NYC dumpster size & permit calculator
Tell it what you're throwing out and where the box is going. It works out the container size, what the load will weigh, and whether the City needs to issue a permit first.
Calculator
A rough number is fine — this is for sizing, not billing.
Container sizes, weights and what they hold
| Size | Dimensions | Included weight | Holds about | Typical job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 yard | 12' × 8' × 3.5' | 2 tons | 3 pickup loads | Concrete, dirt, one small room |
| 20 yard | 22' × 7.5' × 4.5' | 4 tons | 6 pickup loads | Kitchen reno, roof tear-off, garage |
| 30 yard | 22' × 7.5' × 6' | 5 tons | 9 pickup loads | Whole-home cleanout, addition |
| 40 yard | 22' × 8' × 8' | 6 tons | 12 pickup loads | Gut renovation, commercial job |
JBS includes 4 tons on a 20-yard container. Across the New York market, 20-yard boxes commonly include 2 to 3 tons — so compare the tonnage, not just the headline price. An extra ton of allowance is worth more than a $25 difference in the quote.
NYC street permits, correctly
There is a lot of wrong information online about this, including published claims that a New York City dumpster permit costs between $135 and $385. It does not. Here is the actual fee schedule.
| Permit | City fee | Max duration | Who can pull it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial refuse container | $30 | 5 consecutive days | Carting company or GC |
| Construction debris container | $50 | 90 days | Registered GC, DOB-permitted site only |
| Bulk item refuse container | $30 | 5 consecutive days | Carting company or GC |
Fees are set in NYC Highway Rules § 2-03. Permits are issued by the Department of Transportation — not the Department of Sanitation, which is the most common mistake made about NYC containers. The permit does not reserve a parking space, and a container sitting entirely on private property needs no permit at all. Sources: NYC DOT, Commercial Refuse Container Permits; NYC311 article KA-02700.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster on the street in NYC?
Yes — from DOT, not DSNY. It is $30 for a commercial refuse container covering up to 5 consecutive days, or $50 for a construction debris container covering up to 90 days on a DOB-permitted site. The carting company or general contractor pulls it, not the property owner.
Do I need a permit if it's on my driveway?
No. A container placed entirely on private property requires no City permit. The requirement applies only to the public roadway.
What size do I need for concrete or dirt?
A 10-yard filled level, whatever the volume. Concrete runs about two tons per cubic yard. A heavy load hits the weight limit long before it fills the box, so a bigger container just means overweight charges.
How long can it stay on the street?
Five consecutive days on a commercial refuse permit. A construction debris permit runs up to 90 days but is limited to registered GCs on DOB-permitted sites. Swapping a full container within the window needs no new permit; adding a second one at the same location does.
What can't go in?
No paint, solvents, oils, batteries, tires, propane tanks, refrigerants including fridges and air conditioners with freon, asbestos, or medical waste. Electronics have their own disposal rules.