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Racheal LaPorteGoogle
Dumpster Weight Calculator
Estimate your load weight, allowance use, and overage cost in seconds.
Tip: 1 pickup-truck bed ≈ 2–3 yd³.
Total weight
1,400 lbs
0.70 tons
% of 2-ton allowance
70%
Within allowance
Estimated total
$315.00
$315 base
Estimate only — assumes 3-day rental at $315 base and $0.06/lb overage. Final invoice is based on actual landfill scale weight.
How the Calculation Works
Total weight (lbs) = cubic yards × material density. We then compare your total to the 16-yard's 2-ton (4,000 lb) included allowance. Anything above is charged at $0.06/lb. Material densities used in this tool come from industry-standard sources and our own load history on Hendricks County, IN jobs.
Quick Reference
| Material | Lbs / yd³ | Yd³ to hit 2 tons |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed household junk | 350 | 5.7 |
| Yard waste / brush | 400 | 5.0 |
| Wood / lumber | 300 | 6.7 |
| Drywall | 500 | 4.0 |
| Asphalt shingles (3-tab) | 700 | 2.9 |
| Asphalt shingles (architectural) | 1,200 | 1.7 |
| Topsoil / dirt | 2,200 | 0.9 |
| Sod | 2,500 | 0.8 |
| Sand | 2,700 | 0.7 |
| Gravel / #57 stone | 2,800 | 0.7 |
| Brick | 3,000 | 0.7 |
| Broken concrete | 4,000 | 0.5 |
| Asphalt | 3,960 | 0.5 |
Calculator FAQs
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses industry-standard material densities and assumes typical packing. Real loads vary by ±15% with moisture, void space, and how tightly material is packed. Use it for planning, then confirm with us before you book heavy loads.
What's the included weight on a 16-yard dumpster?
2 tons (4,000 lbs) of debris. The empty steel container doesn't count toward your allowance — only what you load.
How is overage charged?
$0.06 per pound ($120 per ton) for anything above 2,000 lbs. Charged after weigh-in at the landfill and added to your final invoice.
What's the maximum I can load?
Truck axle weight limits cap heavy/inert loads (concrete, brick, dirt) at roughly 10 tons per pull. Most household / construction loads finish well under that.
Can I mix materials?
Yes — just add each material as a separate line item in the calculator. The total weight is what matters.
"Very professional, very responsive with questions. Will use again in the future. Highly recommend!"
Kyle SmithGoogle
"They a great quick and easy"
Tim KapturGoogle
"Ordered the dumpster for 5 days… Jacob delivered it and explained their process… set the dumpster as requested… he contacted me the day before pickup just to see if everything was ok and if I might need it longer… contacted me the day of pickup… a great local company to do business with"
Bob WhikehartGoogle
"Great job"
James PowersGoogle
"Friendliest, most responsive and reliable service in Hendricks County! Love Dumpster Dogs!!!"
Jennifer TurnerGoogle
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