If you’re starting a home cleanout, renovation, or small construction project, you’ve probably realized that choosing the right dumpster size is not as simple as it sounds. Go too small, and you’ll end up paying for another pickup. Go too big, and you’re paying for space you don’t use.
The two most popular sizes people rent are the 10 yard dumpster and the 20 yard dumpster. Both are great options — but they serve different types of projects.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between them in simple terms — including how big they really are, what fits inside, how much they cost, and how to choose the right size for your project.
Understanding Dumpster Rental Sizes
Let’s start with the basics. Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards — that’s how much waste they can hold.
To give you an idea:
- 1 cubic yard = about 5–6 large garbage bags
So roughly:
- A 10 yard dumpster = 50–60 garbage bags
- A 20 yard dumpster = 100–120 garbage bags
That’s double the space, which can make a big difference if your project starts to grow.
What Is a 10 Yard Dumpster?
The 10 yard dumpster is the smallest standard size — compact, easy to load, and perfect for small projects or tight spaces like driveways.
Size and Capacity
- Length: approximately 10 feet
- Width: approximately 8.5 feet
- Height: approximately 4 feet
- Capacity: 10 cubic yards (about 3 pickup truck loads)
Best For
- Garage or small home cleanouts
- Yard waste, branches, and soil
- Bathroom or small kitchen remodels
- Removing flooring or shingles from one area
Why People Love It
It’s affordable, fits anywhere, and gets the job done for small projects without taking up much room.
If your cleanup is straightforward — think old furniture, boxes, and light debris — this size works perfectly.
When It’s Not Enough
If you’re gutting multiple rooms or dealing with bulky cabinets or other approved items; keep drywall in a separate drywall-only bin, it’ll fill up faster than you think.
What Is a 20 Yard Dumpster?
The 20 yard dumpster is a mid-sized option and the most popular choice for homeowners. It’s big enough for renovations but still fits most driveways.
Size and Capacity
- Length: approximately 18 feet
- Width: approximately 8.5 feet
- Height: approximately 4 feet
- Capacity: 20 cubic yards (around 6 pickup truck loads)
Best For
- Full home or basement cleanouts
- Kitchen, bathroom, or large renovation projects
- Roofing jobs (up to 3,000 sq. ft. of shingles)
- Construction or demolition waste
Why It’s the Most Popular Size
It gives you more space for only a little more cost, saving you from having to order a second dumpster later. It’s ideal for most medium-to-large projects.
Fleetwood Disposal’s Dumpster Prices (2025)
At Fleetwood Disposal, we keep pricing simple, fair, and transparent.
| Dumpster Size | Ideal For | Price (5 Days) (mixed-waste bins; rock boxes for dirt or concrete include 3 days). |
| 10-yard bin | Small cleanouts, light debris | View city pricing |
| 20-yard bin | Home renovations, bulky waste | Quoted separately |
| 30-yard bin | Full remodels, large construction | View city pricing |
| 40-yard bin | Commercial and demolition projects | View city pricing |
Standard rental period:5 days (mixed-waste bins; rock boxes for dirt or concrete include 3 days).
Need more time? No problem — extended rentals are available for a small daily fee.
Fast and Reliable Service You Can Count On
We know time matters, especially when you’re in the middle of a project.
That’s why Fleetwood Disposal is known for fast, responsive service.
- Standard delivery: Within 24 hours
- Same-day delivery: Available if you call before 8 AM
- Flexible pickup: We’ll collect your bin when you’re ready
- Local support: Our team actually lives and works in your area
No waiting days for drop-off or pickup — we make sure your dumpster arrives when you need it, and leaves when you’re done.
10 Yard vs 20 Yard Dumpster: Quick Comparison
| Feature | 10 Yard Dumpster | 20 Yard Dumpster |
| Capacity | 10 cubic yards | 20 cubic yards |
| Pickup Truck Loads | 3 | 6 |
| Fits Driveway | Yes | Usually |
| Weight Limit | Confirmed in the written quote | Confirmed in the written quote |
| Rental Cost | View city pricing | Quoted separately |
| Typical Projects | Small cleanouts, yard waste | Renovations, roofing, large debris |
| Best For | Light debris, compact spaces | Medium to large home projects |
Cost Difference: Is the 20 Yard Bin Worth It?
Let’s be honest — the 20 yard bin costs a little more upfront, but it often saves money in the long run.
- 10-yard bin — View city pricing or request a written quote for your bin, material and delivery address.
- 20-yard bin: Quoted separately
View city pricing or request a written quote for your bin, material and delivery address.
If you’re on the fence, go with the 20-yard. It gives you extra space and peace of mind, especially if your project grows or you underestimate the waste.
What Fits in a 10 Yard Dumpster?
Here’s what you can expect to fit:
- 1–2 rooms of junk or furniture
- A small bathroom or kitchen renovation
- Old flooring, tiles, or light roofing materials
- Yard debris like branches or soil
Best choice for:
Small home cleanups or short-term projects.
What Fits in a 20 Yard Dumpster?
This size handles nearly anything a typical homeowner or contractor might need:
- Large home cleanouts or renovations
- Full roof replacements (up to 3,000 sq. ft.)
- Deck removals (up to 400 sq. ft.)
- Suitable construction debris, wood or bulky furniture. Drywall requires a separate drywall-only bin.
Best choice for:
Medium to large projects, or when you’re unsure how much waste you’ll have.
How to Choose the Right Dumpster Size
Here’s how to make the right call:
- Estimate the Waste Volume
- Small job = 10 yard
- Bigger cleanup or renovation = 20 yard
- Check Your Driveway Space
- If it’s narrow or short, a 10 yard will fit more easily.
- Think About Material Type
- Heavy items like dirt or concrete reach weight limits quickly.
- Consider Cost Efficiency
- It’s usually smarter to rent one larger bin than order two small ones.
- Ask the Experts
- The Fleetwood team can help you choose the right size based on your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a 10 yard dumpster big enough for a home cleanout?
Yes, for smaller projects like cleaning out a single room or garage. For multiple rooms, go with a 20 yard.
2. How big is a 20 yard dumpster?
Fleetwood’s 20-yard dumpster is approximately 18 x 8.5 x 4 feet, with a rough volume guide of about seven pickup loads. Material approval and the agreed weight allowance govern loading.
3. How long can I keep the dumpster?
Fleetwood 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard mixed-waste bins include 5 days. The 8- and 10-yard rock boxes for dirt or concrete include 3 days. Additional rental time costs a quoted daily rate after the included period. Confirm any extension and pickup arrangements before booking.
4. Can I get same-day delivery?
Same-day or next-day delivery may be available depending on your location, bin inventory and scheduling. Contact Fleetwood to confirm delivery and pickup availability for your project.
5. Do I need a permit?
If the bin sits on your private driveway, no. For street placement, check with your city (Vancouver, Surrey, or Burnaby may require a permit).
Final Thoughts: Which Dumpster Size Should You Choose?
If you’re handling a small home cleanup or light debris, the 10 yard dumpster is a great, affordable choice.
But if your project is bigger, like a renovation or moving cleanup, the 20 yard dumpster gives you more room to work without worrying about overflow.
In simple terms:
- 10 yard: Great for small jobs
- 20 yard: Best for bigger, messier projects
Fleetwood 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard mixed-waste bins include 5 days. The 8- and 10-yard rock boxes for dirt or concrete include 3 days. Additional rental time costs a quoted daily rate after the included period. Confirm any extension and pickup arrangements before booking.
Ready to book your dumpster?
Contact Fleetwood Disposal today for fast, affordable bin rentals across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, and nearby areas.
- 10-yard bin — View city pricing or request a written quote for your bin, material and delivery address.
- 20-yard bin: Quoted separately
- Standard rental: 5 days (mixed-waste bins; rock boxes for dirt or concrete include 3 days).
- Same-day delivery: Call before 8 AM
Our friendly team will help you pick the perfect bin size for your project — and deliver it right when you need it.
Call Fleetwood Disposal or get your free quote online today!
Confirm your Fleetwood rental
Rock boxes used for dirt or concrete include three days. Mixed-waste bins include five days. Contact Fleetwood before the agreed pickup if you need an extension, and confirm the additional-day charge and revised collection date in your written quote.
Pricing depends on your delivery city, bin, material and load. Confirm the included weight, loading limits and any applicable charges before booking. Drywall requires a separate drywall-only bin; concrete and dirt require a suitable separate container.
