Why the 20 yard is the default choice
The 20 yard is the container most people should book and the one local service partners deliver most often in Reno. It holds about six pickup loads, which lines up almost exactly with a whole-room remodel, a full house cleanout, or a mid-size roof tear-off. It is only $71 more than the 10 yard and it doubles both the volume and the included weight, so for anything that is not pure concrete or dirt it is usually the better value.
The other reason it wins: running out of room mid-project is expensive. A second container means a second delivery and a second haul. Paying a little more up front for a container you do not quite fill costs less than paying twice.
What a 20 yard handles
- A full kitchen remodel including cabinets, counters, flooring and drywall
- A three bedroom house cleanout, furniture and appliances included
- A roof tear-off up to roughly 25 to 30 squares of comp shingle, one layer
- Flooring pulled from an entire house, carpet, pad, tile and underlayment
- A backyard deck and pergola demolition
- Fence removal along a standard residential lot
- Office or retail tenant improvement debris
Dimensions and placement
The 20 yard is about 22 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 4.5 feet tall. Allow roughly 34 feet of straight approach so the truck can position and roll it off, and keep the drop zone clear of branches, wires, basketball hoops and low eaves. Most Reno residential driveways handle it without trouble. Tight Midtown lots and older Old Southwest properties with short driveways sometimes need a street placement instead, which requires a permit.
The 4.5 foot walls are still low enough to load by hand over the side for most debris. Heavier items usually go in through the rear swing door, which is standard on this size.
Weight allowance and heavy material
Two tons are included, which is 4,000 pounds. That covers a normal mixed remodel load comfortably. It does not cover a full container of shingles, concrete, dirt, rock or tile. Overage is $50 per ton over the limit.
A practical rule for Reno: if more than about a third of your load is going to be masonry, roofing material, or soil, either book the 10 yard for that material separately or tell us at booking so we can quote it as a heavy load. See our concrete and dirt page for how that pricing works.
Wind, dust and Washoe County reality
Reno gets real wind, especially through spring afternoons in the valley. Light debris such as insulation, cardboard, foam board and roofing felt will leave an open container and end up in your neighbor's yard. Load heavy material low and light material underneath heavier pieces, or tarp the top overnight. It is a small thing that prevents a real headache, and it keeps you clear of any nuisance complaints.
Delivery area
Local service partners deliver 20 yard containers across Reno including Midtown, Northwest Reno, Somersett, Caughlin Ranch, Damonte Ranch, Hidden Valley, South Meadows, the University district and Downtown. Availability in Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley and Verdi is confirmed by address.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 20 yard dumpster in Reno?
$589.50 flat, including delivery, pickup, 10 days on site and 2 tons of weight. Extensions are $10 per day. Overage is $50 per ton.
Is a 20 yard big enough for a whole house cleanout?
For most three bedroom homes, yes. If the home is packed, has a full garage and a shed, or you are clearing an estate, step up to the 30 yard.
How many squares of roofing fit in a 20 yard?
Roughly 25 to 30 squares of single layer comp shingle. Two layers cuts that close to half, and weight becomes the limit before volume does.
Does the 20 yard have a rear door?
Yes. The swing door on the back end lets you walk heavy items in instead of lifting them over the 4.5 foot wall.
How much space do I need for a 20 yard dumpster?
About 34 feet of straight, level approach and clear overhead space. If your driveway is shorter than that, a street placement with a City of Reno permit is usually the answer.
Ready to book?
Ten days are included on every rental. Extensions are $10 per day. Overage is $50 per ton over the weight limit.
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