Small Dumpster Rental — Compact Roll-Off Bins for Home Projects
Small dumpsters — the 10-yard and 15-yard roll-off containers — are the right choice for the majority of residential projects. They fit in most driveways, cost significantly less than large containers, and are available from local companies across the country. Whether you're doing a bathroom remodel, clearing out a garage, or hauling yard debris, a compact roll-off can handle the job.
What Is a Small Dumpster?
In the roll-off dumpster industry, “small” refers to containers in the 10 to 15-yard range. A 10-yard dumpster is the most compact option widely available — measuring approximately 12 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 3.5 ft tall and holding around 3–4 pickup truck loads of material. It supports a weight limit of roughly 2–3 tons, making it ideal for light debris like drywall, wood, furniture, and household junk.
A 15-yard dumpster steps up to 14 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 4 ft tall and holds 4–6 pickup truck loads, with weight limits typically between 2–4 tons. It's the sweet spot for kitchen remodels, flooring removal, and mid-size cleanout projects where a 10-yard might run short. Both sizes are narrow enough to fit through standard gates and short enough not to block sightlines in most neighborhoods.
10-Yard vs. 15-Yard: Which Small Dumpster Do You Need?
12 × 7.5 × 3.5 ft
3–4 pickup loads
~2–3 tons
7–14 days
Typical Uses
- Single room cleanout or declutter
- Bathroom remodel demo debris
- Garage or attic cleanout
- Minor landscaping and yard waste
- Small estate or moving cleanout
Best for: Homeowners doing a focused cleanout or single-room renovation who want the most affordable option that still fits everything.
14 × 7.5 × 4 ft
4–6 pickup loads
~2–4 tons
7–14 days
Typical Uses
- Kitchen remodel with cabinet removal
- Flooring removal (whole floor)
- Medium-size estate or home cleanout
- Small roofing job (garage or shed)
- Multiple-room renovation debris
Best for: Renovation projects that produce more debris than a 10-yard can hold, but don't warrant the cost of a full 20-yard container.
Best Uses for a Small Dumpster Rental
Small roll-off dumpsters are the right tool for most residential jobs. Here are the six project types where they consistently earn their keep.
Single Room Cleanout
Clearing out a bedroom, basement section, or living room full of old furniture and clutter fits easily in a 10-yard container.
Garage Cleanout
Years of accumulated tools, boxes, sporting equipment, and broken appliances. A 10-yard handles most standard two-car garage cleanouts.
Small Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel
Demo debris from a bathroom — tile, drywall, a vanity, toilet, and fixtures — fits in a 10-yard. A kitchen remodel with cabinets and counters typically needs a 15-yard.
Roofing Shingles (Small Area)
A detached garage or small shed roof (under 1,000 sq ft) generates enough shingle weight for a 10 or 15-yard. Shingles are dense — confirm weight limits first.
Yard Debris & Landscaping
Brush, branches, sod, and landscape materials are bulky but light. A 10-yard dumpster can hold a significant amount of yard waste from a seasonal cleanout.
Estate Cleanout
Clearing a loved one's home of furniture, clothing, and household items often fits in one or two small dumpsters, making a 15-yard the practical choice.
Small vs. Large Dumpster — How to Choose
Not sure whether you need a small or large container? This comparison covers the key differences so you don't over- or under-order.
| Category | Small (10–15 yd) | Large (20–40 yd) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10–15 yards | 20–40 yards |
| Capacity | 3–6 pickup truck loads | 6–16 pickup truck loads |
| Avg. Price | $200–$425 | $375–$750 |
| Best For | Single-room remodels, cleanouts, small roofing jobs | Whole-home remodels, new construction, large roofing jobs |
| Fits in Driveway? | Yes — most standard driveways | Usually, but tight for 30–40 yd |
* Prices are national averages. See the full dumpster rental cost guide for city-specific pricing.
As a general rule: if your project is confined to one or two rooms, or you're doing a single-purpose cleanout, a small dumpster is almost always sufficient. Upgrade to a larger size only when you're tackling multiple rooms, heavy structural materials, or a full-house clearout.
How Much Does a Small Dumpster Rental Cost?
10-Yard Dumpster
$200–$350The most affordable standard roll-off option. The national average falls around $275, with rural markets often coming in under $225 and dense metros like New York or San Francisco reaching $400+. Price includes delivery, pickup, and typically 1–2 tons of debris.
15-Yard Dumpster
$250–$425Averages roughly $325–$375 nationally. The price bump over a 10-yard is usually $50–$100, making it a smart upgrade when you're not certain the smaller size will cut it — a second rental trip can cost $200 or more.
Factors That Affect the Price
- Location: Landfill tipping fees vary dramatically by market. Dense metro areas pay 2–3x more than rural counties.
- Debris weight: Rental prices include a base tonnage (usually 1–2 tons for small containers). Heavy materials like shingles, concrete, or tile generate overage charges of $60–$100/ton.
- Rental duration: Standard rentals cover 7–14 days. Extensions run $5–$15/day. Most small residential projects finish within one week.
- Street permits: If the dumpster must sit on a public street rather than your driveway, expect a city permit fee of $20–$100.
- Seasonal demand: Spring and summer are peak season. Book 3–5 days ahead during warm months. Winter rentals often come with better availability.
Money-Saving Tips
- Get quotes from at least 3 local companies — prices for the same container often vary by 20–30%.
- Ask for an all-in price that includes fuel surcharges, taxes, and overage policies, not just the base rate.
- Use your driveway instead of the street to avoid permit fees.
- When unsure between 10 and 15 yards, go with the 15 — the extra $50–$75 beats paying for a second pickup.
- Avoid throwing concrete, dirt, or asphalt into a small dumpster without checking weight limits first.
- Book mid-week for better rates and delivery flexibility from local haulers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the smallest dumpster I can rent?
The smallest standard roll-off dumpster available from most rental companies is a 10-yard container. It measures approximately 12 ft long × 7.5 ft wide × 3.5 ft tall and holds the equivalent of 3–4 pickup truck loads of debris. Some companies in dense urban markets offer mini dumpsters (2–6 yards), but the 10-yard is the most widely available small option across the country.
Will a small dumpster fit in my driveway?
A 10-yard dumpster (12 ft long × 7.5 ft wide) fits in most standard residential driveways. You'll need roughly 60 ft of clearance from the street — 12 ft for the container itself plus safe delivery room for the truck. Also check for low-hanging tree branches or utility lines (need at least 18 ft of vertical clearance) and avoid soft ground that may sink under the weight. A 15-yard dumpster at 14 ft long has the same width and needs only slightly more length.
How long can I keep a small dumpster?
Standard small dumpster rentals include a 7 to 14-day rental period, depending on the company. Most home projects — bathroom remodels, garage cleanouts, single-room renovations — wrap up within a week. If you need more time, companies typically charge $5–$15 per additional day. Ask about the extension policy before booking, especially if your project timeline is uncertain.
What can't I put in a small dumpster?
Items prohibited in virtually all roll-off dumpsters include: hazardous materials (paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil), batteries, tires, appliances containing refrigerants (refrigerators, AC units), electronics (TVs, computers), medical waste, and flammable liquids. Concrete, asphalt, and dirt are technically allowed in small dumpsters but are very heavy — they can exceed weight limits even when the container is only half-full. Always confirm what's included in your weight allowance before loading heavy materials.
Find a Small Dumpster Rental Near You
Compare prices from local companies in your area. Most markets have same-day or next-day availability for 10 and 15-yard containers. Get quotes and book in minutes.
Find Local Companies Near MeNeed to understand all size options? Browse the full dumpster size guide.