For homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts in Middle Tennessee, understanding what a 20-yard bin can handle helps keep your site efficient, safe, and on budget. 

Whether you’re replacing flooring, tearing down drywall, or clearing demo debris, you should know what to expect from a reliable dumpster service in Franklin.

What Does “20-Yard Dumpster” Actually Mean?

A 20-yard dumpster is one of the most versatile roll-off container sizes you’ll find for residential and light commercial projects. It usually measures around 16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet tall—giving you roughly 20 cubic yards of space. That’s the equivalent of about 6 pickup truckloads worth of debris.

This size hits a sweet spot for mid-to-large renovations, making it popular for renovation debris, construction waste, and household cleanouts alike.

Drywall Debris: The Dos and Don’ts

Whether it’s from a bathroom makeover or a room reconfiguration, drywall is one of those materials that seems to multiply when demolition starts.

What Fits

Drywall sheets and broken gypsum board stack fairly compactly once broken down. A 20-yard dumpster will hold:

• Whole or broken drywall panels
• Mixed plaster and gypsum boards
• Dust and smaller pieces from demolition

Because drywall is light (but bulky), it fills space fast without exceeding weight limits—making the 20-yard size a smart choice for:

• Whole-house remodels
• Ceiling or wall replacements
• Multiple room tear-outs

What to Watch For

Drywall dust can be messy and, in some municipalities, requires wetting before disposal to minimize airborne particulates. Always check local regulations and the specific rules of your dumpster service in Franklin provider before tossing fine debris loosely.

Flooring Material: From Tile to Hardwood

Tearing out old flooring isn’t glamorous, but it’s almost always necessary. And it can generate a surprising amount of debris.

Here’s what a 20-yard dumpster will typically accommodate:

• Tile and thinset
• Laminate boards
• Hardwood planks
• Carpet and padding
• Vinyl or linoleum flooring

Harder materials like tile and concrete bonding (thinset) are denser than drywall, and that affects how quickly you use up your space. While many dumpster companies have weight allowances, 20-yard bins balance volume and weight well for flooring projects.

Demolition Debris: General Junk and Mixed Waste

Once demolition begins, the debris line grows fast. With a 20-yard dumpster, you can toss a variety of materials without juggling multiple disposal methods.

Typical Demo Materials You Can Include

• Wood framing scraps
• Old cabinetry pieces
• Insulation (non-hazardous)
• Plastics, packaging, and cardboard
• Metal leftovers (non-hazardous)

However, there are a few items demolition crews and homeowner teams should steer clear of putting inside:

• Paint cans with liquid paint
• Chemicals or solvents
• Refrigerants or appliances with coolants
• Hazardous waste

Most dumpster service in Franklin providers outline these restrictions clearly, because safety and landfill rules vary by material type.

How Much Demolition Debris Fits?

Imagine clearing a kitchen or master bathroom:

• Walls stripped
• Cabinets pulled
• Flooring out
• Old fixtures removed

A 20-yard dumpster is generally enough for this scale of project without needing to upsize. If you’re working on a whole-house demo or heavy construction site, you might consider a larger bin, but for typical renovation debris, you’re usually in good shape.

Loading Tips to Maximize Space

Having the right dumpster size is one thing, but loading it properly can make all the difference.

Stack Strategically

Place large, flat items like drywall or wood panels on their sides near the front, and fill gaps with smaller debris.

Break Down Bulky Items

Cutting flooring boards, doors, or cabinetry into smaller sections opens up room for more material.

Avoid Overfilling

Even if you think you could cram more debris on top, roll-off dumpsters should be filled to just below the edge to ensure safe transport.

About Clean Site Dumpsters: Your Local Dumpster Service

If you’re planning a renovation, repair, or demolition project in Middle Tennessee, consider partnering with Clean Site Dumpsters. We provide a range of roll-off dumpsters that are built for both residential and commercial debris removal.

What sets us apart is our focus on clear communication and hassle-free delivery. From online booking to flexible scheduling, we make it easier to keep your site clean and your project moving forward.

Ready to get started? Reach out to us at Clean Site Dumpsters today to reserve the right dumpster for your debris, and keep your project on track from start to finish.