Landscaping Dumpster Rental: Yard Waste Disposal Guide (2025)

Quick Answer: Most landscaping projects need a 10-20 yard dumpster costing $300-$575. Branches and brush are light, but dirt and sod are HEAVY (2,000+ lbs per cubic yard). Many companies ban or limit dirt/sod in standard dumpsters. For heavy landscape materials, rent a 10-15 yard heavy debris dumpster ($300-$450).

Table of Contents

• What Landscaping Waste Can Go in a Dumpster
• Dumpster Sizes for Yard Projects
• Weight Limits: The Dirt and Sod Problem
• Landscaping Project Types
• Loading Tips for Yard Waste
• Alternatives to Dumpster Rental
• Costs and Budgeting
• Seasonal Considerations
• FAQ

What Landscaping Waste Can Go in a Dumpster

Generally Accepted Yard Waste

• Branches and limbs: Usually under 4-6 inches diameter (check with your company)
• Brush and shrubs: Trimmed branches, bushes
• Leaves and grass clippings
• Sod and turf: Limited amounts (watch weight limits)
• Mulch and wood chips
• Plant debris: Flowers, weeds, garden waste
• Small tree stumps: Under 12-18 inches diameter (some companies)

Materials with Restrictions

Dirt and soil:

• Clean fill dirt: Sometimes accepted in limited amounts (1-3 cubic yards)
• Large amounts: Need heavy debris dumpster or separate disposal
• Weight: 1,800-2,500 lbs per cubic yard (VERY HEAVY)

Sod and grass:

• Small amounts: Usually fine
• Full lawn removal: Weight limit concern (sod is heavy)
• Wet sod: Can be 2,000-2,600 lbs per cubic yard

Rocks and stone:

• Landscape rock removal: Very heavy, often requires heavy debris dumpster
• Decorative stone: Same as above
• Weight: 2,200-2,800 lbs per cubic yard

Tree stumps:

• Small stumps (under 12-18″ diameter): Sometimes accepted
• Large stumps: Usually prohibited (too hard on landfill equipment)
• Alternative: Stump grinding service ($75-$150 per stump)

Prohibited Landscaping Items

• Treated lumber: Railroad ties, landscape timbers (creosote treatment)
• Liquid chemicals: Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides
• Paint or stain: From fences or decks (if liquid)
• Fuel/oil: From power equipment
• Very large stumps: Over 18-24 inches diameter

Insider Tip: ALWAYS call ahead if you’re disposing of dirt, sod, or rocks. Some companies flat-out prohibit these in standard dumpsters. Others allow limited amounts. A few don’t care. But finding out AFTER the dumpster arrives and you get hit with a contamination fee? Not fun.

Dumpster Sizes for Yard Projects

Small Yard Cleanup (Under 1,000 sq ft yard or minor trimming)

Project examples:

• Seasonal cleanup (spring/fall)
• Bush and hedge trimming
• Garden bed cleanout
• Small tree pruning
• General yard debris

Dumpster size: 10-yard
Material volume: 4-8 cubic yards
Weight: 0.5-1.5 tons (unless dirt/sod heavy)
Cost: $250-$450
Duration: 3-7 days

What fits:

• 10-15 bags of leaves/grass
• 3-5 bushes worth of branches
• Small tree trimming
• Garden debris from 500-1,000 sq ft

Medium Landscaping Project

Project examples:

• Large tree removal (branches only, not trunk)
• Multiple shrub/bush removal
• Deck or fence tear-out
• Garden renovation (beds, pathways)
• Moderate sod removal (under 500 sq ft)

Dumpster size: 10-20 yard
Material volume: 10-15 cubic yards
Weight: 1-3 tons
Cost: $300-$575
Duration: 7-10 days

What fits:

• Large tree’s branches (after cutting to 4-6 foot lengths)
• 10-20 bushes
• 300-500 sq ft of sod (WATCH WEIGHT)
• Wood fence (100-200 linear feet, broken down)
• Deck (under 200 sq ft)

Insider Tip: If you’re removing sod or lots of dirt, ask about weight limits BEFORE loading. A 20-yard full of wet sod can weigh 6-8 tons. The weight limit is usually 3-4 tons. Math doesn’t work.

Large Landscaping Overhaul

Project examples:

• Full yard renovation (1,000-3,000 sq ft)
• Multiple large trees (branches)
• Complete sod removal
• Old landscaping removal (rock beds, retaining walls, etc.)
• Shed or large structure teardown

Dumpster size: 20-30 yard
Material volume: 20-25 cubic yards
Weight: 3-6+ tons (heavy materials push this up)
Cost: $400-$650
Duration: 10-14 days

What fits:

• Multiple trees’ branches
• 1,000-2,000 sq ft of yard waste (light materials)
• Fence (200-300 linear feet)
• Deck (300-500 sq ft)
• Shed teardown (10×12 shed)

Heavy Landscape Materials (Dirt, Rock, Sod, Concrete)

Project examples:

• Dirt/soil removal (grading, excavation)
• Rock or gravel bed removal
• Concrete pathway/patio removal
• Large sod removal (1,000+ sq ft)
• Retaining wall removal (brick, block, stone)

Dumpster size: 10-15 yard HEAVY DEBRIS dumpster
Material volume: 10-15 cubic yards
Weight limit: 5-10 tons (much higher than standard)
Cost: $300-$500
Duration: 7-14 days

Why heavy debris dumpster:

• Standard 20-yard (3-4 ton limit) holds only 1.5-2 cubic yards of dirt
• Heavy debris 15-yard (8-ton limit) holds 4-5 cubic yards
• WAY better value for heavy materials

See our weight limits guide for more on heavy materials.

Weight Limits: The Dirt and Sod Problem

Why Dirt and Sod Are Problematic

Dirt weight: 1,800-2,500 lbs per cubic yard (dry to wet)
Sod weight: 1,500-2,600 lbs per cubic yard

Compare to:

• Branches and brush: 200-400 lbs per cubic yard
• Leaves and grass: 100-300 lbs per cubic yard

Dirt and sod weigh 5-10x more than typical yard waste.

Weight Limit Reality Check

20-yard dumpster (3-ton weight limit):

• Can hold: 20 cubic yards of branches (within weight)
• Can hold: 2.4-3 cubic yards of dirt before maxing weight (12-15% of volume capacity)

Result: You waste 85% of the dumpster’s space when loading dirt.

The Better Solution: Heavy Debris Dumpsters

15-yard heavy debris (8-ton limit):

• Cost: $350-$450
• Can hold: 4-5 cubic yards of dirt (uses 30% of volume, 100% of weight)

20-yard standard (3-ton limit):

• Cost: $425
• Can hold: 2.4-3 cubic yards of dirt (uses 12-15% of volume, 100% of weight)

Heavy debris is cheaper AND holds more dirt. No-brainer for soil/rock/sod projects.

How Much Dirt Can You Load?

Quick estimates:

10-yard dumpster (2-ton limit):

• Dirt capacity: 1.6-2 cubic yards
• Example: 3′ × 3′ × 6′ pile

20-yard dumpster (3-ton limit):

• Dirt capacity: 2.4-3 cubic yards
• Example: 3′ × 4′ × 8′ pile

15-yard heavy debris (8-ton limit):

• Dirt capacity: 6.4-8 cubic yards
• Example: 4′ × 6′ × 10′ pile

Insider Tip: If you’re removing more than 2-3 cubic yards of dirt, sod, or rock, ask about heavy debris pricing. It’s almost always cheaper than a standard dumpster + weight overage fees.

Landscaping Project Types

Tree Removal

What you’re disposing:

• Branches and limbs (trunk is different—usually hauled by tree service)
• Leaves and small debris
• Possible stump grinding debris (wood chips)

Dumpster size:

• Small tree (under 20 feet): 10-yard
• Medium tree (20-40 feet): 10-20 yard
• Large tree (40+ feet): 20-30 yard

Cutting branches:

• Cut to 4-6 foot lengths (fits better, easier to load)
• Break down if possible

Weight: Light unless you’re loading the main trunk pieces (which are heavy)

Lawn Removal / Sod Replacement

What you’re disposing:

• Old sod and grass
• Top layer of soil (often comes up with sod)

Dumpster size:

• Under 500 sq ft: 10-20 yard (WATCH WEIGHT)
• 500-1,000 sq ft: 20-yard or heavy debris 10-15 yard
• 1,000+ sq ft: Heavy debris dumpster required

Weight calculation:

• Sod: 1,500-2,000 lbs per cubic yard
• 500 sq ft of sod (1-2 inches thick) = roughly 2-3 cubic yards = 3,000-6,000 lbs (1.5-3 tons)

Fits in: 20-yard with 3-ton limit (barely)

1,000 sq ft: 4-6 cubic yards = 6,000-12,000 lbs (3-6 tons)

Needs: Heavy debris dumpster or risk massive overage

Deck or Fence Removal

What you’re disposing:

• Wood planks, posts, rails
• Nails, screws, hardware
• Sometimes concrete footings (very heavy)

Dumpster size:

• Deck under 200 sq ft: 10-yard
• Deck 200-400 sq ft: 20-yard
• Deck 400+ sq ft: 20-30 yard
• Fence (100-200 linear feet): 10-20 yard
• Fence (200+ linear feet): 20-30 yard

Weight: Moderate (wood is 200-400 lbs per cubic yard)

Loading tip: Break down decking, cut rails and posts to manageable lengths, stack systematically. See our loading guide.

Garden Bed Renovation

What you’re disposing:

• Plants and roots
• Soil and amendments
• Mulch or decorative rock
• Landscape fabric
• Edging materials

Dumpster size: 10-yard for most residential garden projects

Weight: Depends heavily on soil and rock amounts

Shed or Outbuilding Removal

What you’re disposing:

• Wood framing and walls
• Roofing (shingles or metal)
• Windows, doors
• Flooring
• Possible concrete foundation blocks

Dumpster size:

• Small shed (8×10 or smaller): 10-20 yard
• Medium shed (10×12 to 12×16): 20-yard
• Large shed or garage: 30-yard

Weight: Moderate unless you’re breaking up concrete foundation

Loading Tips for Yard Waste

Cut Everything to Size

Branches: 4-6 foot lengths stack WAY better than random long branches

Fence boards: Cut in half or thirds

Deck planks: Break down to manageable pieces

Why: Uniform lengths load efficiently, random lengths create air gaps

Load Heavy Items First

If you have any heavy materials (dirt, rocks, sod), load those first in the bottom center of the dumpster. Creates stable base.

Layer and Compact

Branches: Lay in one direction, then perpendicular, alternating
Leaves/grass: Bag them, then load bags (easier to compress and stack)
Brush: Break branches and compact as you load

Yard waste is compressible. Step on it, push it down. You can reclaim 20-30% more space.

Fill the Gaps

Branches create lots of voids. Fill with:

• Leaves (bagged)
• Grass clippings
• Small brush
• Dirt (if you’re within weight limits)

Don’t Overload with Heavy Materials

Watch the weight limit. If you’re loading lots of dirt or sod:

• Stop at 50-60% full (you’re probably approaching weight limit)
• Call rental company to ask about weight if unsure
• Don’t keep loading just because there’s empty space

Alternatives to Dumpster Rental

Municipal Yard Waste Pickup

What it is: Many cities offer curbside yard waste pickup (weekly, bi-weekly, or seasonal)

Cost: Usually free or included in trash service

Best for: Ongoing small amounts of yard waste (not bulk projects)

Limits: Usually bagged or bundled, quantity limits per pickup

Yard Waste Drop-Off Sites

What it is: City or county facilities that accept yard waste for free or small fee

Cost: Free to $5-$20 per load

Best for: DIY hauling if you have a truck

Limits: Usually no dirt or rocks, sometimes no large branches

Composting

What it is: Turn organic yard waste into compost

Cost: Free (time investment)

Best for: Leaves, grass clippings, small plant debris

Not for: Branches, stumps, sod, large volumes

Hiring a Landscaping Company

What it is: Landscapers often include debris removal in their service

Cost: Built into project cost ($500-$2,000+ depending on scope)

Best for: If you’re hiring landscapers anyway

Benefit: They handle all disposal

Burn Pile (Where Legal)

What it is: Burning brush, branches, leaves

Cost: Free (if you own the property and it’s legal)

Best for: Rural properties, branches and brush only

Illegal in: Most suburbs and cities, air quality restrictions

Can’t burn: Treated wood, stumps (effectively), large volumes

Costs and Budgeting

Dumpster Rental Costs for Landscaping

Small yard cleanup:

• Dumpster: 10-yard
• Cost: $250-$450
• Total: $250-$450

Medium project (tree, bushes, fence):

• Dumpster: 10-20 yard
• Cost: $300-$575
• Possible weight overage (if dirt/sod): $50-$150
• Total: $350-$725

Large yard overhaul:

• Dumpster: 20-30 yard
• Cost: $400-$650
• Total: $400-$650

Heavy materials project (dirt, rock, concrete):

• Dumpster: 10-15 yard heavy debris
• Cost: $300-$500
• Total: $300-$500

Hidden Costs

• Weight overages: $50-$120 per ton if you exceed limit (common with dirt/sod)
• Extension fees: $10-$15 per day if project takes longer
• Stump disposal: Some companies charge per stump ($20-$50 each)

Cost Comparison: Dumpster vs. Hauling Yourself

Dumpster rental (10-yard): $300

• Convenient, load at your pace
• One price, done

DIY hauling:

• Truck rental: $75-$100/day
• Dump fees: $30-$50 per load × 3 loads = $90-$150
• Gas: $20-$40
• Your time: 6-10 hours
• Total: $185-$290

Savings: $10-$115 (minimal), but you spend 6-10 hours driving and loading/unloading

Winner: Dumpster for medium to large projects. Hauling yourself only makes sense for very small amounts or if you enjoy dump runs.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (Peak Season)

Typical projects: Spring cleanup, garden prep, tree trimming
Availability: Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Pricing: Peak rates (10-20% higher)

Summer

Typical projects: Deck removal, landscaping overhauls, large projects
Availability: Book 2-3 weeks ahead (busy season)
Pricing: Peak rates
Heat concern: Wet materials dry out faster (lighter), but asphalt driveways dent easier

Fall (High Season)

Typical projects: Leaf cleanup, preparing for winter, final projects
Availability: Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Pricing: Moderate to high rates
Leaf volume: Massive if you have large trees. Leaves compact well—bag them first.

Winter (Off-Season)

Typical projects: Storm cleanup, winter prep
Availability: Book 3-5 days ahead (less demand)
Pricing: Best rates (15-25% cheaper than peak)
Weather: Frozen ground, snow can complicate delivery and loading

Insider Tip: If you can schedule your landscaping project for late fall (November) or winter, you’ll save 15-25% on rental costs. Companies are hungry for business in slow season.

Get a Landscaping Dumpster Quote

Planning a yard project? Get a free quote and ask specifically about:

• Weight limits (crucial for dirt/sod projects)
• Heavy debris dumpster options
• Any restrictions on yard waste types
• Best size for your project scope

FAQ

Can you put dirt in a dumpster?

Some companies allow limited amounts (1-3 cubic yards) in standard dumpsters, but many prohibit it or charge extra because dirt is heavy (2,000+ lbs per cubic yard). For more than 2-3 cubic yards of dirt, rent a heavy debris dumpster ($300-$450) with higher weight limits (5-10 tons). Always ask before loading dirt—contamination fees are $100-$500.

What size dumpster for landscaping?

Small yard cleanup (trimming, seasonal debris): 10-yard. Medium projects (tree removal, fence tear-out, moderate landscaping): 10-20 yard. Large yard overhaul (full renovation, multiple trees, sod removal): 20-30 yard. For projects with heavy materials (dirt, rock, sod over 500 sq ft), use a 10-15 yard heavy debris dumpster instead.

How much does a landscaping dumpster cost?

Small projects (10-yard): $250-$450. Medium projects (10-20 yard): $300-$575. Large projects (20-30 yard): $400-$650. Heavy debris dumpsters for dirt/rock: $300-$500. Watch for weight overage fees ($50-$120 per extra ton) if you load dirt, sod, or rocks in a standard dumpster.

Can tree branches go in a dumpster?

Yes, branches and brush are generally accepted. Most companies require branches to be under 4-6 inches in diameter and cut to 4-6 foot lengths for easier loading and disposal. Large tree trunks might be prohibited—check with your rental company. Very large stumps (over 18-24 inches diameter) are usually not accepted. Consider stump grinding services for those.

What landscaping waste is prohibited in dumpsters?

Prohibited items include: treated lumber (railroad ties with creosote), liquid chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), very large tree stumps (over 18-24 inches), hazardous materials, and sometimes dirt/sod (check company policy). Most yard waste—branches, leaves, grass, plants, small stumps, mulch, and untreated wood—is accepted.