10 Yard Dumpster Guide: Convenient Size, Great Price

10 yard yellow dumpster placed in street by curb

Updated July 12, 2024

10 yard dumpsters are great options for all kinds of relatively small projects.

Typically one of the smallest containers that dumpster rental companies offer, a 10 yard dumpster can handle small to medium spring cleaning projects, roof removals, pre-move or pre-baby home cleanouts, yard cleanups, small business cleanouts, and more.

This dumpster size guide will go over all the details you need to know about 10 yard dumpsters so you can determine whether it's the right dumpster size for you, and make the entire rental process easier.

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10 yard dumpster stats infographic

10 Yard Dumpster Overview

10 yard dumpsters are one of the smallest dumpster sizes that rental providers offer, whether it's a local company or Waste Management.

With a maximum capacity of 10 cubic yards, they can hold up to 5 pick-up truck loads' worth of debris. These roll-off containers are typically 12 ft L x 8 ft W x 3.5 ft H, allowing them to be placed in most residential driveways, construction sites, parking lots, and more. Though these dumpsters are great for smaller areas, if you have a very tight space that the truck needs to navigate to place the dumpster, you may need to place your dumpster in the street (if possible). Likewise, some companies' 10 yard dumpster dimensions may differ slightly from this.

If you're worried about whether or not a 10 yard dumpster will fit on your property, be sure to ask the rental providers you speak to for exact dimensions.

10 yard containers, like most roll-off dumpsters, feature a door at one end that swings open for easy, walk- or roll-in loading. This makes it particularly convenient for loading bulky or heavy items, like furniture, home appliances, or demolition debris, safely into the dumpster.


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Average Cost to Rent a 10 Yard Dumpster

The national average cost to rent a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450. However, your dumpster rental could cost more or less depending on a number of factors.

Common Factors That Affect Price

  • Dumpster size
  • Included weight limit
  • Local disposal fees and permit fees
  • Overage fees or other surcharges
  • Who you rent from

Overage fees vary from one rental provider to the next but range from $60-$100+ per ton on average depending on where you're located. To be sure you aren't caught off guard by any fees, make sure you understand exactly what each rental quote includes.

Ask each provider you speak to about any potential fees you could incur for things like:

  • Exceeding your included weight limit
  • Keeping your dumpster beyond your included rental period
  • Including a certain type of debris that the company prohibits

Always factor in the estimated weight of the debris you plan to load into the dumpster, or explain your project in detail to the providers you speak to, as it can get expensive if you go over the dumpster's weight limit.

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Best Uses for 10 Yard Dumpsters

10 yard dumpster full of household junk

If your project is relatively small, a 10 yard dumpster is likely a great option for you. Not only are they less expensive upfront than other sizes, but they can also hold quite a bit.

Common Projects That Call for a 10 Yard Bin

  • Small garage, shed, or attic cleanouts
  • Small to medium deck removals
  • Small roof removals
  • Small kitchen or bathroom remodels
  • Concrete or dirt removal (1 cubic yard of dry concrete/dirt weighs approximately 1 ton)
  • Cleaning out a home before a move
  • Cleaning up a house before baby arrives
  • Small business cleanouts

It’s important to realize that every project is different, so a larger container may be necessary in some cases. The dumpster rental providers you speak to can help you choose the right dumpster size for your specific project.

10 yard dumpsters are a great choice for a variety of projects, but a larger container may be a more economical solution for your project. For large, lightweight debris, like furniture, general wood debris, or household trash, a 20 yard, 30 yard, or 40 yard dumpster may be a better option.

Choose the Right Dumpster Rental Provider

To ensure you get the best services and the best price possible for your 10 yard dumpster, we recommend reaching out to at least three different service providers. We also advise doing so as far in advance as possible. Not only will this allow you to get the dumpster size you need when you need it, but it will also ensure that you don't overpay for mediocre services.

By getting multiple estimates, you'll be able to compare everything each company includes in the price of their 10 yard dumpster rental.

For example, Company A may charge $250 for a 10 yard dumpster rental that includes 4,000 lbs for a seven-day period. Company B may charge $350 for a 10 yard dumpster rental that includes 6,000 lbs for a seven-day period. Company B may cost more upfront, but the additional weight included in your price is almost always worth the $50 price increase.

If you go with the cheaper dumpster and end up going over your 4,000 lb weight limit, you'll have to pay more than $50 in overage fees. Avoid this issue by reaching out to various dumpster services in your area.


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