Reference table for dumpster weight by material — concrete, tile, shingles, drywall, furniture, and yard waste in lbs per cubic yard. Predict overage before you book.
By Roberto “Robert” Quiñones, Owner-Operator · KYN Hauling LLC
Quick answer: Dumpster weight depends on material density, not just size. On average: concrete/tile debris runs 2,000-3,000 lbs per cubic yard, roofing shingles run 200-400 lbs per square (about 100 sq ft), drywall runs roughly 500-600 lbs per cubic yard, furniture and household junk runs 150-300 lbs per cubic yard, and yard waste runs 250-500 lbs per cubic yard (heavier when wet). A 20-yard roll-off from KYN includes 2 tons (4,000 lbs) on the standard 7-day rental — use the table below to estimate your load before it's picked up so there are no overage surprises.
A 20-yard dumpster can hold 20 cubic yards of material, but every roll-off rental also comes with a weight limit — because the truck hauling it, and the landfill weighing it, both care about tonnage, not just how full the box looks. Two identical-looking loads can weigh completely different amounts. A dumpster full of couch cushions and cardboard might weigh 800 lbs. The same size load of broken tile or concrete can weigh 8,000 lbs or more. That's the difference between staying under your included tonnage and facing an overage charge. Knowing roughly what your material weighs per cubic yard lets you predict your total before the truck ever shows up.
| Material | Approx. weight | Notes |
| Concrete / masonry | 2,000-3,000 lbs/cu yd | Densest common debris; even a few cubic yards can exceed 2 tons |
| Tile / ceramic | 2,200-2,800 lbs/cu yd | Similar density to concrete; broken tile packs tightly |
| Asphalt shingles | 200-400 lbs/square (100 sq ft) | A 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares) can run 4,000-8,000 lbs total |
| Drywall / sheetrock | 500-600 lbs/cu yd | Wet or water-damaged drywall weighs significantly more |
| Furniture / household junk | 150-300 lbs/cu yd | Bulky but light — mattresses, sofas, boxed items |
| Yard waste / brush | 250-500 lbs/cu yd | Wet leaves, soil, and green branches weigh far more than dry brush |
| Mixed construction debris | 600-1,000 lbs/cu yd | Wood, metal, packaging, and scrap combined from a remodel |
Figures are general industry estimates for planning purposes, not a substitute for an actual scale ticket. Actual weight varies by moisture content, compaction, and material mix.
Every KYN roll-off rental at flat, published pricing includes 2 tons on the standard 7-day term — no calling around for a quote, and no surprise invoice weeks later. If your project is likely to be weight-heavy (concrete, tile, a full roof tear-off), we'd rather tell you that up front than let you find out at the scale. KYN's add-on pricing is listed in advance, and any overage is approved with you before it's charged — never dropped on you after the fact. That's the difference between a published price sheet and a "call for a quote" competitor.
Because concrete and tile debris are so dense, even a modest pile can put you near or over a standard weight allowance. If your project involves a driveway tear-out, a tile floor demo, or a full re-roof, plan for the heavier end of the ranges above and talk with KYN about the right size call before booking — not after the truck is already loaded. For roofing specifically, see our roofing dumpster page, and for general renovation debris, our residential cleanout page walks through what typically fits.
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