Taking on a home improvement project in Nashville? Whether you’re clearing out your garage, tackling a landscaping overhaul, or remodeling your kitchen, one question always comes up: what size dumpster do I actually need? Pick one that’s too small, and you risk overflow or extra fees. Go too big, and you might overpay for space you won’t use.
At Red Dog Dumpsters, we help Nashville homeowners and DIYers find the right-sized dumpster for their job, so cleanup is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This guide breaks down the most common DIY projects and helps you choose the perfect dumpster size to match.
Why Choosing the Right Dumpster Size Matters
Before we get into sizing recommendations, it’s important to understand why dumpster size matters for your project. First, different projects generate different types of waste. A garage cleanout might produce bulky junk, while a landscaping job creates heavy organic debris like soil, sod, or stumps.
If your dumpster is too small, you may need to schedule an extra pickup or rent a second container—both of which can increase your project costs. If it’s too large, you may be paying for space you don’t use and taking up more room in your driveway than necessary. Red Dog Dumpsters offers compact, driveway-safe bins in 10-yard and 15-yard sizes, and both are designed to hold serious volume while still fitting into tight spaces commonly found in Nashville neighborhoods.
Dumpster Sizes Available at Red Dog
We make it easy for DIYers to choose the right bin by offering two sizes that cover the vast majority of residential needs.
Our 10-yard dumpster is ideal for small to medium cleanouts or renovations. It holds the equivalent of about three pickup truck loads and is perfect for lighter, bulkier debris like cardboard, broken furniture, and general household junk.
Our 15-yard dumpster is best for larger cleanouts or DIY remodels. It holds around four to five pickup truck loads and is a good choice for heavy or dense materials like drywall, flooring, or yard debris. Both sizes have low side walls for easy loading and fit in most driveways without obstructing sidewalks or garages.
Choosing a Dumpster for Specific DIY Projects
To help you decide which size is best for your project, let’s look at some of the most common DIY jobs we see across the Nashville area.
Garage Cleanouts – A 10-yard dumpster is typically perfect for cleaning out an average-size garage, especially if you’re dealing with bulky items like old shelving, boxes, tools, or furniture. If your garage has been a storage space for years and you plan to really purge, a 15-yard dumpster gives you some extra breathing room.
Bathroom Renovations – A single bathroom remodel almost always fits in a 10-yard dumpster. You’ll have space for the vanity, old tile, drywall, tub, and fixtures. However, if you’re renovating more than one bathroom or replacing tile in multiple areas, upgrade to the 15-yard to avoid overflow.
Kitchen Upgrades – Kitchens generate more demolition debris than you think. If you’re replacing countertops, cabinets, flooring, and appliances, you’ll want a 15-yard dumpster. The added space gives you room for everything and lets you work without worrying about how much you can toss.
Yard Projects and Landscaping – These can vary a lot depending on what you’re removing. For smaller jobs like trimming bushes, removing mulch, or cleaning out garden beds, a 10-yard is often enough. For larger tasks—like tearing out a deck, removing tree limbs, or hauling off sod—you’ll likely need a 15-yard dumpster to handle the weight and volume.
Attic and Basement Cleanouts – These projects tend to surprise people. Years of stored items accumulate, and once you start pulling things down, you’ll be glad to have more room. If you’re clearing out an entire attic or basement, go with the 15-yard dumpster. If it’s a smaller area or already partially cleared, the 10-yard might suffice.
DIY Flooring Removal – Pulling up carpet, tile, laminate, or hardwood throughout your house? A 15-yard dumpster is the way to go. Flooring materials are dense and heavy, and they stack up quickly. You’ll need the volume and weight capacity.
Moving Prep or Downsizing – Before a move, many Nashville homeowners take the opportunity to purge what they no longer need. A 10-yard dumpster is great for one room or light decluttering, while a 15-yard is better if you’re prepping a whole house or clearing out years of accumulated stuff.
Deck or Shed Removal – When you’re tearing down old outdoor structures, you’re dealing with bulky, rigid materials. Wood, nails, roofing, and trim can fill a 10-yard dumpster quickly. For full demo projects, we always recommend the 15-yard size to avoid multiple hauls.
Tips for DIYers Renting a Dumpster in Nashville
Once you’ve chosen your size, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most from your rental. First, think about access. Make sure your driveway is clear and your vehicles are moved before delivery. Our team places every dumpster on wood slats to protect your driveway as part of our Pavement Protection Plan.
Next, be mindful of what’s allowed. Items like tires, batteries, paint, and hazardous materials aren’t permitted in dumpsters and could incur fees if mixed in with your load. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to clarify before you toss.
Finally, load strategically. Start with flat items like plywood, drywall, or flooring to create a base. Then stack bulkier items like furniture or bags on top. This ensures you maximize your available space.
Why Nashville DIYers Choose Red Dog Dumpsters
We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas who needed a reliable dumpster rental for their projects. From East Nashville bungalows to Brentwood backyards, our bins have helped DIYers clean up faster and with less stress.
Red Dog Dumpsters offers:
- Same-day delivery for orders placed before noon
- No delivery fees or surprise charges—ever
- Compact dumpster sizes that fit easily in residential driveways
- Easy ordering by phone, text, or online
- Real-time text updates and GPS tracking
- A friendly, local team that actually answers the phone
When you rent from us, you’re not just getting a dumpster—you’re getting a partner who makes cleanup simple.
Call Red Dog to Find the Right Dumpster for Your Project
Still not sure what size is right? We’re happy to help. Our team knows the Nashville market and understands the kind of projects local homeowners are tackling.
Give us a call at 615.933.3300 or book online to schedule your delivery. We’ll walk you through your project, recommend the right size, and get your dumpster on-site—fast. Let’s clean up the smart way.