How to Choose the Best Waste Bin Size for Your Cleanout (8, 10, 14, or 20 Yards?)
- marco2669
- Apr 10
- 6 min read
Starting a home renovation, a massive decluttering project, or a construction site cleanup is an exciting milestone. It represents progress, fresh starts, and improved spaces. However, the excitement can quickly fade when you realize just how much debris, junk, and old material you need to get rid of. Suddenly, your standard curb-side garbage collection isn’t going to cut it.
This is where professional waste bin rentals come into play. But before you pick up the phone, you’re faced with a critical question: What size do I actually need?
At Tor Contracting Inc., we’ve helped countless homeowners and contractors throughout Simcoe and Dufferin County navigate this exact dilemma. Choosing the right size isn’t just about making sure everything fits; it’s about efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. In this guide, we’ll break down our four primary bin sizes, 8, 10, 14, and 20 yards, to help you make the best decision for your specific project.
Why Getting the Right Size Matters
Choosing a garbage bin rental that is too small means you’ll have to pay for a second haul, effectively doubling your delivery costs. On the flip side, choosing a bin that is far too large means you’re paying for "air" and unused space. Beyond the cost, there are logistical factors to consider, such as the weight of the materials and the physical footprint the bin will take up on your property.
Our goal at Tor Contracting Inc. is to make disposal bin rental as seamless as possible. We deliver the bin directly to your driveway, ensuring it is placed carefully to avoid damage, and pick it up once you’re done. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, understanding these sizes is the first step to a successful cleanout.
1. The 8-Yard Waste Bin: Small but Mighty
The 8-yard bin is our most compact option. While it might seem small compared to its 20-yard counterpart, it serves a very specific and vital purpose in the world of construction and renovation.
Best For:
Heavy Materials: If you are disposing of "inert" materials like concrete, brick, dirt, or gravel, this is often the only size that can safely handle the weight. Most trucks cannot legally or physically lift a larger bin if it is filled to the brim with heavy masonry.
Small Bathroom Renos: A standard powder room or a small ensuite often fits perfectly in an 8-yarder.
Single-Room Decluttering: Clearing out a small attic or a specialized storage closet.
Key Considerations:
The 8-yard bin is perfect for tight driveways or urban properties where space is at a premium. If you are doing specialized work like foundation repairs or drainage projects, this size is frequently the go-to choice for the resulting soil or concrete waste.
2. The 10-Yard Waste Bin: The Homeowner’s Favorite
The 10-yard bin is the "goldilocks" size for many residential projects. It offers significantly more volume than the 8-yard but remains compact enough to fit comfortably in almost any driveway in Simcoe County.
Best For:
Standard Kitchen Remodels: When you’re pulling out cabinets, countertops, and old flooring, the 10-yard bin usually provides ample space.
Garage and Basement Cleanouts: This size can hold approximately 3 to 4 pickup truck loads of debris. It’s ideal for getting rid of old sports equipment, broken furniture, and those boxes of "stuff" that have been sitting in the basement for a decade.
Yard Waste: If you’re doing a significant seasonal cleanup involving branches, old mulch, and garden debris.
Why Choose It?
If your project involves a mix of household junk and light renovation materials, the 10-yard is a safe and economical bet. It’s easy to load and doesn’t overwhelm your outdoor space.
3. The 14-Yard Waste Bin: The Versatile All-Rounder
When you move up to the 14-yard bin, you’re entering the territory of medium-to-large residential projects. This size is incredibly popular because it bridges the gap between "small renovation" and "major overhaul."
Best For:
Multiple-Room Renovations: If you are updating a bathroom and a bedroom simultaneously, or perhaps doing a partial basement finish.
Decks and Fencing: Removing an old wooden deck or a section of fencing creates bulky, awkward debris. The 14-yard bin provides the length and depth to accommodate these longer pieces of lumber.
Roofing Projects: For a medium-sized home, a 14-yard bin is often sufficient to hold the old asphalt shingles and underlayment.
Convenience in Simcoe & Dufferin County:
For our clients in areas like Orangeville, Alliston, or Collingwood, the 14-yard bin is a frequent choice for landscaping projects. It offers enough room for bulky materials without requiring the massive footprint of a full construction-grade bin.
4. The 20-Yard Waste Bin: For the Big Jobs
The 20-yard bin is our largest standard offering. This is a heavy-duty container designed for significant volume. If you are a contractor or a homeowner undertaking a major lifestyle change, this is likely the bin for you.
Best For:
Whole-House Cleanouts: If you are preparing a house for sale or managing an estate, the 20-yard bin can handle large furniture, appliances, and high volumes of general household waste.
Major Home Additions: When you are breaking new ground and tearing down existing exterior walls, the volume of debris generated is immense.
Large-Scale Demolition: For projects involving demolition, a 20-yard bin is essential to keep the site clear and safe.
Flooring Removal: If you’re pulling up carpet or hardwood throughout an entire 2,000+ square foot home, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the volume adds up.
Logistics:
Because of its size, you need to ensure you have a clear, flat space for delivery. Our team at Tor Contracting Inc. is highly skilled at maneuvering these bins into position, but we always recommend checking our rental policy to ensure your site is prepared.
Comparing the Sizes at a Glance
Bin Size | Approx. Pickup Truck Loads | Best For |
8 Yard | 2 - 3 Loads | Concrete, dirt, small bathroom renos |
10 Yard | 3 - 4 Loads | Kitchen renos, garage cleanouts |
14 Yard | 5 - 6 Loads | Multiple rooms, decks, roofing |
20 Yard | 8 - 10 Loads | Whole house cleanouts, large scale demo |
What Can You Put in the Bin?
One of the most common questions we get at Tor Contracting Inc. is regarding what materials are acceptable. Our waste bin rentals are designed to be a one-stop solution for:
Household Junk: Furniture, toys, clothing, electronics, and general "clutter."
Construction Materials: Drywall, lumber, siding, flooring, and insulation.
Renovation Debris: Cabinets, countertops, sinks, and toilets.
Inert Materials: Concrete, brick, and soil (best suited for 8 or 10-yard bins).
Note: There are certain hazardous materials (like chemicals, asbestos, or propane tanks) that cannot be placed in the bins. If you’re unsure, please check our FAQ or contact us directly.
The Tor Contracting Difference: Convenience and Professionalism
We know that a garbage bin rental is often just one small piece of a much larger puzzle. Whether you are managing a complex excavation project or simply clearing out your mother-in-law's attic, the process should be stress-free.
Local Expertise
Serving Simcoe & Dufferin County means we understand the local landscape. We know the roads, the municipal regulations, and the needs of our community. When you book with us, you’re getting a local partner who cares about the success of your project.
Driveway Protection
We treat your property with respect. We don't just "drop and dash." We ensure the bin is placed on wood blocking to protect your asphalt or concrete from scratches and pressure marks. This attention to detail is why homeowners and contractors alike trust us with their disposal bin rental needs.
Flexible Scheduling
Project timelines change. We get it. We offer flexible rental periods to ensure you have the bin for as long as you need it, and not a day longer. You can learn more about how our process works on our How It Works page.
How to Prepare for Your Bin Delivery
Once you’ve chosen the right size, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the delivery goes smoothly:
Clear the Path: Ensure there are no cars, equipment, or low-hanging branches blocking the delivery truck's path.
Mark the Spot: While not strictly necessary, placing a small marker or cone where you want the bin to go helps our drivers hit the mark perfectly.
Check for Permits: In most cases, if the bin is going on your private driveway, you don’t need a permit. However, if it needs to sit on the street, check with your local municipality in Simcoe or Dufferin County.
Load Smart: To maximize space, place larger, flatter items on the bottom and fill in the gaps with smaller debris. Never fill the bin higher than the top rim; this is a safety hazard for our drivers during transport.
Ready to Clear the Clutter?
Choosing the right waste bin rental doesn't have to be a guessing game. By assessing the scope of your project and the type of material you’re tossing, you can select the 8, 10, 14, or 20-yard bin that fits your needs perfectly.
At Tor Contracting Inc., we pride ourselves on being more than just a bin company. From utility trenching to concrete work, we are a full-service construction partner. If you’re ready to get started on your cleanout or renovation, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today to book your bin and experience the professional service that Simcoe and Dufferin County residents have come to rely on.
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