Sizing a roll-off for demo debris
The 20-yard is the contractor's default. It's big enough for a full remodel's drywall, wood, and flooring, but not so big that mixed debris blows past the weight limit before it's full. Small bath or kitchen tear-outs fit a 15-yard; whole-structure demo and new construction call for a 40-yard.
| Job | Best size | Real local price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-room or bath tear-out | 15 yard | from $620 |
| Full remodel, multi-room demo | 20 yard | from $720 |
| Whole-structure demo, new build | 40 yard | from $920 |
| Concrete / brick / dirt (heavy) | 6 to 12 yd lowboy | from $520 |
Weight limits, the fee that surprises contractors
Every roll-off comes with an included tonnage. Go over it and you pay an overweight fee, commonly about $125 per extra ton in our markets. The catch with C&D debris is density: plaster, tile, and wet lumber are heavy, so a 20-yard can reach its weight cap while it still looks half-empty.
Two habits keep you safe: keep dense rubble (concrete, brick, dirt) out of the general bin and in a lowboy, and if you're unsure how heavy a load will be, tell the hauler the material up front so they can size the tonnage correctly.
What's allowed, and what isn't
Standard C&D roll-offs take drywall, wood, framing, flooring, tile, roofing (by weight), fixtures, cabinets, and general demo waste.
Keep out: hazardous materials (paint, solvents, adhesives), asbestos-containing material (must be abated and disposed of specially), and e-waste. Concrete, dirt, brick, and asphalt are not 'banned.' They simply belong in a lowboy because of weight, not the rules.
Placement and permits on a job site
On the job site's own driveway, lot, or private property, no permit is required. You only need one if the bin sits on a public street or right-of-way. Most LA County cities call that an encroachment permit and charge a modest fee.
Planning street placement for a tight urban lot? Check the city rule before delivery. Our LA County permit guide lists the public-works contact and cost for every city we serve, so you're not chasing it on demo day.
Quick answers.
What size for construction debris?
A 20-yard is the workhorse for remodels and demo. Small tear-outs fit a 15-yard; new construction uses a 40-yard. Heavy rubble goes in a lowboy.
How much does it cost?
Real local prices start at $620 (15-yard), $720 (20-yard), and $920 (40-yard), each with a 7-day rental and set tonnage. You see the real price before booking.
What's the weight limit?
Each bin includes a set tonnage; over that runs about $125 per extra ton. Dense C&D debris hits the cap fast, so keep rubble in a lowboy.
Can I mix in concrete?
No. Concrete, brick, and dirt belong in a separate lowboy. Mixing them into a C&D roll-off triggers overweight fees or a refused pickup.
Do I need a permit?
Only for public-street placement. On the job-site driveway or lot, no permit is needed.
Related guides.
What size do I need?
The 30-second size picker, what fits in each roll-off, and real LA County prices.
Read the guideConcrete, dirt & heavy debris
Why heavy rubble needs a lowboy, what it costs, and how to avoid overweight fees.
Read the guideDo I need a permit?
When street placement needs a permit, what it costs, and the right contact in every city we serve.
Read the guide