What Size Dumpster Do I Need? Ottawa Bin Rental Sizing Guide
Picking the wrong bin size is the most common (and most expensive) mistake people make when renting a dumpster in Ottawa. Go too small and you're paying for a second delivery. Go too big and you're paying for space you didn't need. Here's how to get it right the first time.
The Quick Answer
- 10 yard bin — small cleanouts, single-room projects, garage or basement declutters
- 14 yard bin — most home renovations: kitchens, bathrooms, single-room gut jobs, small roofs
- 20 yard bin — whole-home renovations, additions, new construction, major cleanouts
10 Yard Bin — For Small Jobs
Think garage cleanouts, a single-room paint or flooring refresh, small yard cleanups, or clearing out a shed. It holds roughly 3-4 pickup truck loads. If you're just trying to get rid of accumulated junk rather than tearing anything apart, this is usually the right size — and the most economical option.
14 Yard Bin — The Most Popular Size
This is what most Ottawa homeowners end up renting, and for good reason — it handles the bulk of typical renovation debris: drywall, flooring, cabinetry, a standard bathroom or kitchen reno, or a single-layer asphalt roof tear-off. If you're not sure which size to pick and your project is a normal one-room renovation, start here.
20 Yard Bin — For Bigger Projects
Full basement finishes, whole-home renovations, additions, new construction, or a big estate cleanout. If you're gutting more than one room, doing a multi-day project, or working with a contractor on a larger job, this is the size that avoids a mid-project swap.
A Few Things That Change the Math
- Weight matters as much as volume. Heavy materials like shingles, tile, or concrete fill up your weight allowance before they fill up the bin visually. If your project involves anything dense, mention it when you book so we can size accordingly.
- Driveway space isn't usually the limiting factor. Most Ottawa driveways — even in older neighbourhoods with narrower frontages — can fit a 20 yard bin. If you're unsure, ask us before you assume you need to size down.
- It's cheaper to size up than to swap. A same-day swap because you filled the bin early costs more than just booking the next size up from the start.
Get an Exact Price for Your Project
Bin pricing depends on size, rental length, and what you're disposing of — call us at 613-807-6879 or request a quote online and we'll give you a straight number for your specific job. No hidden fees, no fuel surcharges — the price we quote you is the price you pay.
Still Not Sure?
Call us at 613-807-6879 and describe your project — we'll tell you the right size over the phone, no guesswork required.