Trying to decide between a 10-yard vs 20-yard dumpster?

You’re not alone. Dumpster sizes make perfect sense to people who work with dumpsters every day. For everyone else, “10 cubic yards” probably doesn’t help much.

The basic difference is simple: a 20YD dumpster gives you about twice the space of a 10 yard dumpster.

But that doesn’t automatically mean you need the bigger one.

Here’s how to choose the right dumpster size for your project without trying to calculate cubic yards in your driveway.

10 Yard vs 20 Yard Dumpster: Quick Comparison

At Salty Bins, both sizes include delivery, pickup, up to 7 days and driveway protection pads.

The main differences are capacity and included disposal weight.

10 Yard Dumpster ≈ 4 Pickup Truck Loads

Our 10 yard dumpster includes:

• 10 cubic yards of capacity
• Delivery and Removal
• Disposal of the first 1 ton (= 2,000 lbs) of material
• Up to 7 days
• Driveway protection

A 10 yard dumpster is great for smaller projects with a fairly predictable amount of debris.

Think: bathroom remodel, replacing flooring in the primary, small item cleanouts (clothing, toys, decorations, etc.)

20 Yard Dumpster ≈ 8 Pickup Truck Loads

Our 20 yard dumpster includes:

• 20 cubic yards of capacity
• Delivery and Removal
• Disposal of the first 2 tons (= 4,000 lbs) of material
• Up to 7 days
• Driveway protection

A 20 yard dumpster gives you approximately twice the volume and twice the included disposal weight of our 10 yard.

That extra capacity makes it a better fit for larger projects, bulky items or jobs where you aren’t completely sure how much you’ll end up throwing away.

For example: replacing the couch, getting rid of the outdoor playset, multi-room renovations, etc.

How Big Is a 10-Yard Dumpster?

A 10YD dumpster holds approximately 10 cubic yards of material.

Helpful, right?

Probably not.

Most people don’t think in cubic yards. About anything.

Here’s what you do know: the basic scope of your project.

You’re getting rid of old Christmas decorations, broken patio chairs, and cleaning out closets.

Or maybe you’re remodeling the guest bathroom, repairing your fence, or replacing a couple dressers.

There’s always a main goal for getting the dumpster, so start there.

A 10 yard dumpster is typically a good option for projects like:

• Decluttering projects
• Garage cleanups
• Bathroom remodels
• Small flooring projects
• Yard cleanups
• Small-sized household junk
• Small renovation projects

If you know exactly what you’re getting rid of and the project is relatively contained, a 10-yard may be all the dumpster you need.

How Big Is a 20 Yard Dumpster?

A 20-yard dumpster holds approximately 20 cubic yards of material, or about twice the volume of a 10-yard.

That additional space becomes useful surprisingly quickly.

A 20 yard dumpster is commonly used for:

• Larger home cleanouts
• Moving cleanouts
• Large garage cleanouts
• Kitchen renovations
• Larger remodeling projects
• Full-home flooring projects
• Furniture removal
• Construction debris
• Bulky household junk (couches, dressers, etc.)
• Projects involving multiple rooms

The 20YD is especially useful when you know you have a decent amount to throw away but aren’t completely sure how much.

Renovations and cleanouts have a habit of growing once you get started.

Is a 10 Yard Dumpster Big Enough?

For plenty of projects, yes.

You do not automatically need to rent a 20-yard dumpster because it’s only $100 more.

If you’re tackling a smaller project and have a good idea of what you’re throwing away, the 10-yard might be a perfect fit.

But with bulky items or a long-overdue cleanout project, it’s probably more budget friendly to go bigger!

Is a 20 Yard Dumpster Too Big?

If you’re getting rid of a relatively small, predictable amount of material, there’s no particular advantage to paying for capacity you know you won’t use.

But don’t confuse having a little room left over with choosing the wrong dumpster.

You do not have to fill a dumpster completely.

Having some space remaining at the end of your project is better than needing to order a second dumpster.

What Size Dumpster Do I Need for a Home Cleanout?

For a small home cleanout or decluttering project, a 10YD dumpster might be enough.

If you’re cleaning out several rooms, removing bulky furniture or tackling a house, garage, and the attic all together — a 20 yard is the way to go.

Bulky household items take up more dumpster space than people expect.

A couch may not look enormous sitting in your living room.

Put it inside a dumpster and suddenly you understand just how much space it occupies.

Furniture, chairs, tables, boxes and miscellaneous household items rarely stack together perfectly. The empty space between them is often unused. So you should play Dumpster Tetris to the best of your ability, but also be realistic.

For cleanouts with a lot of bulky items, it’s always best to give yourself more room.

What Size Dumpster Do I Need for a Renovation?

For a smaller renovation, such as a bathroom remodel or limited flooring project, a 10YD dumpster may provide enough capacity.

For larger renovations, kitchen remodels or projects involving multiple rooms, the 20YD gives you considerably more space to work with.

Renovation debris also tends to look like less material before the project starts.

Cabinets are installed neatly against walls. Flooring is flat. Drywall is attached to the house.

Once everything is removed, broken down and piled together, it takes up space quickly.

If you’re on the fence, go bigger!

What Size Dumpster Do I Need for Furniture?

If you’re getting rid of just a few smaller household items, a 10 yard may work.

If your cleanout includes couches, large chairs, tables, bedroom furniture or multiple bulky pieces, start looking at the 20 yard.

Furniture is one of the easiest things to underestimate because of the awkward way it occupies space.

Breaking items down when possible helps, but a larger dumpster gives you considerably more flexibility when you’re removing multiple pieces.

Should I Rent a 10 Yard or 20 Yard Dumpster?

Here’s the easiest way to think about it.

Choose a 10YD dumpster when your project is smaller, the amount of debris is fairly predictable and you’re confident you don’t need the additional capacity.

Choose a 20YD dumpster when your project is larger, you have bulky debris, you’re working through multiple rooms or you’re unsure.

Depending on your project, moving up a size may make more sense than risking the need for a second dumpster.

What Happens If I Choose the Wrong Dumpster Size?

If you rent a dumpster that’s larger than you ultimately need, you may simply finish the project with some unused space.

If you choose one that’s too small, you’ll need a second dumpster.

That’s why we recommend thinking about your entire project, what you’re planning to throw away and what might come up – not just the pile you see today.

10 Yard vs 20 Yard Dumpster: The Simple Answer

Still deciding between a 10-yard or 20-yard dumpster?

For a small, predictable project, the 10 yard is usually the place to start.

For a larger project, bulky items or an unpredictable amount of debris, the 20 yard gives you substantially more room.

And if you still have no clue, do not worry!

You don’t need to become a dumpster expert to rent a dumpster.

Give us a call 833-725-8924

Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll help you figure out which size makes sense.

10YD and 20YD Dumpster Rentals in Wilmington, NC

Salty Bins provides 10-yard and 20-yard dumpster rentals in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas for home cleanouts, renovations, construction projects and more.

Every dumpster rental includes up to 7 days, driveway protection, delivery, removal, and disposal of 1-2 tons of material.

Straightforward pricing so you know what you’re signing up for before you book.

View our dumpster sizes and rates online

Give us a call 833-725-8924 and we’ll help you choose the right one.

Fast. Friendly. Reliable.

Visit our website – SaltyBins.com
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