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How to Draw a Dumpster
Draw a dumpster in 12 easy steps, about 9 minutes. Free, with a printable worksheet.
Each picture adds one red line. Draw that line, then scroll to the next picture. Rub out any dashed helper lines at the end. First up: the big box.
Step 1: The big box
In the middle of your paper draw a wide box, a little wider at the top than the bottom.
Tip Leave room above for the lid and below for the wheels.
Step 2: The rim
Along the top draw a flat band, a little wider than the box, for the thick rim.
Tip Let the band stick out a little past each side of the box.
Step 3: The lid
On the rim draw a low lid: 2 short sides leaning in, joined by a long flat top.
Tip The lid slopes back, so its top is a bit shorter than the rim.
Step 4: Two lid halves
Start in the middle of the lid top. Draw a line straight down, stopping on the rim.
Step 5: Side pockets
On each side of the box draw a small box sticking out, a little above the middle.
Tip The truck slides its 2 forks into these pockets to lift the dumpster.
Step 6: Pocket slots
Inside each small box draw a smaller box. Colour it in black with your pencil.
Step 7: Three ribs
On the front of the box draw 3 tall thin ribs with round ends, evenly spaced.
Tip Ribs are folds in the steel that keep the big box strong.
Step 8: Little wheels
Under the box draw 2 small wheels peeking out, one near each end. Add a dot in each.
Tip The wheels let people roll the dumpster out to the truck.
Step 9: The ground
Start left of the dumpster. Draw a straight ground line under the wheels, stopping past the right side.
Step 10: Light green box
Colour the big box light green, ribs and all.
Step 11: Dark green trim
Colour the rim and the 2 side pockets dark green, around the black slots.
Step 12: Grey lid and wheels
Colour the lid and the 2 wheels dark grey. Go over your lines and your dumpster is done!

Your finished drawing
Follow the steps above and this is where you end up: a dumpster, drawn by you.
Every step in one picture
