What is a Tub Style Dumpster? | Prime Dumpster

What Is a Tub Style Dumpster?

Most people picture a dumpster as a big steel box. Some roll-off containers look a little different, though, with curved sides and a rounded bottom that’s easy to spot from the street.

A tub style dumpster is a roll-off container with curved sides and a rounded floor, shaped a lot like a bathtub. It’s delivered, filled and hauled the same way as a standard rectangular roll-off. The main difference is its shape.

At Prime Dumpster, we arrange roll-off dumpster rentals nationwide, including tub style and rectangular containers. This guide explains what a tub style dumpster is, how it compares with a rectangular roll-off and how to request the style you want.

Fast Facts: Tub Style Dumpsters

Tub style dumpsters work much like any other roll-off, but they do have a few important differences:

• Shape: Curved sides and a rounded bottom instead of square corners
• Delivery: Dropped off and picked up by a roll-off truck, just like a rectangular container
• Sizes: Offered in standard roll-off sizes, depending on what local haulers stock
• Weight limits: Set by container size and hauler, not by shape

Container style depends on what’s available in your area. Our dumpster rental resources page covers sizing, pricing, and permits for every container type.

“Customers ask about tub style dumpsters frequently, so don’t feel shy,” says the Prime Dumpster Pro. “If you have a preference, just let us know when you contact us, and we’ll determine what’s available in your area.”

A tub style dumpster is a roll-off container with curved sides and a rounded bottom, delivered and hauled like any other roll-off.

What Does a Tub Style Dumpster Look Like?

A tub-style dumpster has smooth, curved sides that slope down to a rounded or angled floor. From the side, it looks like an oversized steel bathtub, which is why it’s also called a tub dumpster or bathtub dumpster.

Like a rectangular roll-off, it has an open top for loading. Most also have a rear door that swings open for walking in bulky items. Steel rails and rollers on the bottom let the truck slide it on and off.

A tub dumpster has curved sides, a rounded floor, an open top and a rear door, with the same rails and rollers as other roll-offs.

Tub Style vs. Rectangular Roll-Off Dumpsters

The biggest difference between a tub style dumpster and a rectangular roll-off is shape. That shape affects how debris packs inside and how it comes out at the disposal site.

Neither style is better for every job. The right choice depends on what you’re throwing away.

“Shape matters less than people expect,” says the Prime Dumpster Pro. “What you’re tossing and how much it weighs should drive the decision, not whether the container is round or square.”

Tub style dumpsters unload loose debris easily, while rectangular roll-offs use corner space better for flat or bulky items.

Other Dumpster Body Types

A container’s dumpster body type describes its shape and how a truck handles it. Tub style and rectangular are the most common shapes, but haulers use a few other designs too. In the industry, these containers are often called roll-off boxes.

Low-Boy Roll-Offs

A low-boy roll-off has short walls designed for heavy debris. The lower sides make it easier to load dense material by hand or with equipment.

Concrete, brick, masonry and asphalt can only go in a 10-yard dumpster. For large amounts of heavy debris, plan on multiple 10-yard dumpsters instead of one larger container.

Cable vs. Hooklift Containers

Roll-off trucks load containers in one of two ways. A cable truck winches the container onto its bed with a steel cable. A hooklift truck uses a hydraulic arm that hooks onto a bar at the front of the container.

Containers are built for one system or the other, so a hooklift dumpster won’t work with a cable truck. The hauler’s fleet decides which type you’ll get. Either way, everyone should stay clear while the truck backs up to place or remove the container.

Other dumpster body types include low-boy roll-offs for heavy debris, plus cable and hooklift containers that match different trucks.

Which Style Is Right for Your Project?

Your debris is the best guide for choosing a container style. Each shape fits naturally in certain jobs.

A tub style dumpster is a good fit for:

• Mixed household cleanouts
• Yard trimmings like grass, leaves and brush
• Loose renovation debris

A rectangular roll-off is a good fit for:

• Lumber and framing scraps
• Drywall sheets and paneling
• Furniture and other bulky items

Weight limits don’t change with shape. A tub style dumpster and a rectangular roll-off of the same size typically carry the same weight allowance, so choose based on the type of debris and the space you have.

Tub style dumpsters suit loose, mixed debris, while rectangular roll-offs handle flat and bulky items better.

Can You Request a Tub Style Dumpster?

You can request a tub style dumpster, but availability depends on your area. Container style comes down to what local haulers stock, and availability varies by location.

Prime Dumpster can help you find what’s available. Mention your preferred style when you book, and the team will check with local haulers before scheduling delivery.

“Most projects work fine with either style,” says the Prime Dumpster Pro. “If one isn’t available near you, we’ll explain the options so you can pick the best fit for your debris.”

For more on the container options in your area, see this guide to types of dumpster rentals near you.

You can request a tub style or rectangular dumpster, and Prime Dumpster will help find what local haulers have available.

Tub Style Dumpster Sizes

Tub style dumpsters come in the same standard sizes as rectangular roll-offs, depending on the hauler. Here are the typical dimensions for each size:

These figures are for standard containers. Tub style dumpsters may differ slightly in shape and dimensions, and sizing can vary by hauler and location.

Tub style dumpsters typically come in the same 10-yard to 40-yard sizes and weight limits as rectangular roll-offs.

Tub Style Dumpster FAQ

We asked the Prime Dumpster Pros for their answers to the most common questions we hear about tub style dumpsters.

Is a Tub Dumpster the Same as a Roll-Off Dumpster?

A tub dumpster is a type of roll-off dumpster. It’s delivered and hauled by a roll-off truck, just like a rectangular container. The only real difference is its curved shape.

What’s the Difference Between a Tub and a Rectangular Dumpster?

The difference between a tub and a rectangular dumpster is shape. A tub has curved sides and a rounded floor, while a rectangular roll-off has straight sides and square corners. Weight limits for the same size are typically the same.

Can I Request a Tub Style Dumpster?

You can request a tub style dumpster when you book. Availability depends on what local haulers stock, and Prime Dumpster can help you find what’s available in your area.

What Is a Low-Boy Dumpster?

A low-boy dumpster is a roll-off with short walls designed for heavy debris. The low sides make dense materials easier to load.

What Is a Hooklift Dumpster?

A hooklift dumpster is a container loaded by a truck with a hydraulic hook arm instead of a cable. It only works with hooklift trucks, so availability depends on the hauler’s fleet.

Can You Put Concrete in a Tub Style Dumpster?

You can put concrete in a tub style dumpster only if it’s a 10-yard dumpster. Concrete, brick, masonry and asphalt can only go in a 10-yard dumpster because of their weight.

Finding the Right Container for Your Project

A tub style dumpster is a roll-off with curved sides and a rounded bottom. It handles loose, mixed debris well, while a rectangular roll-off makes better use of space for flat and bulky items. Both come in the same standard sizes with the same weight limits.

With more than 43,000 successful projects, Prime Dumpster arranges roll-off rentals nationwide and will help you find the right container size for your needs, with upfront pricing and friendly customer service. Contact our team to learn more.