Short and tall or long and low: which 20 yard bin suits an Ottawa driveway?

Both shapes of 20 yard bin hold the same volume, but their outside dimensions are quite different, and that difference is what matters on a driveway.

The short and tall shape runs about 11 to 12 feet long, 8 feet wide and 5.5 to 6 feet high (typical outside dimensions, sizes vary by company). The long and low shape runs about 18 to 22 feet long, 8 feet wide and 3.5 to 4 feet high. A short driveway goes with the short and tall shape, the shorter of the two. Bin companies ask for a level spot clear of overhead wires and branches, whichever shape you choose.

Before you measure, get the outside dimensions of the specific bin the company will deliver, in writing. Nominal yard sizes describe volume, not shape, and lengths for the same 20 yard bin differ by up to two times between companies. Your driveway measurement and the company's written dimensions are the only reliable comparison.

One more thing worth asking: the end of a driveway near the street can be City land, because the City's right-of-way includes the boulevard and the access to the driveway. GeoOttawa shows the approximate property line. If any part of the bin sits on City land, the City's TCE permit applies, and the City requires a minimum of 10 business days processing time.

Ask the company to give you the outside length, width and height of the exact bin they plan to deliver, so you can hold those numbers against your driveway before you commit.