Small Dumpster Rental vs Lowboy Dumpster Rental: Which Is Best for Your Renovation Bin Needs?
When you’re knee-deep in a home renovation project, small dumpster rental can be the difference between a smooth cleanup and a chaotic mess.
A few months ago, I helped my cousin renovate her guest bathroom.
What started as a “quick weekend refresh” turned into two weeks of tile, drywall, and debris.
The most underestimated part? Figuring out what to do with all the waste.
We initially thought trash bags and curb pickup would do.
Wrong.
Three days in, we had drywall shards, broken tiles, and old vanity parts taking over the driveway.
That’s when we learned the hard way—renting a dumpster isn’t optional.
It’s essential.
The Real Question: Small Dumpster or Lowboy?
The two most popular bin choices for residential cleanouts are small dumpsters and lowboy dumpsters.
They sound similar but behave very differently.
Let’s break down the key differences so you don’t make the same mistakes we did.
Before we dive in, here’s a helpful resource on why a small dumpster rental can be the most cost-effective choice for smaller projects.
What Is a Small Dumpster?
Think of it as your renovation’s best sidekick.
A small dumpster—usually around 10 yards—is designed for tight driveways, lighter waste, and quick weekend projects.
They’re compact enough to sit neatly in your driveway without blocking the garage.
This was a lifesaver for us—especially since we were juggling parking space and contractor access.
Use cases:
- Bathroom remodels
- Small kitchen updates
- Spring cleaning
- Minor landscaping projects
It held about three pickup truck loads of debris, which was more than enough for one room.
What Is a Lowboy Dumpster?
Lowboys are wide, flat, and heavy-duty.
They’re designed for concrete, brick, dirt, and other dense materials.
During a neighbor’s patio demolition, a lowboy was brought in specifically because of its low height and strong base.
It allowed workers to toss in bricks without much lifting.
But it took up nearly the entire driveway.
Use cases:
- Concrete or brick demolition
- Roof tear-offs
- Landscaping with heavy soil or sod
- Tile and flooring removals
Maneuverability and Placement
Small dumpsters are like compact cars—you can squeeze them into tight spots.
If your driveway is short or street access is limited, they win, hands down.
Lowboys?
They’re the trucks of the dumpster world.
Great for hauling weight, but not easy to maneuver.
They need space—and a permit in some cities.
I remember our delivery guy backing up the small dumpster in one smooth move.
But when our neighbor got a lowboy, the hauler had to reposition three times to avoid cracking the sidewalk.
Loading Ease: Height Makes a Difference
This one’s tricky.
Small dumpsters have higher walls.
That means you might need to lift debris higher or use a ramp if tossing in heavier items.
Lowboys have low sides, hence the name.
Easy to toss things in, but they fill up faster than you think.
And if you’re throwing in lightweight materials, you might be wasting precious cubic feet.
For us, loading tile pieces and old cabinets was manageable with the small bin.
But if we were dealing with gravel or concrete?
A lowboy would’ve saved our backs.
Cost Considerations
Price often comes down to weight, not just size.
Small dumpsters typically cost less up front.
They’re ideal if your waste is mostly drywall, wood, or packaging.
These materials aren’t that heavy, so you avoid extra weight charges.
Lowboys, on the other hand, are built for heavy stuff.
So while the flat rate may seem competitive, the real cost shows up if you exceed the included weight.
That’s exactly what happened to our neighbor.
The brick load was 1,000 pounds over the limit—and the overweight fee wasn’t cheap.
Environmental Impact
It’s easy to overlook, but waste disposal has consequences.
With smaller bins, there’s less temptation to overfill or toss in items you shouldn’t.
That leads to fewer landfill trips and better recycling sorting.
Lowboys, used for heavier material, often get dumped at specific construction waste sites—where recycling isn’t always guaranteed.
What the Pros Say?
I chatted with a contractor who’s worked residential remodels for over a decade.
His advice?
“For homeowners doing room renovations or cleanups, go with the smallest bin that works.
You avoid overpaying, and the size forces you to stay organized with your junk.”
His go-to for most projects?
The 10-yard small dumpster.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If your renovation involves general waste, wood, drywall, and personal items, the small dumpster is your best bet.
It’s easier to park, budget-friendly, and handles most home cleanup needs.
But if your project involves heavy materials—like stone or concrete—then the lowboy is the clear winner.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help decide:
Go Small Dumpster If You…
- Are remodeling a bathroom or kitchen
- Have tight driveway space
- Need 3–4 pickup loads of capacity
- Want affordable pricing
Go Lowboy If You…
- Are removing concrete, tile, or dirt
- Need easy, ground-level loading
- Don’t mind using up more space
- Expect to hit the weight limit
When it comes to cleanup, the right bin saves time, money, and sanity.
We learned that the hard way—and we’re still finding tile dust in the garage.
