10 vs. 20 yard dumpster: which fits your driveway?
Updated Sep 29, 2026
Short answer
Both are usually about 8 feet wide, and many companies build them on a similar footprint. The difference is mostly height, which means capacity. If your driveway fits one, it often fits the other, but lengths vary by company, so check the dimensions. Choose a 10 yard for heavy debris and small cleanouts, and a 20 yard for remodels and bigger cleanouts.
Same footprint, different height
Here’s how three companies on this site list their 10 and 20 yard bins:
| Company | 10 yard (L × W × H) | 20 yard (L × W × H) |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbish Inc | 14′ × 8′ × 3.5′ | 14′ × 8′ × 6′ |
| Capital Disposal | 12′ × 8′ × 3′ | 16′ × 8′ × 5′ |
| All Pro (12 and 20 yd) | 12′ × 7′ × 4.5′ | 16′ × 7′ × 5′ |
The pattern holds: width stays about the same, and extra capacity mostly comes from height and sometimes a few feet of length. Numbers change, so check the hauler’s site for current dimensions.
The truck needs more room than the bin
The bin might be 14 feet long, but the truck that drops it is much longer. It backs in, tilts its bed, and slides the bin off. So you need:
- a clear, fairly straight approach to the spot
- overhead clearance while the bed is tilted up; trees and power lines are the usual problems
- firm ground; soft yards and fresh sod can rut
Every company’s truck is different, so ask the hauler how much straight run and overhead clearance they need.
Protecting the driveway
Heavy bins can crack older concrete or dent asphalt on a hot day. On this site, “Driveway-safe: Yes” means the company’s own site says it uses boards, skids, or a protection system, or calls the bin driveway-friendly. “Not stated” doesn’t mean no. It means they didn’t say, so ask.
Which one?
- 10 yard: concrete, tile, dirt, or roofing on a small house; a one-car garage; a bathroom remodel; tight spots
- 20 yard: a kitchen remodel, flooring for a whole house, or a bigger cleanout
- Neither fits? Some companies offer smaller or odd sizes, like 12, 13, 15, or 21 yard. Use the size filter on all haulers.
Placing it in the street instead? Check your city’s rules first: Kyle, Buda, San Marcos.
Common questions
Will a 20 yard dumpster fit in my driveway?
Often yes. Many companies build their 20 yard on about the same footprint as their 10 yard, just taller. Measure your driveway and compare it to the hauler's listed length and width.
Is a 10 yard or 20 yard better for a driveway?
If both fit, pick by the job. A 10 yard suits heavy debris like concrete and tile or a small cleanout. A 20 yard suits a remodel or bigger cleanout. The 10 yard's lower walls are also easier to load by hand.
Will a dumpster damage my driveway?
It can, especially on hot asphalt or older concrete. Some haulers use boards, skids, or a protection system under the bin. Ask the hauler what they use.
Verify before you book. This is general information, not legal advice, and we don't rent dumpsters. City rules, HOA rules, and hauler policies change. Confirm with the city and the hauler.