Not all cleanups or construction jobs are the same. Some projects generate a little waste, others a lot, and choosing the right dumpster size makes all the difference. At JD Rolloff Dumpsters, we keep things simple by offering two practical solutions: a 10-yard dumpster and a 40-yard dumpster. Between them, just about any project in Riverside, Corona, Murrieta, Perris, and across the Inland Empire can be handled efficiently and cost-effectively.
This guide breaks down which dumpster works best for different project types, so you can book the right one the first time.

Why Dumpster Size Matters
When people rent a dumpster, they often think only about how much “stuff” they have to get rid of. But it’s just as important to think about the type of debris. Ten cubic yards of shingles weigh far more than ten cubic yards of household junk. That’s why we’ve designed our dumpster options around the most common project needs:
- 10-yard dumpsters are compact, affordable, and built to handle heavy materials.
- 40-yard dumpsters are large-capacity workhorses for major cleanups and construction jobs.
By limiting options to these two categories, JD Rolloff keeps the process straightforward without sacrificing flexibility.
Projects Suited for a 10-Yard Dumpster
The 10-yard dumpster may be the smallest option we carry, but it’s surprisingly versatile. Its size makes it easy to place in driveways or tight spaces, and it’s specifically designed for heavy, dense, or modest-sized loads.
Home Cleanouts and Small Moves
If you’re cleaning out a garage, attic, or small apartment, the 10-yard dumpster is usually all you need. Old boxes, broken furniture, and general household junk can be tossed in without overloading. Since these items are lighter, you’ll stay well within the weight allowance.
Roofing Projects
Roof tear-offs are heavy and bulky. A 10-yard dumpster is the right call because it balances capacity with weight limits. Whether you’re removing asphalt shingles, tar paper, or flashing, this size handles roofing debris safely without risking overweight fees.
Yard Work and Landscaping
Trimming trees, pulling up shrubs, or removing small amounts of dirt? The 10-yard dumpster works perfectly. It can handle organic waste without being too big for a residential driveway. For heavier yard debris like soil, rock, or sod, the smaller size also helps avoid weight overload.
Small Remodeling Jobs
Bathroom remodels, small flooring projects, or partial kitchen updates often don’t require massive disposal capacity. The 10-yard dumpster provides enough space for cabinets, tile, drywall, and fixtures without paying for a larger container that won’t be filled.
Projects Suited for a 40-Yard Dumpster
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 40-yard dumpster is a giant. It’s built for high-volume cleanups, construction sites, and major renovation projects. With its large size, it handles bulky debris and large quantities of waste in one go, saving time on multiple hauls.
Whole-House Cleanouts
If you’re cleaning out an entire home—such as during an estate cleanout, foreclosure, or large downsizing—the 40-yard dumpster is ideal. Furniture, appliances, and years of accumulated belongings can be loaded without worry about running out of space.
Large Renovations and Remodels
Tearing out multiple rooms, replacing a full kitchen, or tackling an open-concept remodel? A 40-yard dumpster has the volume to hold cabinets, drywall, wood, flooring, and even bulky fixtures like bathtubs and countertops. It’s designed for projects where debris piles up fast.
New Construction and Demolition
On job sites, efficiency is everything. A 40-yard dumpster gives contractors and builders the capacity they need for wood scraps, packaging, insulation, drywall, and demolition debris. Instead of scheduling multiple smaller pickups, one large container keeps work moving smoothly.
Commercial and Industrial Cleanouts
Warehouses, retail spaces, and office cleanouts generate large amounts of waste, from shelving and equipment to old inventory. A 40-yard dumpster is built to handle these large-scale projects quickly and cost-effectively.
Choosing Between 10 and 40 Yards
If you’re unsure which size to choose, start by asking two questions:
- What type of material am I throwing away?
- Heavy and dense (concrete, shingles, dirt, roofing)? Go with the 10-yard.
- Bulky and lightweight (furniture, drywall, wood scraps)? Choose the 40-yard.
- Heavy and dense (concrete, shingles, dirt, roofing)? Go with the 10-yard.
- How much total volume will I have?
- A few pickup truck loads? The 10-yard is usually enough.
- A whole-house worth, or a construction site? The 40-yard saves you multiple hauls.
- A few pickup truck loads? The 10-yard is usually enough.
Our team at JD Rolloff is always happy to help estimate the right size if you’re unsure. A quick conversation about your project saves time, money, and hassle down the road.
Cost Efficiency by Project
One common concern homeowners and contractors share is cost. Renting too large a dumpster means paying for space you don’t use. Renting too small means extra pickups, overage fees, and delays. By limiting options to 10 and 40 yards, JD Rolloff keeps pricing straightforward.
- The 10-yard dumpster is the budget-friendly choice for small jobs, short-term projects, and heavy debris. You won’t be paying for unused capacity.
- The 40-yard dumpster costs more upfront but saves money on big projects by eliminating the need for multiple small rentals.
Either way, our transparent pricing means no hidden fees.
Real-World Scenarios
To make the choice even clearer, here are some examples:
- Replacing a roof in Riverside: The roofer expects to remove asphalt shingles from a 1,500-square-foot house. A 10-yard dumpster is perfect because the waste is dense and heavy.
- Estate cleanout in Corona: A family needs to empty a four-bedroom home with furniture, appliances, and years of stored belongings. A 40-yard dumpster provides the space for everything in one load.
- Bathroom remodel in Lake Elsinore: Old tile, a vanity, and a tub come out. A 10-yard dumpster handles the debris without taking up too much driveway space.
- Commercial build-out in Perris: A retail unit is being gutted for a new tenant. A 40-yard dumpster is the most efficient option to handle the demolition debris and construction waste.
Every project has unique demands, but you don’t need a long list of dumpster sizes to find the right fit. With JD Rolloff’s 10-yard and 40-yard dumpsters, we cover the full spectrum—from compact, heavy debris jobs to full-scale cleanouts and construction projects.
When you’re ready to rent, think about your project type, the material you’ll be tossing, and how much volume you expect. If you’re still unsure, our experienced team is here to guide you. With the right dumpster on site, your cleanup becomes simpler, faster, and more affordable.
JD Rolloff Dumpsters proudly serves Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Perris, Temecula, Fontana, and surrounding areas. Whether your project is big or small, we’ve got the dumpster rental solution sized just for you.