10-Yard vs 13-Yard vs 20-Yard: Choose the Right Dumpster for Your Remodel
- Paulo Miller
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- Sep 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Picking the right dumpster size makes a remodel simpler, faster, and cheaper. Choose too small and you’ll pay for an extra pickup or overage; choose too large and you waste money and space. This guide breaks down the practical differences between 10-, 13-, and 20-yard roll-off dumpsters so you can match size, weight limits, and cost to your specific remodel, using real examples from kitchen and bathroom projects to whole-house cleanouts across Maryland and DC.
Quick comparison: 10-, 13- and 20-yard dumpsters
Capacity and common uses
A 10-yard dumpster is compact and ideal for tight driveways and small remodels. Typical uses include single-room renovations, small kitchen or bathroom gut jobs, and attic or garage cleanouts. The 13-yard “heavy-material” dumpster sits between small and medium: it handles common construction debris and denser materials used in remodels. A 20-yard dumpster is the workhorse for larger remodels and whole-house cleanouts, giving plenty of room for cabinetry, drywall, and bulky demolition waste.
Weight limits and pricing (what to expect)
At Go Green Dumpsters our 10-yard units start at $300 plus tax for a 7-day rental with a 1-ton weight allowance, suited to light, bulky materials. The 13-yard heavy-material and the 20-yard both start at $595 plus tax for 7 days with a 2-ton limit—they are designed for jobs that produce heavier debris. Price differences reflect both size and the expected weight of materials hauled.
Ease of access and placement
The 10-yard fits most residential driveways and is easier to place near a garage or side yard. The 13- and 20-yard units need more room for placement and truck access. When driveway width or street access is limited, a smaller container is often the only practical choice.
Choosing by project type
Small remodels: kitchens and bathrooms
For a minor kitchen refresh, cabinet doors, a few countertops, and some tile, a 10-yard dumpster often covers the debris. Bathroom remodels, which typically generate less bulk but can have heavier tile or fixtures, often still fit in a 10-yard but may push you to a 13-yard depending on material type.
Medium remodels: full kitchen gut or room additions
A full kitchen gut with cabinets, countertops, and appliances usually fills a 13-yard container quickly. If your remodel includes heavy tile, concrete countertops, or masonry, the 13-yard heavy-material is the safer choice to avoid hitting weight limits before you run out of space.
Large remodels and whole-house projects
Major renovations, multi-room remodels, or a full-house cleanout call for a 20-yard dumpster. These projects generate large volumes of mixed materials, wood, drywall, metal, packaging, and the larger footprint reduces the need for multiple swaps or extra trips.
How weight vs. volume affects your choice
Heavy materials use up weight first
Materials like concrete, brick, tile, and compacted soil eat into your weight allowance far faster than bulky light items. You can fill the visible volume of a 20-yard container with such heavy material and still hit the 2-ton limit. For any project that includes masonry or demolition of hard surfaces, plan around weight first, not volume.
Estimating weight for your job
A quick rule of thumb: broken concrete is extremely heavy—small truckloads add up fast. Drywall and wood are much lighter by volume. If your remodel produces mixed debris, expect the average to fall somewhere between these extremes. When in doubt, call the dumpster provider with a list of expected materials and rough quantities; they can recommend the right size or suggest an overweight add-on.
Practical tips for loading and maximizing space
Break down large items and flatten boxes
Disassemble cabinetry, break down pallets, and cut drywall into manageable sheets. Removing doors and cutting countertops into pieces lets you pack the dumpster more tightly and reduce wasted air space.
Toss dense materials in first, light materials on top
Load heavy items like tile or concrete at the bottom and fill gaps with lighter materials such as insulation, packaging, or cardboard. This method helps you use volume efficiently while keeping the load balanced.
Keep prohibited and hazardous items separate
Do not mix liquids, batteries, asbestos, or appliances with refrigerants in the dumpster. These items are handled by special programs or licensed haulers. Segregate them in labeled containers and plan disposal via HHW events, appliance pickup, or certified contractors.
Permits, placement and driveway protection
When you need a permit
Placing a dumpster on public property, a curb lane, or in a metered zone often requires a municipal permit. Permit lead times vary by county in Maryland and by DC. Apply early to avoid delivery delays, especially in busy neighborhoods.
Driveway and landscaping protection
Protect asphalt and pavers with planks or plywood beneath the dumpster. Ask your hauler about driveway protection systems and proper placement to avoid scratches, stains, or structural damage. Discuss placement with your crew so heavy loads are transferred over protected surfaces.
Truck access and clearance
Measure your delivery space for width and height clearance. Factor in parked cars, overhanging branches, and fences. Confirm access routes and pickup timing with the driver to avoid re-scheduling.
When to upgrade to the next size or add weight
Signs you need a larger container
If you’re close to filling the dumpster but still have heavy materials left, or if bulky items prevent compact packing, upgrade to avoid stoppage. Another sign is stacking material above the container’s rim, this is unsafe and often prohibited.
Adding weight allowance vs changing size
If your job produces a lot of heavy debris but the volume is moderate, adding weight allowance to a 13-yard unit can be cheaper than moving to a 20-yard. For projects with both heavy volume and bulky items, the 20-yard is usually the safer bet.
Booking extra days and multiple drops
Longer projects benefit from planning extra rental days up front. If you expect phased work, demo one week, finish out the next, ask about flexible pickup windows or a swap schedule to keep the site clear without overpaying.
Cost, rental period and booking advice
Typical rental windows and flexibility
Standard rentals run seven days at Go Green Dumpsters. This period suits most remodels, giving crews time to load the unit without rush. Extensions are available if your timeline changes.
Hidden costs to watch for
Overweight fees, extra days, and re-delivery charges can add up. Keep heavy materials consolidated and confirm the weight included with your rental. When booking, ask the provider about what’s included, how much extra tonnage costs, and whether they offer discounts for contractor accounts or repeat business.
How to book for Maryland and DC projects
Provide a clear description of your project, the expected materials, and the exact placement location. Include zip code and any permit details. A short phone call can ensure you get the size and service level that fits your schedule and site constraints.
Choosing the right dumpster comes down to balancing volume, weight, and site logistics. The 10-yard unit suits short, light remodels and tight spaces; the 13-yard heavy-material option handles denser construction waste without jumping to the highest price; the 20-yard container gives volume and flexibility for major remodels and whole-house cleanouts. Remember that heavy materials like concrete or tile are the real constraint, they fill the weight limit faster than they fill the bin. Separate hazardous items ahead of time and plan for permits, driveway protection, and truck access to avoid delays and extra costs. If your project includes unusually heavy debris, oversized fixtures, or phased demolition, talk with your dumpster provider about weight add-ons or a larger unit. A short planning call can prevent a wasted trip, a rejected load at the transfer station, or unexpected fees. When you pair a realistic material list with the right size and clear logistics, your remodel will run cleaner and finish on schedule.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know if a 10-yard dumpster is big enough for my kitchen remodel?
Estimate the cubic feet of the material you’ll remove, cabinets and countertops take space but are comparatively light, then compare that to a 10-yard capacity. Call us with a short list of items (cabinets, sink, tile, drywall) and we’ll confirm. If your remodel includes heavy stone or concrete, choose a 13- or 20-yard unit for the higher weight allowance.
Can I mix heavy materials like tile with light materials like cardboard in the same dumpster?
Yes, mixed loads are common, but heavy items reduce your weight limit quickly. Load heavy pieces low and fill gaps with light material, and keep an eye on total weight to avoid overage charges.
What if my driveway is too small for a 20-yard dumpster?
Consider a 10- or 13-yard unit and schedule more frequent pickups, or find a nearby parking spot or temporary permit for curb placement. We can advise on placement and protection to prevent damage.
How long can I keep the dumpster?
Our standard rental is seven days. Need more time? Extensions are available, let us know as early as possible so we can adjust scheduling.
Are there items I should never put in any dumpster?
Yes. Keep hazardous liquids, batteries, appliances with refrigerants, asbestos, and medical waste out of standard dumpsters. These require special disposal routes, ask us for local HHW and licensed hauler options.
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