term construction projects benefit from weekly or monthly pricing that reduces per-day costs. A 30-day rental might cost $550 to $750 total compared to extending a weekly rental through daily fees.

Weight overage charges apply to tonnage exceeding included limits. Most hauling partners charge $50 to $100 per ton beyond the base allowance. A container agreement including 4 tons with final weight of 6.2 tons would generate overage charges of $110 to $220 for the additional 2.2 tons.

Delivery distance from the hauling partner’s yard to the project site factors into pricing. Projects within Peoria city limits typically receive standard rates. Jobs in rural Tazewell or Fulton County may add $50 to $150 in delivery surcharges to cover extra fuel and driver time.

Project-Specific Cost Factors

Heavy debris requires different pricing structures. Concrete, brick, dirt, and asphalt disposal costs more per ton than mixed construction debris. Hauling partners may charge $75 to $120 per ton for dense materials compared to $50 to $80 per ton for standard waste. Contractors should request concrete-specific containers for heavy demolition projects.

Contaminated loads incur steep penalties. Mixing prohibited items with acceptable debris forces entire load rejection and potential redelivery fees. Some hauling partners charge trip fees of $100 to $200 when they must return containers to the site after discovering contamination.

Permit costs add to total project expenses. The $20 per 30-day permit fee in Peoria seems minimal but compounds on projects requiring multiple renewals or multiple container locations. A six-month project with continuous street placement totals $120 in permits alone.

Seasonal demand affects pricing and availability. Spring and early summer bring peak renovation and construction activity, creating container shortages and premium pricing. Contractors booking during winter months often secure better rates and guaranteed availability for projects starting in high-demand seasons.

Conclusion

Contractors working across Peoria need accurate information about 30-yard dumpster dimensions and capacity to plan effectively and avoid costly mistakes. This container size offers the sweet spot between substantial volume and manageable footprint, handling everything from whole-home renovations to commercial construction debris. Understanding the 22-foot by 8-foot by 6-foot dimensions, 3 to 5-ton weight limits, and local permit requirements ensures smooth project execution without surprises.

30-Yard Dumpster Dimensions and Capacity FAQs

How much debris can a 30-yard dumpster actually hold? A 30-yard container holds approximately 9 to 12 pickup truck loads or 170 to 190 standard 33-gallon trash bags. The volume equals 30 cubic yards of space, which accommodates a complete gut renovation of a 2,500 to 3,000 square foot home including drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. Weight capacity typically limits loads to 3 to 5 tons before volume capacity is reached, especially with dense materials.

What are the exact dimensions of a 30-yard dumpster? Standard 30-yard containers measure approximately 22 feet long, 7.5 to 8 feet wide, and 5 to 6 feet high. Slight variations occur between manufacturers, but these measurements represent industry averages. The container occupies about the same ground space as a large pickup truck and requires 60 feet of straight-line clearance for delivery plus 23 feet of vertical clearance for the truck’s hydraulic hoist system.

Can I put concrete in a 30-yard dumpster? You can put concrete in a 30-yard container, but weight limits restrict how much volume you can fill. Concrete weighs roughly 2,400 pounds per cubic yard, so just 4 to 5 cubic yards reaches a typical 5-ton weight limit. This leaves 25 cubic yards of empty space. Contractors disposing of concrete should request smaller containers specifically rated for heavy debris to avoid paying for unused volume capacity.

Do I need a permit for a 30-yard dumpster in Peoria? You need a permit only if the 30-yard container sits on public property like streets, alleys, or sidewalks. Private property placement including driveways, yards, and construction sites requires no permit. Peoria charges $20 per 30-day permit through the Permits Division at 3505 N Dries Lane. Contractors should apply at least 72 hours before delivery to allow processing time.

How long can I keep a 30-yard dumpster? Most rental agreements provide 7 to 10 days in the base rate with daily extension fees of $5 to $15 per additional day. Long-term projects benefit from weekly or monthly rental agreements that reduce per-day costs. Contractors can keep containers for weeks or months as long as they pay the agreed rental fees and maintain permits if required for street placement.

30-Yard Dumpster Dimensions and Capacity Citations

[1] Dumpster Sizes & Dimensions, American Disposal Services, accessed December 2024, https://www.americandisposal.com/dumpster-sizes

[2] 30-Yard Dumpster Rental, Dumpsters.com, accessed December 2024, https://www.dumpsters.com/sizes/30-yard-dumpster

[3] Dumpster Permit Requirements, City of Peoria Illinois, accessed December 2024, https://www.peoriagov.org/459/Dumpster-or-Portable-Storage-Containers-

[4] Dimensions and Capacity: Understanding 30-Yard Dumpsters, Ready2Go Dumpsters, June 2024, https://ready2godumpsters.com/dumpster-rental/dimensions-and-capacity-understanding-30-yard-roll-off-dumpsters/

[5] Guide to Dumpster Weight Limits, Hometown Dumpster Rental, accessed December 2024, https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/guide-to-dumpster-weight-limits

[6] Construction or Demolition Debris Disposal, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, accessed December 2024, https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/ccdd.html

[7] Household Waste Disposal Guidelines, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, January 2025, https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/disposal.html

[8] Do I Need a Dumpster Permit in Peoria, Zap Dumpsters Peoria, June 2025, https://zapdumpsterspeoria.com/how-to-get-a-dumpster-permit-in-peoria-il-2/