How Big Is A 10 Yard Dumpster?

Published
October 13, 2020
Written by:
Paul Stratch
Last updated: October 2, 2025

Roll off dumpsters typically come in six standard sizes: 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yards. These are fairly universal across the country, though some sizes are more common than others depending on the area.

The 10 yard is the smallest of these sizes, holding about 4 pickup truck loads of debris. Below we’ll break down its dimensions, weight limits, and when it’s the right choice for your project.

A 10 yard dumpster usually measures about 11 feet long × 8 feet wide × 3.5 feet high. At Trash Daddy, our flat-rate pricing for a 10 yard includes a 1-ton (2,000 lbs) weight allowance in the base price.

orange 10 yard dumpster rental in a driveway

Here are the four main things to consider regarding the size of a 10 yarder.

1. Small can for small jobs

10 yard dumpsters are the smallest roll off size available (for CDL trucks), and they include the lowest weight allowance (about 1 ton, or 2,000 lbs). They’re best for very small projects like a single-room cleanout, light yard waste, or a small bathroom remodel.

2. Holds about 4 pickup truck loads of material

10 yard dumpster capacity equals about 4 pickup truck loads

A 10 yard dumpster holds roughly 4 pickup truck loads of debris. It’s a good way to visualize capacity if you’re comparing it to hauling things yourself. While it can handle small projects, remember that heavier materials (like shingles, concrete, or dirt) can quickly push the dumpster over its 1-ton weight limit.

3. Perfect for tight fits, even inside most garages

The 10 yard is only about 11 feet long, which means it can fit into smaller driveways. It’s also easier to place in narrow alleys or limited street spaces compared to larger dumpsters. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who don’t have a lot of room for delivery.

Just remember: while the small footprint is convenient, a 10 yard can still fill up quickly. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to step up to a 20 yard to avoid overfilling or paying for an extra rental.

4. 10 Yard Lowboy Option (for Heavy Material)

In some areas, we also offer a 10 yard ‘lowboy’ dumpster. A lowboy is built shorter and longer than a standard 10 yard, which makes it easier to load heavy materials like concrete, brick, or dirt. Even though the cubic yard capacity is the same, the lower sides make loading safer and more efficient.

10 yard lowboy dumpster with dirt

Lowboys are ideal when you’re disposing of dense debris that would otherwise make a standard 10 yard too heavy to haul safely. Availability varies by location, so check your service area page or contact us to confirm.

5. The least expensive option

A 10 yard dumpster is the lowest-cost roll off you can rent. It can be a good fit if you only have a few bulky items, like a couch, mattress, or small furniture.

However, smaller doesn’t always mean better value. Because of the limited capacity and lower weight allowance, many customers find that a 20 yard or 30 yard gives them more room for just a little more cost. Choosing the right size up front can save you money and prevent the hassle of ordering a second dumpster.

10 Yard Dumpster FAQs

How much weight can a 10 yard dumpster hold?

The 10 yard typically includes about 1 ton (2,000 pounds) in the flat-rate price. That’s roughly equal to 8–10 squares of roofing shingles, 7–10 standard appliances, or about half a cubic yard of concrete. If you load dense material like shingles, dirt, or concrete, it can exceed the limit quickly — which may result in extra charges.

What can you put in a 10 yard dumpster?

A 10 yard dumpster is great for household junk, light furniture, small amounts of yard waste, or debris from a single-room remodel. It can also be used for heavy materials like concrete, brick, or dirt — but since those loads get heavy quickly, we recommend talking with our team first to make sure you keep your total costs as low as possible.

Is a 10 yard dumpster big enough for a bathroom remodel?

Yes, a 10 yard dumpster can work well for a small bathroom remodel. It’s large enough for tile, drywall, flooring, and old fixtures. However, in many cases a 20 yard offers better value — giving you extra space so you don’t risk running out of room or paying for a second rental.

Is a 10 Yard Dumpster Right for You?

A 10 yard dumpster is the smallest roll off option, making it a good choice for tight spaces, light cleanouts, and small remodeling projects. It’s also the most affordable size to rent.

But keep in mind: being half the size of a 20 yard doesn’t mean it’s half the price. The limited weight allowance (about 1 ton) and smaller capacity mean it fills quickly. If you have more debris than expected, stepping up to a 20 yard or 30 yard often provides better value and helps you avoid overweight charges.

Not sure which size is best? Our team can walk you through your options and make sure you get the right dumpster for your project. If you are ready to rent a dumspter now, you can book online with us fast and easy!

call trash daddy now button