One of the most common questions Ottawa homeowners ask us is simple: "What size dumpster do I need?" Pick too small and you'll be cramming debris or paying for a second bin. Pick too large and you've overspent on space you didn't use. This guide walks through both Base Bins sizes with real-world examples so you book it right the first time.

Quick Answer

  • 8-yard bin — single-room renovations, garage cleanouts, small landscaping jobs, deck repairs, one bathroom remodel.
  • 15-yard bin — kitchen remodels, basement renovations, roof tear-offs, full house cleanouts, large landscaping projects.

When in doubt, size up. The price difference between our 8-yard ($240) and 15-yard ($260) is only $20 — far less than the cost of a second delivery.

Bin Sizes in Plain English

"Cubic yards" doesn't mean much until you compare it to something you can picture. Here's how each Base Bins size translates to real-world loads.

8-Yard Bin — 12' x 8' x 3'

The 8-yard bin holds roughly 4 full-size pickup truck loads of waste. It's about the length of a small car and fits on a standard residential driveway with room to walk around it. Up to 8 tons capacity included.

Best for:

  • One-bathroom remodel
  • Garage or attic cleanout
  • Small deck demolition
  • Single-room flooring replacement
  • Landscaping debris (small to medium yards)
  • Concrete or dirt removal (heavy materials cap out fast)

15-Yard Bin — 16' x 8' x 4'

The 15-yard bin holds roughly 7-8 full-size pickup truck loads. It's our most popular size because the walls are taller, making it easier to toss in bulky items like cabinets, drywall sheets, and old furniture. Same 8-ton capacity as the 8-yard, so you only pay for what you dump.

Best for:

  • Kitchen renovations
  • Basement remodels
  • Whole-house decluttering or estate cleanouts
  • Roof tear-offs (1,500-2,500 sq ft homes — single layer)
  • Large deck or fence demolitions
  • Multi-room flooring replacement

Pickup Truck Math: How to Size Yourself

A full-size pickup truck bed holds about 2-3 cubic yards. So if you'd need:

  • 1-3 truck loads → 8-yard bin
  • 4-7 truck loads → 15-yard bin
  • 8+ truck loads → you'll need 2 bins or back-to-back rentals

Stand in your space, eyeball the debris, and count truck loads. That number is more accurate than any online calculator.

Project Type Cheat Sheet

Here's what we typically deliver for common Ottawa jobs:

  • Single bathroom remodel → 8-yard
  • Kitchen remodel → 15-yard
  • Basement renovation → 15-yard
  • Garage cleanout → 8-yard
  • Full house declutter → 15-yard
  • Estate cleanout → 15-yard (sometimes two)
  • Roof replacement (bungalow) → 15-yard
  • Deck demo (10' x 12') → 8-yard
  • Concrete or dirt → 8-yard (weight, not volume, is the limit — see Clean Fill)
  • Yard waste (large) → 15-yard

What If I Pick Wrong?

If you've underestimated, no problem — call us and we can either pick up the full bin and drop a fresh one, or in many cases swap to a bigger size mid-rental. But two trips cost more than starting with the right size. Most Ottawa homeowners who hesitate between the two sizes end up happier with the 15-yard.

Weight vs. Volume — Important for Heavy Materials

Every Base Bins rental includes up to 8 tons of weight. That's generous, but heavy materials like concrete, brick, dirt, and asphalt shingles can max out the weight long before the bin looks full. If your project is heavy materials only, you may actually save money by choosing the 8-yard bin — same weight allowance, less wasted space.

See our allowed waste page for the full list of what we accept.

Driveway Fit

Both sizes fit on standard Ottawa driveways. As a rule:

  • You need about 22 ft of clear driveway length for the 8-yard.
  • You need about 26 ft of clear driveway length for the 15-yard.
  • Width is the same — 8 ft — but leave 2-3 ft on each side for walk-around space.

If your driveway is tight, the 8-yard is the safer choice. We can also place a bin on a street with the right City of Ottawa permit — give us a call and we'll walk you through it.

Still Not Sure?

Tell us what you're working on and we'll tell you exactly which size fits. We've delivered thousands of bins across Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, and Orleans, and we'd rather size you correctly than upsell you. Call (613) 518-1508 or get a free quote.

For more context, check out our complete dumpster rental guide or read about how much dumpster rental costs in Ottawa.