Why townhouse renovations need a different approach
Townhouses pack three or four storeys into a narrow footprint. A kitchen gut or bathroom remodel generates debris that has to move through hallways, down stairs, and out a single driveway, often shared with neighbours on both sides. Unlike a detached home with a wide lot, you cannot simply pile material on the lawn or block a full lane without creating friction with people who live ten feet away.
The bin size you choose affects not just the cost but also placement. A 40-yard container will not fit on most Vancouver townhouse driveways, and even a 20-yard needs careful positioning. The goal is to choose a bin size that holds your debris without requiring a second trip, but sits small enough that neighbours can still access their own properties.
Renovation debris is also lighter than you might expect. Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and tile weigh far less than soil or concrete. This means a smaller bin often handles more volume than you think, because weight, not space, is what determines the final bill.
The 10 yard bin: single room or light work
A 10 yard bin is roughly the size of a large pickup truck bed, about 3 pickup loads of material. It carries about 1.5 tonnes included in the rental price, example ranges, not quotes. This size works well for a bathroom remodel, a kitchen cabinet swap, or a single-room flooring tear-out.
- Bathroom renovation: old tile, fixtures, drywall, vanity, mirror, typically 0.8 to 1.2 tonnes
- Kitchen cabinet removal: cabinetry, countertop, backsplash, light fixtures, usually 0.6 to 1.0 tonne
- Single-room flooring: old hardwood, underlayment, baseboards, roughly 0.7 to 1.3 tonnes depending on area
The 10 yard fits on most townhouse driveways without blocking a neighbour's access. It is narrow enough that a single-lane street placement works, though you will need to check with the municipality about a street permit, which typically costs $20 to $150 and takes several days to several weeks to issue. The rental period is 7 days, and extra days run $10 each.
The 15 yard bin: two rooms or mixed debris
A 15 yard bin carries about 2 tonnes included. It is the middle ground for townhouses doing more than one room at once, a kitchen and powder room, or a kitchen and hallway flooring, or a full master bath with bedroom flooring.
This size begins to push the boundaries of a shared driveway. It is longer and taller than a 10 yard, and it will block more of a neighbour's sightline. If your townhouse shares a driveway or has a narrow lane access, a 15 yard requires more coordination. Some townhouse complexes have rules about bin placement, so check your strata or lease before booking.
The rental period on a 15 yard is 7 days, with extra days at $10 each. Pricing depends on the material type and your location, but a 15 yard costs roughly 20–30% more than a 10 yard for similar debris.
The 20 yard bin: full kitchen or major gut
A 20 yard bin holds about 2 tonnes included and is roughly 8 pickup loads. It is the size for a full kitchen renovation with appliance removal, a complete bathroom gut, or a whole-floor flooring project. It is also the size where placement becomes a real constraint on a townhouse lot.
A 20 yard is long, about 22 feet, and will occupy most of a standard townhouse driveway. It blocks neighbour access almost entirely. If you live in a complex where driveways are shared or where lanes are narrow, a 20 yard may not be an option without written permission from the strata or adjacent owners. Some municipalities also restrict 20-yard placement on residential streets without a permit, and approval can take several weeks.
- Full kitchen gut: cabinetry, appliances, counters, backsplash, flooring, drywall, typically 1.5 to 2.2 tonnes
- Complete bathroom renovation: fixtures, tile, drywall, flooring, vanity, usually 1.0 to 1.8 tonnes
- Whole-floor flooring tear-out: old hardwood, underlayment, baseboards, subfloor repair, roughly 1.8 to 2.5 tonnes
The rental period on a 20 yard is 10 days, with extra days at $25 each. If you go over the 2-tonne allowance, overage runs $120 a tonne off the scale ticket, example ranges, not quotes. For a major renovation, the extra cost of a 20 yard is often worth it to avoid a second bin and a second delivery fee.
Placement, permits, and neighbour relations
The biggest hidden cost in a townhouse renovation is not the bin size, it is the placement problem. A 10 yard can usually sit on the driveway without a street permit. A 15 or 20 yard often cannot, which means you need written approval from the municipality before the truck arrives.
Street placement permits are issued by the municipality and typically cost $20 to $150, though timescales vary from several days to several weeks. Some complexes also require strata approval before any bin goes on the property. Check both before booking.
If a bin cannot fit on your driveway, ask about driveway protection options. Some townhouses allow placement on the street with a permit, while others require the bin to stay on private property. Dumpstervancouver can advise on placement for your specific address, but the final decision rests with the municipality and your strata.
Heavy materials shrink your bin choice
Renovation debris is not all the same weight. Drywall, flooring, and cabinetry are light. Tile, brick, concrete, and old plumbing fixtures are heavy. A heavy debris load can fill a 15 or 20 yard bin by weight before it looks full by volume.
If your renovation includes a tile bathroom, a brick chimney removal, or concrete flooring tear-out, you may need to downsize your bin choice or plan for a second load. A 10 yard bin loaded with tile and concrete can hit its 1.5-tonne limit in a single bathroom. A 15 yard with heavy material might max out at 2 tonnes before the bin is half full.
The transfer station accepts most renovation debris, but some materials are refused: paint, solvents, fuels, oils, tires, batteries, propane tanks, hot water tanks, electronics, fluorescent tubes, asbestos, and appliances still holding refrigerant. These go to separate facilities and cost extra. Check the prohibited items list before your renovation starts.
Rental periods and when to book extra days
A 10 or 15 yard bin comes with a 7-day rental period. A 20 yard comes with 10 days. These are calendar days, not business days. If you book on a Friday, your 7 days includes the weekend.
Most townhouse renovations run longer than expected. Drywall takes longer to remove than you think. Flooring tear-out uncovers subfloor damage. Plumbing or electrical surprises add days. Plan for rental periods before you book. An extra day on a 10 or 15 yard costs $10; on a 20 yard, it is $25. Pricing depends on your location, but those daily fees are usually cheaper than a second bin delivery.
How to choose the right size for your project
Start with the scope. A single-room renovation, bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen, usually fits in a 10 or 15 yard. A multi-room project or a full gut needs a 15 or 20 yard.
Then check the material. If your project is mostly drywall, flooring, and cabinetry, go with the smaller size. If it includes tile, concrete, brick, or old plumbing, add a size up or plan for extra days.
Finally, check placement. Measure your driveway. Talk to your neighbours. Check your strata rules. If a 20 yard will not fit or will require a street permit you cannot get, a 15 yard with extra days is often the better choice.
Unsure? Use the bin size guide or call to describe your project. We can walk through the scope, the material, and the placement constraints to recommend the right size. There is no charge for the conversation, and it beats guessing wrong and paying overage fees or needing a second truck.