How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size in Elizabethtown KY
Choosing the right dumpster size can make any cleanup easier, faster, and far more affordable. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, clearing out the garage, or handling a contractor-grade job site, having the right roll-off container saves time and reduces stress. At Borders Dumpsters, we serve homeowners, contractors, and local businesses across Elizabethtown and Hardin County with simple, transparent rentals designed to meet real-world needs.
This guide will help you choose the best dumpster size for your project using practical examples, expert insight, and years of hands-on experience serving Kentucky families and job sites.
Understanding Dumpster Sizes
Roll-off dumpsters typically come in multiple sizes, and Borders Dumpsters offers a range that covers nearly any project. While availability varies, the most commonly rented sizes are:
- 15 yard
- 20 yard
- 30 yard
- 40 yard
Each size has a different weight allowance and volume, but choosing the right one depends more on your project scope than the container dimensions alone.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
15 Yard Dumpster – Best for small cleanouts
Ideal for:
- Garage cleanups
- Single-room decluttering
- Small renovation debris
- Yard waste
This size is perfect when you know you’ll have more trash than you can bag, but not enough to justify a larger bin.
20 Yard Dumpster – Great for medium-sized projects
Ideal for:
- Bathroom remodels
- Roofing tear-offs
- Basement cleanouts
- Flooring removal
A 20 yard dumpster is one of the most versatile options in Elizabethtown. It handles heavy debris while remaining driveway-friendly.
30 Yard Dumpster – Best for large home projects
Ideal for:
- Major house cleanouts
- Multi-room renovations
- Estate cleanups
- Contractor renovation jobs
If you expect bulky items or mixed debris, a 30 yard container gives you plenty of room without needing multiple pickups.
40 Yard Dumpster – Best for commercial or extensive residential projects
Ideal for:
- Large construction jobs
- Full-home renovations
- Commercial cleanup
- Demolition projects
This size works best when efficiency matters. If you're removing a high volume of debris, starting with a 40 yard saves trips and disposal fees.
How to Know Which Size YOU Need
Choosing a size becomes easier when you consider three factors:
1. Scope of the Project
Small room? Choose 15.
Whole-home remodel? Choose 30–40.
Estimate the number of large items or contractor bags your project will generate.
2. Material Weight
Heavier materials require careful consideration.
Examples:
- Shingles
- Dirt
- Concrete
- Plaster
A smaller dumpster may actually be the better choice for weight-restricted debris.
3. Delivery Area
Borders Dumpsters serves homes and job sites across:
Elizabethtown
Radcliff
Vine Grove
Rineyville
Glendale
Bardstown
Surrounding Hardin County
For tight driveways or limited space, a 15 or 20 yard container may fit better.
Why Choosing the Right Size Saves Money
Many customers assume a bigger dumpster is automatically the best choice. But the right size keeps your costs lower by:
- Avoiding overweight fees
- Preventing the need for multiple hauls
- Ensuring debris fits properly without overflow
- Matching the project timeline efficiently
When in doubt, Borders Dumpsters helps customers pick the best size over the phone with honest, local guidance based on years of experience.
Q & A SECTION
Q: What’s the most popular dumpster size in Elizabethtown?
A: The 20 yard is the most commonly rented because it works for most remodeling and cleanup projects without taking up too much space.
Q: Can a dumpster damage my driveway?
A: Borders Dumpsters takes precautions such as placing boards or protective materials under the container to reduce pressure on paved surfaces.
Q: How long can I keep the dumpster?
A: Standard rentals are for seven days unless arranged otherwise. Longer rental windows are available if your project needs more time.
Q: What items cannot go in the dumpster?
A: Hazardous materials like tires, wet paint, concrete slabs, batteries, chemicals, and freon-filled appliances are prohibited.
Q: Should I choose a bigger dumpster just in case?
A: Not always. Oversizing can increase rental costs, especially if your material is heavy. Borders Dumpsters can help you size correctly based on the type of debris.