--- title: "Dumpster Sizes: 12 vs 20 Yard Guide | Kingdom Haulers" description: "12 yard or 20 yard? What fits in each dump-trailer dumpster, real dimensions, and which size suits cleanouts, remodels and roof tear-offs." url: https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/guides/dumpster-sizes updated: 2026-09-30 --- Guide # Dumpster sizes: which trailer fits your job For most garage and basement cleanouts, small remodels and yard projects, a 12 yard dumpster (6×12×4 ft inside) is enough. For roof tear-offs, kitchen remodels and whole-house cleanouts, choose the 20 yard (7×16×4 ft inside). By Kingdom Haulers · Updated September 30, 2026 ![Kingdom Haulers pickup with an orange trailer dumpster on a snowy driveway](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/_astro/trailer-snow.5HUV1NR5_JBwMQ.webp) ## Our most popular dumpster sizes at a glance Kingdom Haulers rents dump-trailer dumpsters in multiple sizes. The two most people pick are about 12 yards and about 20 yards. Both are trailers we back into your driveway behind a pickup, not roll-off cans. Both are 4 feet deep, so the difference is the footprint: the 20 yard is a foot wider and four feet longer. 12 yard 6 × 12 × 4 ft deep Garages, basements, bath remodels, yard debris 20 yard 7 × 16 × 4 ft deep Roof tear-offs, kitchens, whole-house cleanouts Top view, both trailers drawn to the same scale. Orange: a 4×8 sheet of plywood laid flat. Size Inside dimensions Good for **12 yard** 6 ft wide × 12 ft long × 4 ft deep Garage and basement cleanouts, bathroom or small remodels, yard debris **20 yard** 7 ft wide × 16 ft long × 4 ft deep Roof tear-offs, kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house cleanouts Multiple sizes are available, but the trailer you want may already be out on a job. Call or text [(717) 479-2744](tel:+17174792744) to check dates before you plan around a drop-off. ## Which size for your project Match the trailer to the job, not the house. These are the calls we'd make for the most common projects in York County. - 12 yard — **Garage or basement cleanout** — Boxes, old furniture, broken tools and holiday decorations fill a 12 yard faster than people expect, but for most single-space cleanouts it's the right size. [Rather we load it?](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/junk-removal/garage-cleanout) - 12 yard — **Bathroom remodel** — Tile, a vanity, a tub or shower surround and drywall usually fit with room to spare. - 20 yard — **Kitchen remodel** — Cabinets, countertops, flooring and drywall are bulky. A full gut is a 20 yard job; a small cabinet swap can fit the 12. - 20 yard — **Roof tear-off** — Shingles are heavy and pile up quickly. Most residential tear-offs use the 20 yard. [Roofing dumpsters](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/dumpster-rentals/roofing-dumpsters) - 20 yard — **Whole-house cleanout or move** — Furniture, basement contents and attic boxes need the bigger trailer, and sometimes a second load. [Estate cleanouts](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/estate-cleanouts) - Usually 12 yard — **Landscaping and yard debris** — Brush, branches, pulled shrubs and old landscape timbers fit the 12 for most yards. Big storm clean-ups may need the 20. ## How to estimate what you have Walk the space and group what's going. A single room or garage of household junk usually points to the 12 yard. A full remodel, a roof or a whole house points to the 20. - **Count the big pieces** — Couches, mattresses, cabinets and appliances take the most room. - **Count demolition separately** — Drywall, flooring and shingles add up quickly. - **Keep it level with the rails** — Anything piled above the top rails can't travel safely. - **Between sizes? Go bigger** — If it's open, take the bigger trailer. Running out of room mid-project costs more time than extra space. **Not sure?** Text a few photos of the space or the project to [(717) 479-2744](sms:+17174792744) and we'll tell you which trailer fits. ## What can't go in either size No matter the size, some things stay out of the trailer. Can’t go in the trailer - Concrete - Hazardous materials: chemicals, paint, asbestos - Medical waste - Car batteries and motor oil Refrigerators, freezers and other Freon appliances need special handling, so ask first. ## Why a dump trailer instead of a roll-off Our dumpsters sit on tires rather than a roll-off can's steel rails, so they go easier on driveways and back into tighter spots. When you're done, we hitch up and haul it away. See [dumpster rentals](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/dumpster-rentals) for how renting works. FAQ ## Dumpster sizes: quick answers Don’t see your question? [Call or text (717) 479-2744](tel:+17174792744). What size dumpster do I need for a garage cleanout? Most garage and basement cleanouts fit our 12 yard trailer dumpster (6×12×4 ft inside). If the garage is packed wall to wall or you're clearing a whole house, go with the 20 yard. What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off? Our 20 yard trailer (7×16×4 ft inside) handles most residential roof tear-offs. Call or text with the size of the roof and we'll help you pick. What if I pick the wrong size? Call or text before you book and describe the project, and we'll help you choose. If the job grows while the trailer is in your driveway, tell us and we'll work out the best next step. Do you have other sizes? Yes. Multiple sizes are available. The 12 and 20 yard trailers cover most projects, so call or text with yours and we'll tell you what fits and what's open. ## Keep reading - [Dumpster rentalsDump-trailer dumpster rental: multiple sizes (including 12 yd 6×12×4 ft and 20 yd 7×16×4 ft), how rental works, what can't go in, and who it's for.](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/dumpster-rentals) - [Dumpster rental costThe factors that set a dumpster rental quote and how to get an accurate one (we quote by request; no price list).](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/guides/dumpster-rental-cost) - [Roofing dumpstersTrailer dumpsters for roof tear-offs, for homeowners and roofing contractors.](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/dumpster-rentals/roofing-dumpsters) - [Garage cleanoutsGarage, basement, attic and shed cleanouts: haul-away or a trailer dumpster, and how to prep.](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/junk-removal/garage-cleanout) ## Junk gone. Peace restored. Call or text (717) 479-2744, or send a quick quote request. We’ll call or text you back as soon as we can. - [5.0 on Google (13)](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14341797174403657211) - Christian-owned - Licensed & insured - Free estimates **Hours**Mon–Fri 8–6 · Sat 9–4 · Sun closed ### Get a free quote Two quick steps, about a minute. - Pick dumpster rental or junk removal - Tell us where and when - We call or text you back [Start my free quote](https://www.kingdom-haulers.com/contact#quote) Free and no obligation. --- Kingdom Haulers · 110 High St, Felton, PA 17322 · Call or text (717) 479-2744 · info@kingdom-haulers.com