If you’ve never rented a dumpster before, figuring out what size you need can feel overwhelming. Too small, and you’ll run out of space halfway through. Too big, and you’re paying for space you don’t use.
The truth is, most people in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties don’t realize how much junk they actually have until they start hauling it out. That’s why choosing the right dumpster size from the start is the best way to save time, money, and frustration.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common dumpster sizes, what types of projects they’re best for, and how to make sure you get the perfect fit for your cleanup job.
Why Size Matters
Ordering the wrong size dumpster can hit your wallet in two ways:
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Too Small: You’ll fill it up fast and either need to order another dumpster or pay for an extra pickup. That doubles your cost.
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Too Big: You’ll pay for capacity you don’t need. A half-empty dumpster is wasted money.
The goal is to choose the dumpster that’s just right – enough room to fit everything without overpaying.
Dumpster Sizes Available Locally
Howland Discount Dumpster keeps it simple with three main specials designed for the most common projects in Warren, Howland, Niles, Austintown, and the rest of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties:
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14 Yards (1–3 Days) – $290
Perfect for garage cleanouts, small remodeling projects, or household junk. -
20 Yards (3 Days) – $390
Best for full house cleanouts, larger remodels, or light demolition. -
Landscape Special (14 Yards, 1 Day) – $200
For yard waste only – brush, edging, leaves, and other landscaping debris.
💡 Quick Note: Yard waste and household junk must be kept separate. If you’re tackling both, you’ll need separate dumpsters.
What Fits in a 14-Yard Dumpster?
A 14-yard dumpster sounds small, but it actually holds a lot more than most people think. On average, it fits about 4 – 5 pickup truck loads of junk.
Perfect For:
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Garage or basement cleanouts.
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Small bathroom or kitchen remodels.
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Furniture, mattresses, or appliances.
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Household junk like boxes, toys, or old clothes.
Best Value:
At $290 for 1–3 days, it’s the most affordable option for medium-sized projects. If you’re clearing out clutter but not tearing apart half your house, a 14-yarder is probably all you need.
What Fits in a 20-Yard Dumpster?
If you’re tackling a bigger job, the 20-yard dumpster is the workhorse. It holds about 7-8 pickup truck loads of debris.
Perfect For:
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Full house cleanouts (estate cleanouts, moving prep).
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Large remodeling projects (kitchen, basement, or multiple rooms).
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Light demolition work (small sheds, flooring, drywall).
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Flood or fire restoration debris.
Best Value:
At $390 for 3 days, it’s ideal if you’ve got more than just a few bulky items. For bigger cleanouts or projects that will fill a garage with debris, this is the safest choice.
When to Choose the Landscape Special
Sometimes, all you need is a way to handle yard waste. That’s where the Landscape Special ($200) comes in. It’s a 14-yard dumpster, but reserved for brush, leaves, edging, and other light yard debris.
Perfect For:
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Fall leaf cleanup.
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Tree trimming.
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Spring landscaping projects.
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Small outdoor cleanups.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: If you’re only dealing with yard waste, don’t pay full price for a household dumpster. Stick with the Landscape Special and keep the savings.
How to Estimate What You Need
Still not sure which size is right for you? Here are a few rules of thumb:
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Count Pickup Loads: If your junk would fill more than 4 – 5 pickup loads, go with the 20-yard.
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Look at the Bulky Stuff: Sofas, appliances, and mattresses take up a lot of space. A few big items can fill a 14-yard fast.
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Think About Materials: Household junk is lightweight and takes more space. Construction debris is heavy and piles up quicker.
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Separate Yard Waste: If your project involves trees, leaves, or brush, get a separate Landscape Special.
Avoiding Extra Costs
Choosing the right size is step one, but here are a few more tips to keep costs down:
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Don’t Overfill: Dumpsters can only be filled to the top. Overloading = extra charges.
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Watch the Weight: Both 14- and 20-yard dumpsters include up to 2 tons. Heavy materials like shingles or bricks can push you over the limit.
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Plan Your Timing: Rentals are flexible – need more than 3 days? It’s just $20/day or $120/week. But if you plan ahead, you won’t need to pay extra.
Common Mistakes People Make
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Ordering “too safe” and going way bigger than necessary.
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Trying to squeeze yard waste and junk into one dumpster (not allowed).
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Underestimating bulky furniture.
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Forgetting to schedule enough help to actually fill the dumpster during the rental window.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Dumpster Size
Dumpster rental doesn’t have to be complicated. By estimating your load, thinking about bulky items, and sticking with the right category (junk vs. yard debris), you’ll pick the size that’s perfect for your project.
In Trumbull and Mahoning Counties, the three simple options make it easy:
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14 yards – $290 (1 – 3 days) for most household cleanouts.
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20 yards – $390 (3 days) for bigger projects.
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Landscape Special – $200 (yard waste only).
Need help deciding? Just call 330-856-1641 and describe your project. A quick conversation can save you from guessing wrong – and keep more money in your pocket.
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, size up. It’s usually cheaper to go a little bigger than to run out of space and need a second dumpster.
