10 YD
15 YD
10 Yard vs 15 Yard Dumpster Comparison
Comparing dumpster sizes to help you choose the right container for your project. See dimensions, capacity, weight limits, and costs side-by-side.
10 Yard vs 15 Yard: Key Differences
- 15 yard holds 50% more debris (5 extra cubic yards)
- 15 yard costs ~$50 more on average ($300-$450 vs $250-$400)
- 10 yard = 3 pickup truck loads, 15 yard = 4.5 loads
- 15 yard weight limit is 2-4 tons vs 2-3 tons
- Upgrading costs $50, but a second haul costs $200-400—size up when unsure
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | 10 Yard Dumpster | 15 Yard Dumpster |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12' x 8' x 3.5' | 14' x 8' x 4' |
| Capacity (Truck Loads) | 3 pickup loads | 4.5 pickup loads |
| Weight Limit | 2-3 tons | 2-4 tons |
| Typical Cost (7 days) | $250-$400 | $300-$450 |
| Bag Capacity | 10 cubic yards (about 50-60 33-gallon trash bags) | 15 cubic yards (about 75-90 33-gallon trash bags) |
Best Uses for Each Size
10 YardBest For
- Small garage cleanouts
- Bathroom remodel debris
- Small deck removal
- Single room cleanout
- Small landscaping projects
Not Ideal For:
- Whole house cleanouts
- Large renovation projects
- Construction debris
- Multi-room remodels
15 YardBest For
- Medium garage cleanouts
- Flooring removal (1,000 sq ft)
- Basement cleanout
- Small kitchen remodel
- Estate cleanout (small home)
Not Ideal For:
- Large construction projects
- Whole house renovations
- Commercial cleanouts
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose the 10 Yard If:
- →Your project is small to medium (single room, small cleanout)
- →You have limited driveway space
- →Budget is tight and you're confident about debris volume
- →You're disposing mostly of lightweight materials
Choose the 15 Yard If:
- →You're unsure about exact debris volume
- →Project scope might expand
- →You want to avoid risk of a second haul ($200-400)
- →You have heavier materials that need extra weight allowance
Pro Tip: When in doubt, size up. The 15 yard costs ~$50 more than the 10 yard, but ordering a second dumpster costs $200-400.
Compare Other Sizes
Related Resources
Ready to Rent?
Get quotes from local dumpster companies. Compare prices and book directly with the hauler.
Get Free QuotesComparison updated: January 2026