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How to Use Our Dumpster Calculators
These dumpster weight calculators help you find out how heavy your trash is. Then you can pick the right dumpster size. Here’s how to use them:
Pick what kind of trash you have. We have four calculators: concrete, shingles, lumber, or drywall. Each one works for different materials.
Type in how big your trash pile is. Each calculator asks for different measurements.
Click “Calculate Weight” to see how heavy your trash is in pounds and tons. This shows you how much stuff you have.
We will tell you which dumpster size works best. This way you don’t go over the weight limit or pay for space you don’t need.
Why It Is Important to Understand Dumpster Weight Limits
You need to know dumpster weight limits. This saves you money, time, and keeps everyone safe:
Too much weight costs extra money. Sometimes $50-100 more per ton over the limit. Know your trash weight to stay on budget.
Pick the right dumpster size based on weight. You get good value without paying for space you don’t need.
Too heavy dumpsters break truck laws. This can mean fines and late pickup.
Know your weight ahead of time. This helps you plan when to get your dumpster picked up.
Right weight means fewer trips and less gas used. This is better for the planet.
Calculate the Weight of Your Debris to Choose the Right Dumpster Size
Use these calculators to find out how heavy your trash is. Each calculator works for different materials. The numbers are based on real industry weights.
Concrete Weight Calculator
How Much Does Concrete Weigh?
Concrete is very heavy. It weighs about 150 pounds for each cubic foot. A 4-inch thick concrete slab that covers 100 square feet weighs around 5,000 pounds (2.5 tons).
When you remove concrete driveways, sidewalks, or foundations, you need to know the weight. This helps you avoid extra fees and get the right dumpster size.
Our concrete calculator uses standard concrete weight to give you the total weight. This helps you pick the right dumpster for your concrete removal job.
Shingles Weight Calculator
How Much Do Shingles Weigh?
One square of asphalt shingles (covers 100 square feet) weighs between 200-400 pounds. This depends on the type and how thick they are. Three-tab shingles are lighter. Architectural shingles weigh much more.
When you figure out roofing trash weight, think about multiple layers. Many old homes have 2-3 layers of shingles. You have to remove all of them.
Use our shingles calculator to find out the total weight of your roofing materials. This helps you pick the right dumpster size for your roofing job.
Lumber Weight Calculator
How Much Does Lumber Weigh?
Wood weight changes a lot based on the type and how wet it is. Soft woods like pine weigh 25-30 pounds per cubic foot when dry. Hard woods like oak can weigh 40-50 pounds per cubic foot.
Pressure-treated lumber has extra chemicals and water. This makes it heavier than regular lumber. A typical 2x4x8 piece of pressure-treated lumber weighs about 15-20 pounds.
Are you tearing down a deck, removing framing, or throwing away construction waste? Our lumber calculator helps you find the total weight for picking the right dumpster size.
Drywall Weight Calculator
How Much Does Drywall Weigh?
One sheet of drywall that is 4 feet by 8 feet and half-inch thick weighs about 50 pounds. You can figure out the weight of drywall and plaster by using the square footage and how thick it is.
Drywall weight changes based on thickness. 1/4″ drywall weighs about 1.2 pounds per square foot. 5/8″ drywall weighs about 2.2 pounds per square foot. Water-resistant and fire-resistant drywall may weigh a bit more.
Are you removing drywall? Use our drywall calculator to find out the weight of your drywall. This helps you pick the right size dumpster for your job.
Dumpster Weight Calculator FAQ
Have questions? We’re here to help.
How accurate are these dumpster weight calculators?
Our calculators use industry-standard weight estimates for each material type. Concrete weighs about 150 pounds per cubic foot, shingles range from 250-800 pounds per square, and lumber varies by wood type. While these give you a good starting point, actual weights can vary based on moisture content, material density, and other factors. We recommend adding 10-15% to your calculated weight for safety.
What happens if my dumpster goes over the weight limit?
Going over the weight limit costs extra money. Most companies charge $50-100 per ton over the limit. Heavy dumpsters can also break transportation laws and cause pickup delays. That’s why it’s important to calculate your debris weight before ordering. Pick the right dumpster size to avoid surprise fees.
Can I mix different materials in one dumpster?
Yes, you can mix materials like concrete, wood, and drywall in most dumpsters. Use our calculators to figure out the weight of each material type, then add them together. This gives you the total weight to help pick the right dumpster size. Just remember that some materials like concrete are much heavier than others.
What's the difference between measuring shingles in squares vs bundles?
A square covers 100 square feet of roof area. Most shingle types come with 3 bundles per square, but this can vary. If you know how many bundles you have, our calculator converts that to squares automatically (bundles ÷ 3 = squares). Use whichever measurement you have available – the calculator handles both.
Why do I need to count layers when calculating shingle weight?
Many older homes have multiple layers of shingles. When you remove the roof, you have to take off all the layers – not just the top one. Each layer adds weight. A roof with 3 layers of shingles weighs 3 times more than a single layer. Always count all the layers to get the right weight calculation.
What if I don't know the exact volume of my lumber or concrete?
For lumber, you can estimate by counting pieces if you have standard 2x4x8 boards. Our calculator converts pieces to volume automatically. For concrete, measure the length, width, and thickness of the area. If you have broken concrete pieces, estimate the pile size as best you can. It’s better to overestimate slightly than to underestimate and need a bigger dumpster later.