Sizing & Costs

10 Yard Dumpster Guide: Small Project Sizing & Costs

A 10 yard dumpster is the smallest standard rental size, perfect for small bathroom remodels, garage cleanouts, and minor deck removals. Learn dimensions, pricing, and when this compact option makes sense.

October 21, 2025•6 min read•Sizing & Costs

10-Yard Dumpster Quick Reference

Best For: Small bathroom remodels, garage cleanouts, minor landscaping

Capacity: undefined pickup truck loads

Dimensions: 17L × undefinedW × undefinedH

Typical Cost: $300-$500

Rental Period: 5-7 days

Weight Limit: 1-2 tons

Consider the Cost Difference

While 10-yard dumpsters are the cheapest option, they're only $75-150 less than a 20-yard dumpster in most markets. If you're unsure about debris volume, the larger size is usually worth it. Ordering a second dumpster costs much more than the upfront difference.

What Projects Need a 10 Yard Dumpster?

A 10-yard dumpster handles small single-room projects generating 3-4 pickup truck loads of debris. This is the smallest standard rental size, fitting easily in tight spaces like narrow driveways or alleys.

You need a 10-yard if you're:

• Removing toilet, vanity, and 60 sq ft of tile from a small bathroom
• Clearing 20 years of accumulated items from a 2-car garage
• Tearing down a 150-200 sq ft small deck with railings
• Pulling carpet and pad from 1-2 bedrooms (300-400 sq ft)
• Clearing boxes and old items from an attic or basement

The key is single-room or single-element projects. If you're working on multiple rooms or doing a full renovation, you'll need a 20-yard dumpster. The 10-yard is perfect when space is tight and debris volume is limited.

✅ Perfect For:

•Small bathroom remodels (toilet, vanity, tiles)
•Garage or basement cleanouts
•Small deck removal (under 200 sq ft)
•Carpet removal (1-2 rooms)
•Small landscaping projects
•Attic cleanouts
•Minor kitchen cabinet removal
•Estate cleanouts (small homes)

❌ Too Small For:

•Full kitchen renovations (need 20-yard)
•Whole house cleanouts (need 30-40 yard)
•Roofing projects over 1,500 sq ft
•Large deck removals (over 300 sq ft)

10 Yard Dumpster Pricing by Market

Pricing Note: The prices shown are general market estimates based on industry averages as of October 2025. Actual costs vary significantly by city, disposal fees, local competition, and debris type. These ranges are for reference only—always get quotes from local providers for accurate pricing in your area.

Market Type	Typical Range	Notes
Major Metro (SF, NYC, Boston)	$405-$675	High disposal fees, strict regulations
Mid-Size Cities	$330-$550	Moderate costs and competition
Small Towns	$285-$475	Lower overhead, less competition
Rural Areas	$240-$400	Lower disposal fees, longer haul distances

Dimensions & Capacity Details

Physical Dimensions

Length:14 feet
Width:7.5 feet
Height:3.5 feet
Footprint:105 square feet

Capacity Comparisons

Pickup trucks:3-4 full loads
Trash bags:About 50-60 (33-gallon bags)
Cubic feet:270 cubic feet
Weight capacity:2-3 tons

Real Project Examples

Bathroom Renovation - 60 sq ft

Removed: Old vanity and mirror, toilet and fixtures, 60 sq ft of ceramic tile, drywall sections

Dumpster fill: 75% full

Result: Perfect size choice. Had room for unexpected debris and stayed well under weight limit.

Rental period: 5 days

Garage Cleanout - 2-car garage

Removed: 20 years of accumulated items - old furniture and boxes, lawn equipment and tools, holiday decorations, general household items

Dumpster fill: 90% full

Result: Exactly the right size. Any larger would have been wasted money, any smaller would have required two trips.

Rental period: 3 days

Small Deck Removal - 180 sq ft

Removed: Deck boards, joists, railings, stairs

Dumpster fill: 85% full

Result: Good choice for this size deck. Breaking down boards helped maximize space.

Rental period: 7 days

When to Choose 10 Yard vs Other Sizes

Choose 10 Yard When:

Your project will generate less than 4 pickup truck loads of debris, you're working in tight spaces, or budget is a primary concern for a small project.

Upgrade to 20 Yard When:

You're doing multiple rooms, a full kitchen remodel, or large deck removal. The cost difference is often worth avoiding a second rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 10-yard dumpster cost?

A 10-yard dumpster costs $300-$500 for a 5-7 day rental period. <a href="/blog/dumpster-rental-cost-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Costs vary by location</a>, with higher prices in urban areas. Factor in potential overage fees of $50-$100 per ton if you exceed the 1-2 tons weight limit.

How long can I keep a dumpster?

<a href="/blog/dumpster-rental-duration-calculator" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Standard rental periods</a> are 7-10 days, with extensions typically available at $10-50 per day. Some companies offer flexible rental terms. Always confirm the rental period and extension costs before booking.

What can't go in a dumpster?

You cannot dispose of <a href="/blog/prohibited-items-dumpster" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">hazardous materials</a> (paint, chemicals, asbestos), electronics, batteries, appliances with refrigerants (refrigerators, AC units), tires, propane tanks, or medical waste. Check with your rental company for specific restrictions as they vary by location.

Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?

<a href="/blog/do-i-need-dumpster-permit" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline font-medium transition-colors">Dumpsters on private property</a> (your driveway) typically don't require permits. Street placement usually needs a permit from your municipality, costing $20-$150. Check local regulations or ask your rental company about requirements in your area.