Order a bin that is too small and you pay for a second haul. Order one that is too big and you pay for air. Bins are billed by size and weight, so a few minutes of planning up front is worth it.
Here is how to answer the question “what size bin do I need?” for the most common jobs around the GTA, Simcoe County and Southern Georgian Bay. It also covers what can’t go in, and when a bin on the street needs a permit.
Our four bin sizes
Every bin includes delivery, a 7-day rental and 1 tonne of weight. Prices are before HST.
4 yd³ ($385): small cleanouts
Right for a garage or basement purge, a single-room clear-out, or yard debris after a weekend of pruning. It’s compact enough to fit on most driveways with room to spare.
14 yd³ ($495): renovations and roofing
Our most practical size for one-room renovations: a bathroom gut, a kitchen tear-out, flooring removal or a typical roof re-shingle. Shingles and tile are heavy, so a mid-size bin keeps you closer to the weight allowance than a big one filled to the brim.
20 yd³ ($585): large projects and cleanouts
For multi-room renovations, whole-house cleanouts before a sale or move, and bigger demolition jobs where the debris is mixed: drywall, trim, cabinets and old fixtures.
40 yd³ ($725): bulky, light material
Built for volume rather than weight. Think furniture, packaging, insulation and other light, bulky debris. It’s a poor choice for concrete, brick or soil. A 40-yard bin full of heavy material will go far past the included tonne.
How to estimate what you need
- Think weight, not just volume. Every size includes 1 tonne. Anything over is billed per tonne. Roofing, tile, plaster, brick and concrete fill weight long before they fill space.
- Break things down. Flatten boxes, take furniture apart and cut long pieces down. A well-packed bin holds far more than a loosely filled one.
- Don’t overfill. Keep debris level with the top edge or lower so the bin can be hauled safely.
- Plan the schedule. The standard rental is 7 days. If the job will run longer, ask for a longer rental when you book.
- When in doubt, go one size up for mixed renovation debris, and one size down for heavy material.
Quick reference: common jobs
Every job is different, but these pairings are a sensible starting point. Tell us what you’re tackling when you request a bin and we’ll confirm the size with you.
- Garage, shed or basement clear-out: 4 yd³ for one space, 20 yd³ for a whole-house purge.
- Bathroom renovation: 14 yd³. Tile, tubs and plaster are heavy, so the mid size keeps weight in check.
- Kitchen renovation: 14 yd³ for cabinets and counters. Go to 20 yd³ if flooring and drywall are coming out too.
- Roof re-shingle: 14 yd³ for a typical house. Shingles are among the heaviest common debris, so watch the weight.
- Estate or pre-sale cleanout: 20 yd³ for mixed contents, or 40 yd³ if it’s mostly furniture and light, bulky items.
- Yard and landscaping debris: 4 yd³ for branches and brush. Soil and stone are very heavy, so keep loads small.
What can’t go in the bin
Paint, chemicals, propane tanks, tires, batteries, electronics and other hazardous waste are not allowed. These need to go to your municipality’s household hazardous waste depot or a dedicated drop-off program. Mattresses and appliances can go in, but they may carry a surcharge. Ask before you load them.
Driveway or street: do you need a permit?
A bin on your own driveway doesn’t need a permit. A bin on the road is different. Most municipalities treat it as occupying the public right-of-way. In Toronto, for example, a bin placed in the roadway or a public lane needs a Street Occupation Permit. Other municipalities have their own versions, often called a road occupancy permit.
If the street is your only option, tell us when you book. We can help you arrange the permit.
Tips for a smooth drop-off
- Pick a level, hard surface and clear it of cars, bikes and low branches.
- Lay boards under the bin if you’re worried about your driveway surface.
- Load heavy, flat items first and spread weight evenly.
- Keep the area around the bin clear so it can be picked up on schedule.
Need hands, not just a bin?
A bin is the right call when you’re doing the work yourself. If you’d rather not, our Demolition service handles the tear-out, loading and haul-away with in-house crews. We protect your floors and furniture along the way. For renovation work after the tear-out, see Interior.
Request a bin
Online bin booking is coming soon. For now, request a bin and we’ll confirm the size, date and placement with you. We serve the GTA, Simcoe County and Southern Georgian Bay.
Request a bin or ask about demolition and haul-away.
Featured image: Boomer77, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped.
