A Guide to 12 Yard Roll Off Dumpster Rentals

A 12 yard roll off dumpster will always hold 12 cubic yards of debris. This is the equivalent of:

• 3.5 pickup truck loads
• 2,424 gallons or 65 to 85 33-gallon trash bags
• 324 cubic feet

Your 12 yard dumpster rental typically has an included weight limit of 1 or 2 tons (2,000 to 4,000 pounds). That's about the weight of 20 full-size couches. This weight limit accommodates most small to mid-sized renovation and cleanout projects. However, a 12 yard dumpster rental can physically hold up to 10 tons — its maximum weight limit to ensure safe hauling. If you’re not sure how much your debris weighs, our weight calculators can help.

If you exceed your dumpster’s weight limit, you won’t face a flat penalty — you’ll just pay a prorated fee for the extra weight. For example, if your 12 yard dumpster comes with a weight limit of 1 ton and your debris weighs in at 1.1 tons, we’ll charge you a fee that covers that additional 0.1 ton only.

Most 12 yard dumpsters will easily fit in a traditional driveway or construction jobsite, which usually means no permit is necessary. If you plan to keep your bin on a street or blocking a sidewalk instead, you may need to get a dumpster permit from your local municipality ahead of time. Permits cost anywhere from $10 to $100 depending on your location. Reach out to our team with your questions about the permitting process. We'll get you the information you need or point you in the right direction.

Our 12 yard dumpsters can handle most household junk and construction debris, such as furniture, remodeling waste and landscaping materials. In some areas, our list of accepted materials includes electronics, mattresses, box springs and appliances. These items may come with an extra fee because they require additional processing at the landfill.

For safety and environmental reasons, certain items can never go in a dumpster. Prohibited items include hazardous waste like paint, oils and chemicals, batteries, tires, asbestos, propane tanks and flammable materials. We'll let you know which items you can't put in your dumpster when you order.

The price of a 12 yard dumpster depends on your location, what you're throwing away and how long you keep your container. Local disposal fees and permit requirements can also affect your final cost. Read our dumpster pricing guide or reach out to our team for more info on pricing in your area.

A 12 yard dumpster is ideal for small to mid-size home projects, like room cleanouts, small demolition projects or getting rid of debris from a yard cleanup. If you’re clearing out a single space or doing minor renovations, this size likely fits your needs. Reach out to our team for expert sizing advice.

Our standard rental period is seven to 10 days, giving you plenty of time to complete your project. If you need more time, you can typically extend your rental for a flat daily rate. Finish sooner than expected? It’s easy to request a pickup at any time during your rental period.

To avoid an overage charge, stay under your bin’s weight limit and make sure nothing sticks out the top or over the sides of your dumpster. When you place your order, we’ll review the tonnage included in your order and share tips for staying within it.

Yes, you can rent as many dumpsters as needed for your project. From coordinated multi-site deliveries to staggered drop-offs, we'll tailor our service to your timeline and space requirements. Running out of room in your bin but still have more debris? Our seamless empty-and-return service ensures your work never skips a beat. We'll swap your full dumpster for an empty one right when you need it.

For contractors and large-scale operations, we go beyond basic dumpster rental. Our comprehensive account management services deliver end-to-end waste solutions that scale with your business. From coast to coast, our dedicated team handles all your site services, streamlining waste management.

Yes, our pricing bundle includes delivery and pickup, as well as your rental period and a set weight limit. We also offer free rescheduling and cancellations if you let us know before 3 p.m. the business day before delivery.

Yes, a 12 yard dumpster can typically accommodate several bulky furniture pieces. For example, a standard three-seat couch measuring around 7 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 3 feet tall can fit if laid flat. You can also toss in items like an average dresser (about 5 feet wide and 3 feet tall) or an easy chair (typically 3 feet wide and deep). Coffee tables, which often range from 4 to 5 feet long, will fit easily. Just be sure to break down what you can and keep everything below the fill line.

It depends on the regulations in your area. Small appliances like microwaves are usually OK, but items with Freon, like refrigerators or AC units, require special handling. Contact our team if you’re unsure about a piece of debris and we’ll let you know if it’s an accepted item.

The 12 yard dumpster sits right in the sweet spot between 10 and 15 yards. It provides a little more room than a 10 yard bin, but isn’t quite as cumbersome as a 15 yard. This makes the 12 yard bin the perfect choice for light, bulky debris from smaller projects at home. The availability of 12 yard dumpsters varies by location.