5 vs 10 vs 20 Yard Dumpster — Which Size Do You Need?

Choosing the wrong size means paying for space you don't use — or overloading a container that's too small. Here's a straightforward breakdown to help you pick the right one.

3 Sizes 5, 10 & 20 Yard
10 yd Most Popular
Same Day Delivery Available
Free Size Guidance
Get a Free Quote (631) 606-6086
Quick Size Guide

The Bottom Line

For a bathroom remodel or small cleanout, go with the 5-yard. For a garage or basement cleanout, kitchen remodel, or medium renovation, the 10-yard is the sweet spot. For a whole-house cleanout, major renovation, or construction project, you need the 20-yard. When in doubt, go one size up — it's cheaper than a second haul.
Size Comparison

5-Yard vs. 10-Yard vs. 20-Yard — At a Glance

Specification 5-Yard 10-Yard 20-Yard
Dimensions 10 x 8 x 2.5 ft 12 x 8 x 4 ft 22 x 8 x 4 ft
Capacity ~1.5 truck loads ~3 truck loads ~6 truck loads
Weight Allowance ~1 ton ~2 tons ~4 tons
Ideal Project Single room / small job Garage, basement, kitchen Full house / major reno
Driveway Fit Fits anywhere Standard driveway Needs 22+ ft of space
Rental Period 7 days included 7 days included 7 days included
When to Choose Each Size

Best Projects for Each Dumpster Size

✓ Best Use Cases
  • ✓ 5-Yard: Bathroom remodel, small declutter, single-room cleanout
  • ✓ 5-Yard: Short driveways or tight spaces where a larger container won't fit
  • ✓ 10-Yard: Garage cleanout, basement cleanout, kitchen remodel
  • ✓ 10-Yard: Deck or fence removal, medium renovation debris
  • ✓ 20-Yard: Whole-house cleanout, estate cleanout, hoarding cleanup
  • ✓ 20-Yard: Large renovation, roofing tear-off, construction site
✗ Limitations
  • ✗ 5-Yard: Not enough for anything bigger than one room
  • ✗ 5-Yard: Easy to overload if you underestimate your debris
  • ✗ 10-Yard: May be tight for multi-room renovations
  • ✗ 10-Yard: Won't hold a full house cleanout in one load
  • ✗ 20-Yard: Requires a longer driveway (22 feet minimum)
  • ✗ 20-Yard: Higher cost — only worth it for truly large jobs
Sizing Guide

How to Pick the Right Dumpster Size

  1. Count Your Rooms

    As a rule of thumb: 1 room = 5-yard, 2-3 rooms = 10-yard, 4+ rooms or a full house = 20-yard. This applies to cleanouts, declutters, and light renovation debris. Heavy materials like concrete change the calculation — call us for guidance.

  2. Measure Your Driveway

    A 5-yard container fits in almost any driveway. A 10-yard needs a standard-width driveway with at least 12 feet of length. A 20-yard requires 22 feet of unobstructed space. Measure before you book to avoid delivery issues.

  3. Consider the Debris Type

    Lightweight material (furniture, clothing, drywall) can fill a larger container without hitting the weight limit. Heavy material (concrete, dirt, tile) adds weight fast — you may fill a smaller container by weight before you fill it by volume. Tell us your debris type and we'll recommend accordingly.

  4. When in Doubt, Size Up

    A second haul costs more than going one size larger from the start. If you're between a 5-yard and a 10-yard, go with the 10. If you're between a 10-yard and a 20-yard, go with the 20. You'll never regret having extra space.

  5. Call Us for a Free Recommendation

    Describe your project to New Breed Haulage and we'll tell you exactly which size you need. We do this every day — our recommendation is based on thousands of deliveries across Long Island. No charge, no obligation.

Pricing by Size

All Three Sizes — Pricing & Specs

Every rental includes delivery, 7-day rental period, pickup, and standard disposal.

5-Yard

10 ft x 8 ft x 2.5 ft

From
$350
  • ~1.5 pickup truck loads
  • Best for 1-room projects
  • Fits tight driveways
  • ~1 ton weight allowance
  • 7-day rental included
  • Delivery & pickup included
Get a Quote — 5-Yard
Most Popular
10-Yard

12 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft

From
$450
  • ~3 pickup truck loads
  • Best for 2-3 room projects
  • Standard driveway fit
  • ~2 ton weight allowance
  • 7-day rental included
  • Delivery & pickup included
Get a Quote — 10-Yard
20-Yard

22 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft

From
$600
  • ~6 pickup truck loads
  • Best for 4+ room projects
  • Needs 22 ft driveway
  • ~4 ton weight allowance
  • 7-day rental included
  • Delivery & pickup included
Get a Quote — 20-Yard

Every quote includes delivery, pickup, and standard disposal — no hidden fees. Not sure which size? Call us at (631) 606-6086 — we’ll help you pick the right container.

FAQ

Common Questions

A 5-yard dumpster is typically the right fit for a bathroom remodel. It holds about 1.5 pickup truck loads and handles tile, drywall, a vanity, toilet, and general debris from a single bathroom. If you're remodeling two bathrooms simultaneously, step up to a 10-yard.
A 10-yard dumpster is the most popular choice for garage cleanouts. It holds approximately 3 pickup truck loads — enough for years of accumulated junk, old furniture, tools, and household items. If your garage is extremely full or you're also clearing a basement, consider the 20-yard.
Yes, but the 5-yard has a lower weight allowance (~1 ton). Heavy materials like concrete, brick, and dirt add weight quickly. If your project is primarily heavy debris, let us know when you call — we may recommend a larger container or special pricing to ensure you stay within the allowance.
For safety and transportation regulations, debris cannot extend above the rim of the container. If the container is overloaded, our driver may not be able to transport it until it is leveled. Load evenly and keep everything below the top edge. If you run out of room, call us — we can swap or schedule a second haul.
The 20-yard container is 22 feet long and 8 feet wide. It fits on most standard Long Island driveways, but you need at least 22 feet of unobstructed length. If your driveway is shorter, a 10-yard (12 feet long) is a better fit. Measure before you book and let us know — we'll confirm it will work.
A 5-yard holds about 1.5 standard pickup truck loads. A 10-yard holds about 3 truck loads. A 20-yard holds about 6 truck loads. These are approximations based on loose, non-compacted material. Heavy or bulky items may reduce effective capacity.
Call New Breed Haulage and describe your project. We deliver dumpsters across Long Island every day and can recommend the right size based on your project type, debris volume, and driveway space. Our recommendation is free, and there's no obligation to book.

Not Sure Which Size? We'll Tell You.

Call New Breed Haulage and describe your project. We'll recommend the right container and give you a firm quote in under 60 minutes.

Get a Free Quote (631) 606-6086