A 20-yard dumpster fits most Indy cleanouts, roof tear-offs and small remodels. Choose a 10-yard for heavy material like concrete or dirt, and a 30- or 40-yard for big remodels. Keep household hazardous waste out and take it to ToxDrop, and get a city right-of-way permit before a dumpster goes on the street.
For most Indy homeowners, a 20-yard dumpster is the safe middle pick. It handles a garage or basement cleanout, a roof tear-off on a typical house, or a small remodel. Go down to a 10-yard for heavy stuff like concrete, brick or dirt. Go up to a 30 or 40 only for a big remodel or a whole-house cleanout.
What dumpster sizes are there?
Sizes are measured in cubic yards. Exact boxes vary by hauler, so check with yours. Here is how one major national hauler, Republic Services, lists its roll-off sizes:
| Size | About (L x W x H) | Pickup loads | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 12’8″ x 8’3″ x 4’4″ | About 4 | Heavy materials (concrete, brick, dirt), small remodels |
| 15-yard | 15′ x 7’8″ x 5’1″ | About 6 | Concrete, drywall, brick, seasonal cleanouts |
| 20-yard | 22’9″ x 8’3″ x 4’4″ | About 8 | House and yard cleanouts, roofing, small remodels |
| 30-yard | 23’1″ x 8’3″ x 6’1″ | About 12 | Mid-size remodels and cleanouts, tree trimming, light demolition |
| 40-yard | 23’1″ x 8’3″ x 7’9″ | About 16 | Large remodels and cleanouts, construction projects |
How do I pick the right size?
- Count pickup loads. If you think it’s about six or seven truckloads, a 20-yard gives you room to spare.
- Heavy beats bulky. Republic recommends the 10- and 15-yard sizes for heavy materials. A big box full of concrete gets heavy fast, so ask your hauler about weight limits before you load it.
- Measure your driveway. Most of the larger boxes are over 22 feet long and about 8 feet wide. Leave room for the truck to drop it.
- When in doubt, size up one. A second haul is usually more hassle than a slightly bigger box.
What can’t go in a dumpster in Indianapolis?
Household hazardous waste stays out. The EPA describes it as leftover household products that can catch fire, react or explode, or that are corrosive or toxic. Paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides are the common ones. The EPA also says not to pour them down the drain, on the ground or into storm sewers.
In Marion County, the place for that stuff is ToxDrop, the city’s household hazardous waste program. Mirror Indy’s rundown of ToxDrop lists what it takes, including:
- Batteries (AA, AAA, lead acid)
- Paint, thinners, strippers, stains and varnishes
- Household cleaners, including bleach and oven cleaner
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Gasoline, brake fluid and motor oil
- Pool chemicals, fire extinguishers and fluorescent tubes
- Used cooking oil, and electronics like computers and smaller TVs
ToxDrop runs on select Saturdays, and the schedule has changed over time, so check the city’s ToxDrop page at indy.gov for current dates and locations before you load the car. Haulers also set their own rules for things like mattresses, tires and appliances. Ask yours, and see our guide to what can and cannot go in a roll-off dumpster.
Can I put a dumpster on the street in Indianapolis?
Not without checking first. The city’s right-of-way permit application, from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, states that a permit must be obtained for all activities in the public right-of-way, and “container placement” is one of the work types on the form. The application asks you to say exactly which areas you’re blocking, such as a traffic lane, parking lane, sidewalk, shoulder or bike lane.
- Timing: apply well before delivery day. Review times can change, so check indy.gov or call the Mayor’s Action Center for current timing. Downtown’s Regional Center can take longer, because the form says extra approvals are needed there.
- Who can apply: you don’t have to be a licensed general contractor to get a right-of-way use permit. Excavation permits are a different story.
- Parking meters: if the spot has ParkIndy meters, the form says ParkIndy needs 48 hours’ notice.
- Questions: email ROW@indy.gov.
Many haulers will handle the permit for you. Ask before you book, and get it in writing.
What should I ask the hauler before I book?
- What are the exact dimensions, and will it fit in my driveway?
- What’s the weight limit, and what happens if I go over?
- What items do you refuse?
- How many days do I get, and can I extend?
- Will you pull the right-of-way permit if it has to go on the street?
- Can you put boards down to protect my driveway?
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Sources: Republic Services: Dumpster size guide; City of Indianapolis BNS: Right-of-Way Permit Application; Mirror Indy: Where, when to dispose toxic materials in Indianapolis (2025); U.S. EPA: Household Hazardous Waste. Checked November 2026.
