4, 10, 14 or 20 Yards? How to Choose the Right Dumpster Bin

The right dumpster size depends on more than how much waste you have. You should consider the material, expected volume, weight, project duration, and available placement space. All Stars Disposal offers 4-yard, 10-yard, 14-yard, and 20-yard bins, covering projects from small cleanups and heavy-material loads to renovations, roofing, construction, commercial, and industrial work.

Key Takeaways

• 4-yard: Best suited to small projects and specified all-soil, all-asphalt, or all-concrete loads.

• 10-yard: Designed for medium projects and general household garbage.

• 14-yard: Intended for large construction, demolition, and roofing projects.

• 20-yard: Designed for very large construction, commercial, and industrial projects.

• The best choice depends on material + volume + weight + project duration + available space, not simply the largest container.

  
  

What Do Dumpster Sizes Actually Mean?

Dumpster size refers to the approximate volume a disposal bin can hold, but volume alone does not determine which container you should rent.

This distinction matters because waste behaves differently depending on what it is.

A garage cleanout might produce a large amount of lightweight furniture, cardboard and household items. A concrete-removal project could generate a much smaller-looking pile that is substantially heavier. Roofing debris sits somewhere else on the spectrum: shingles can accumulate quickly while also adding considerable weight.

That is why choosing between dumpster sizes should start with the waste profile, not simply the size of the room or project.

All Stars Disposal currently lists four bin options on its bin sizes page: 4 yards, 10 yards, 14 yards and 20 yards. The company's published specifications identify different applications for each.

Dumpster Bin Size Guide: Compare the Four Options

The following table provides a practical starting point based on the current All Stars Disposal specifications.

The current first-party page lists standard rental pricing at $$$$ + tax for the 10-, 14-, and 20-yard bins, while the 4-yard option is listed at $$$$ + tax for mixed loads and $$$$–$$$$ + tax for all-soil/all-concrete loads. The published standard rental includes the first seven days and one ton.

Because rental terms can change, treat the figures above as a representation of the current published structure rather than a permanent quote. You can confirm current pricing on the bin sizes page or by contacting the team directly.

4-Yard Bin: Best for Smaller or Specified Heavy-Material Loads

The 4-yard bin is the smallest container in All Stars Disposal's current range, measuring approximately 12 feet long, 5 feet wide and 2 feet high.

The company identifies it for small projects and for all-soil, all-asphalt or all-concrete loads.

That makes it different from simply saying "small dumpster."

For example, a small landscaping project involving a specified heavy-material load may have very different requirements from a small household decluttering project.

When a 4-Yard Bin Makes Sense

Consider this size when:

• The project is relatively limited.

• You have a specified soil, asphalt or concrete load.

• Available placement space is restricted.

• The expected waste volume does not justify a larger container.

When to Consider Something Larger

A small bin can become inconvenient when bulky household items or renovation debris accumulate quickly.

If the waste is mostly furniture, boxes, drywall, flooring or mixed renovation debris, consider whether the 10-yard option provides a better working capacity.

The goal is not to fill the smallest container possible. The goal is to avoid unnecessary handling and disposal interruptions.

10-Yard Bin: A Practical Choice for Medium Projects

The 10-yard bin is designed for medium projects and general household garbage and measures approximately 12 feet long, 5.8 feet wide and 4 feet high.

This makes it a useful option for homeowners, property managers and DIY renovators dealing with a moderate amount of general waste.

Potential projects include:

• Garage cleanouts

• Basement decluttering

• Moving preparation

• Household junk removal

• Moderate renovation work

• General property cleanup

The key is to think about the material's shape as well as its volume.

Furniture and bulky household items can occupy considerable space without necessarily being extremely heavy. Dense construction material presents the opposite challenge.

14-Yard Bin: Designed for Roofing, Construction and Demolition

The 14-yard bin measures approximately 12 feet long, 7 feet wide and 4.5 feet high and is identified by All Stars Disposal for large construction, demolition and roofing projects.

This is where project type becomes particularly important.

A roofing company replacing an entire roof may generate a concentrated amount of shingles and related debris. A contractor carrying out demolition may produce drywall, wood and other building materials in a short period.

A 14-yard container provides substantially more volume than the 10-yard option while remaining smaller than the 20-yard model.

Why Roofing Projects Need More Planning

Roofing waste can accumulate faster than expected.

Before arranging a bin, consider:

• Approximate roof area

• Type of roofing material

• Number of layers being removed

• Expected debris volume

• Weight of the material

• Where the container can be safely positioned

The fact that a container has available volume does not mean it can be loaded indefinitely with heavy material. Weight and accepted-material requirements still matter — see the items policy for a full list of what is and isn't accepted.

20-Yard Bin: For Very Large Projects

The 20-yard bin is the largest option currently listed by All Stars Disposal and measures approximately 12 feet long, 8 feet wide and 5.5 feet high.

It is intended for very large construction, commercial and industrial projects.

This makes it particularly relevant to:

• Major construction work

• Large demolition projects

• Commercial property cleanouts

• Industrial projects

• Large-scale renovations

A larger container can be valuable when a project produces waste continuously over several days.

However, choosing the largest option simply because it exists is not always efficient.

Measure Before You Book

The physical dimensions matter.

Before delivery, check:

• Driveway width

• Gate width

• Overhead clearance

• Distance from the loading area

• Nearby structures

• Vehicle access

• Space required for delivery and pickup

A container that works perfectly for the waste volume may not work well at the property if access has not been considered.

Dumpster Rental: What Should You Consider Besides Size?

Dumpster rental is a service decision, not simply a container-size decision.

Before you book, consider five variables.

1. Waste Type

Identify whether your waste consists primarily of household items, renovation debris, roofing materials, soil, concrete, asphalt, construction debris or another category.

2. Waste Volume

Estimate how much material will actually enter the container.

3. Weight

Dense materials can reach weight limits before a container looks full.

4. Rental Duration

Think about how quickly the waste will be generated. A contractor working for several weeks has different scheduling needs from a homeowner completing a weekend cleanout.

5. Placement

Measure the area and confirm that the delivery vehicle can access it.

This five-part assessment is more reliable than choosing a dumpster based solely on the square footage of a renovation.

Dumpster Rental Prices: Look at the Whole Rental Structure

Dumpster rental prices should be compared using the complete rental terms rather than only the advertised starting figure.

On its current bin-size page, All Stars Disposal lists the first seven days and one ton as included with the standard rental for its listed bins. Additional rental days are shown at $$$$ per day, while additional weight is listed at $$$$ per kilogram, equivalent to $$$$ per ton. The page also states that there is no fuel surcharge or hidden fee.

For publication, the actual dollar amounts have intentionally been replaced here with $$$$.

When comparing a bin for rent, ask:

• How many days are included?

• How much weight is included?

• What happens if I need additional days?

• What is the additional-weight rate?

• Are there fuel surcharges?

• Are there hidden fees?

• Are my materials accepted?

• Is delivery and pickup included under the quoted arrangement?

This makes comparing dumpster rental prices much more meaningful.

Bin for Rent: Prepare the Property Before Delivery

Finding a bin for rent is only the first step.

The delivery location can determine whether the rental is convenient or frustrating.

Check Access

Make sure the delivery vehicle can reach the planned location.

Check Clearance

Look for tree branches, wires, balconies and other overhead obstacles.

Check the Surface

Choose a practical placement area that can accommodate the container and delivery process.

Check Loading Access

The closer the bin is to the work area, the easier it can be to move debris.

Check Local Rules

If the bin will be placed on public property, municipal requirements may apply.

For example, All Stars Disposal's Hamilton service page states that private-property placement such as a driveway generally does not require a permit, while a bin placed on a public street may require a municipal permit. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before placing a container on public property.

How to Rent a Bin Without Guessing

A simple four-step process can prevent most size-selection mistakes.

Step 1: Make a Waste List

Write down everything you expect to remove.

Step 2: Separate Heavy Materials

Identify concrete, soil, asphalt and other dense materials separately from general household or renovation debris.

Step 3: Estimate the Volume

Consider whether the waste will fit comfortably into a 4-, 10-, 14-, or 20-yard container.

Step 4: Confirm the Selection

If the project is unusual or the material is particularly heavy, confirm the appropriate container with the disposal provider before delivery.

All Stars Disposal's bin-size page specifically invites customers who are unsure about the appropriate size to contact the team.

What Materials Should Not Go in a Disposal Bin?

Choosing the right container also means knowing what should not be placed inside it.

All Stars Disposal's current items policy identifies restricted materials including asbestos, paint, solvents, automotive liquids, acids, adhesives, batteries, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, pesticides, fertilizers, needles, biohazardous materials and medication. These fall under what is generally classified as household hazardous waste under federal environmental guidelines.

Do not assume that a material is acceptable simply because it physically fits.

If you discover an unfamiliar chemical, liquid or potentially hazardous material during a renovation or cleanout, stop and confirm the appropriate disposal method.

Dumpster Rental Near Me: Does Local Service Matter?

People searching for dumpster rental near me are usually looking for more than a nearby address.

They want a provider that can:

• Deliver to the project location

• Offer an appropriate container

• Explain material restrictions

• Coordinate pickup

• Accommodate the project schedule

• Understand the local service area

All Stars Disposal lists Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and Waterdown among its service areas.

That makes local availability a useful consideration when comparing disposal-bin providers across Southern Ontario.

Choosing a Dumpster in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Milton

Homeowners in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Milton may need a bin for anything from a garage cleanout to a substantial renovation.

For a smaller household project, start by considering the 4- or 10-yard options. For a larger renovation, roofing job or construction project, the 14- or 20-yard options may be more appropriate depending on the material and expected volume.

The important point is that the city does not determine the bin size—the project does.

A small renovation in Mississauga and a small renovation in Burlington can have completely different waste profiles.

Choosing a Dumpster in Hamilton, Ancaster and Stoney Creek

The same principle applies across Hamilton, Ancaster and Stoney Creek.

All Stars Disposal's Hamilton service page describes residential, renovation, construction and commercial applications for its disposal-bin services and lists Stoney Creek, Ancaster and Burlington among nearby service areas.

For contractors, property managers and homeowners, the most useful selection process remains:

material → volume → weight → duration → placement.

That sequence is more dependable than selecting a container based on a generic project label.

A Better Way to Think About Dumpster Sizes

The most useful insight when choosing a container is that size is only one part of capacity planning.

Imagine two projects:

Project A: A homeowner removes furniture, boxes and household items from a three-bedroom house.

Project B: A contractor removes concrete from a small patio.

Project A may occupy far more physical space. Project B may weigh far more.

If you looked only at the visible pile, you could easily choose the wrong container.

This is why experienced waste planning starts with the material profile.

The Five-Question Test

Before you rent a bin, answer:

• What is it? — Identify the material.

• How much is it? — Estimate volume.

• How heavy is it? — Consider density and weight.

• How long will it take? — Estimate rental duration.

• Where will it go? — Confirm placement and access.

If you can answer those five questions, you are much closer to selecting the appropriate dumpster size.

Frequently Asked Questions