Short answer: Choose a 12-yard bin for one room, a garage or basement clean-out, or a small roof. Choose a 20-yard bin for a whole-home renovation, a large clean-out or a construction job. If the waste is heavy, such as concrete, brick, dirt or gravel, use a concrete bin: those materials hit the weight limit long before a regular bin looks full.
Here is how Cal-Waste’s bins compare, and which one fits common Calgary projects.
Cal-Waste bin sizes at a glance
| Bin | Size (L × W × H) | Weight included | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-yard | 12 × 6.5 × 4.5 ft | 1 tonne | $325 | One room, garage, basement, small roof, yard clean-up |
| Lidded 12-yard | Same as 12-yard, with a steel cage lid | 1 tonne | $350 | Longer jobs, or sites where you need to keep others out of the bin |
| 20-yard | 14 × 8 × 6 ft | 2 tonnes | $475 | Full renovations, estate clean-outs, construction |
| Concrete bin | Ask when booking | Loaded by weight | $300, recycling fee included | Concrete, asphalt, brick, dirt, gravel |
Every rental includes delivery, up to 14 days on site, pickup and disposal up to the weight shown. Weight over the allowance is $125 per tonne, prorated.
A “yard” is a cubic yard of space, roughly the size of a washing machine. A 12-yard bin holds about twelve of those.
Which bin for which project
| Project | Usual choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | 12-yard | Tile, a vanity, a tub and drywall from one room fit comfortably |
| Kitchen renovation | 12-yard, or 20-yard if you are removing walls or flooring through the main floor | Cabinets are bulky, and flooring adds volume fast |
| Basement development or tear-out | 12-yard for a single area, 20-yard for a full basement | Drywall, carpet and framing add up quickly |
| Garage clean-out | 12-yard | Mostly bulky, light items |
| Whole-house clean-out or estate | 20-yard | Furniture and years of stored items |
| Roof tear-off | 12-yard for a smaller roof; ask us for anything larger | Shingles are heavy, so weight matters more than space |
| Yard clean-up (branches, sod, landscaping) | 12-yard | Sod and soil are heavy, so watch the weight |
| Concrete patio, steps or driveway | Concrete bin | Too heavy for a regular bin |
Weight matters more than you think
Most people choose a bin by how much space they need. For heavy materials, weight runs out first.
- Shingles, sod, tile and plaster are dense. A 12-yard bin can reach its 1-tonne allowance well before it is full.
- Concrete, brick, dirt and gravel go in a concrete bin, not a regular bin.
- Furniture, boxes and household junk are light and bulky, so space runs out first.
If you go over the included weight, the extra is $125 per tonne, prorated, so a small overage costs a small amount. If you are unsure, tell us what is going in when you book and we will suggest a size.
Signs you need the bigger bin
- You are emptying more than one room or floor
- There is old furniture, mattresses or appliances as well as renovation debris
- The job will run over several weekends and keep producing waste
- You are a contractor working on a full gut or an addition
If you are on the fence, it usually costs less to book the 20-yard bin than to need a second 12-yard bin.
Will it fit on my driveway?
The 12-yard bin is 12 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, so it fits most residential driveways. The 20-yard bin is 14 feet long and 8 feet wide. Leave room for the truck to reach the spot, and keep clear of overhead wires and low branches. Our bin delivery preparation guide covers where to place it and how to protect your driveway.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common bin size for a home project? For most homeowners in Calgary, the 12-yard bin: it covers garage and basement clean-outs and single-room renovations.
How many pickup truck loads fit in a 12-yard bin? It depends on how the truck is loaded. Think of the 12-yard bin as a single drop-off that replaces several landfill trips. See our Calgary landfill fees guide for the comparison.
Can I put shingles in a 12-yard bin? Yes. Shingles are heavy, though, so a larger roof can reach the 1-tonne allowance before the bin is full. Tell us the roof size and we will advise.
What if I order the wrong size? Call us as soon as you notice, at 403-922-9334, and we will talk through the options for your job.
How long can I keep the bin? Up to 14 days is included in the price.
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See all bins and prices on our bin sizes and prices page, or call Cal-Waste at 403-922-9334 to book.
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