3 Yard Dumpster
Complete guide to 3 yard dumpsters including dimensions, capacity, and pricing. Find out if this mid-sized commercial dumpster is right for your business needs.
3 Yard Dumpster Specifications
| Capacity: | 3 cubic yards |
| Dimensions: | 72" × 40" × 48" |
| Weight Limit: | 1 tons (2000 lbs) |
| Equivalent To: | Approximately 18 tall kitchen garbage bags |
| Type: | commercial |
Understanding Cubic Yards
One cubic yard equals 3' × 3' × 3' (27 cubic feet). A 3 yard dumpster can hold 81 cubic feet of material.
3 Yard Dumpster Visual Reference
What Can Fit in a 3 Yard Dumpster?
A 3 yard dumpster provides 3 cubic yards of waste capacity, equivalent to Approximately 18 tall kitchen garbage bags.
Items That Fit:
- ✓General business waste
- ✓Food service packaging
- ✓Office papers and materials
- ✓Cardboard boxes (broken down)
- ✓Retail packaging waste
When To Choose:
Choose this size if:
- Medium-sized businesses
- Restaurants and food service businesses
- Retail stores up to 5,000 sq ft
Consider a different size if:
- One-time cleanout projects
- Construction debris
- Heavy materials disposal
Common Projects for a 3 Yard Dumpster
Restaurant Waste
Regular disposal of food packaging, containers, and general waste
Medium Office Buildings
Weekly waste collection for offices with 15-30 employees
Retail Stores
Regular disposal of packaging materials and retail waste
Best For:
- ✓Medium-sized businesses
- ✓Restaurants and food service businesses
- ✓Retail stores up to 5,000 sq ft
- ✓Small apartment buildings (8-12 units)
- ✓Professional offices with 15-30 employees
Not Recommended For:
- ✗One-time cleanout projects
- ✗Construction debris
- ✗Heavy materials disposal
- ✗Very small businesses with minimal waste
- ✗Large commercial enterprises
Placement Requirements for a 3 Yard Dumpster
Proper placement of your dumpster is important for safety, accessibility, and compliance with local regulations. Here's what you need to know about placing a 3 yard dumpster.
Surface Requirements
Flat, paved surface
Space Needed
At least 8ft × 6ft area
Overhead Clearance
Minimum 8ft overhead clearance
Additional Notes
Requires access for front-load collection truck with adequate turning radius
Placement Tips
- •Keep the dumpster at least 5 feet away from structures to prevent potential damage.
- •Ensure the delivery truck has a clear path to place and remove the dumpster.
- •Check local regulations regarding street placement, as permits may be required.
- •Place plywood under the dumpster to protect sensitive surfaces like driveways or lawns.
- •Consider proximity to your work area to minimize carrying distance.
Important:
Some municipalities require permits for dumpster placement, especially on streets or public property. Check with your local government or ask your rental provider about permit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Dumpster Sizes
2 Yard Dumpster
72' × 35' × 42'
4 Yard Dumpster
72' × 54' × 50'
6 Yard Dumpster
84' × 66' × 60'
8 Yard Dumpster
96' × 72' × 70'
Not sure which size to choose?
Use our dumpster size calculator to get a personalized recommendation based on your specific project needs.
Size Calculator3 Yard Dumpster Pricing
Monthly service fee for weekly collection, varies by location and service frequency
What's Included:
- Regular scheduled service
- Standard container maintenance
- Weight allowance up to 1 tons (2000 lbs)
- Standard disposal fees
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