A 15-yard bin holds about six pickup truck loads. A 20-yard holds about nine. The gap between them is where most people get the size wrong.
Order too small and you’ll call us back for a second bin (or try to cram material in until it’s dangerously overfilled). Order too big and you’ve paid for space you didn’t use. This is how to land in the middle.
The Short Answer
- 15-yard bin: Single-room renovations, roofing tear-offs, spring cleanouts, compact driveways
- 20-yard bin: Whole-home cleanouts, large landscaping jobs, construction debris, bigger renovations
What Is a 15-Yard Bin?
A 15-yard bin holds approximately 6 full pickup truck loads of debris. It’s our most popular size. And for good reason. Most residential projects in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Nanaimo fit comfortably in a 15-yard bin.
Good projects for the 15-yard:
- Single bathroom or kitchen renovation
- Roofing tear-off on a standard-sized home
- Garage cleanout or basement declutter
- Yard waste from a medium-sized property
- Drywall removal from one or two rooms
- Small demolition projects
It also has a smaller footprint. Important if your driveway is tight or your site is constrained.
What Is a 20-Yard Bin?
A 20-yard bin holds approximately 8-9 full pickup truck loads. It’s our best-value option for mid-to-large projects where you’d otherwise fill and need a second 15-yard bin.
Good projects for the 20-yard:
- Whole-home renovation or cleanout
- Spring cleanout covering multiple rooms
- Large landscaping project with significant soil and debris
- Construction waste from a new build or major addition
- Roofing on a larger home or commercial building
- Land clearing with brush, stumps, and organic material
If you’re a contractor managing a job site in Nanaimo or across Vancouver Island, the 20-yard is almost always the right call. You’ll fill it faster than you think.
When in Doubt, Go Bigger
The cost difference between a 15-yard and a 20-yard bin is smaller than most people expect. The cost of ordering a second bin. Delivery fee, the time it takes to arrive, and the disruption to your project. Is almost always higher.
If your project is on the fence between sizes, we recommend the 20-yard. You can always leave it partially empty. There’s no charge for unused space.
What About Overfilling?
Bins must not be filled above the rim. This is a safety requirement for transport. Debris can fall from an overfilled bin and create a road hazard. If you’re getting close to the top, call us. We’d rather arrange a pickup and swap than have you stuck with an unusable bin.
Drywall. A Special Note
If your project involves drywall (most renovations do), remember that loads containing drywall require an asbestos clearance document to be accepted at the transfer station. Without it, your load can be rejected. With a minimum $250 penalty fee.
Download our free Drywall Disposal Guide before you start loading.
Still Not Sure? Just Call Us
Choosing a bin size is easier when you can describe your project to someone who’s seen hundreds of similar jobs. Call us at 778-909-9874 and we’ll give you a straight answer. No upsell, no runaround.
We serve Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Bowser, and surrounding communities on Central Vancouver Island.
Request a quote online or give us a call today.