Skip Sizes

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common skip sizes, explain their benefits, and answer any questions you might have when renting a skip for the first time.

What Are the Different Skip Sizes?

Skip sizes vary from small skips, perfect for household clearances, to large skips designed for major construction projects. The most common skip sizes include:

• Mini Skips (2-3 yards): These small skips are ideal for small home projects like clearing out a garage, doing a minor garden clean-up, or removing household items. A mini skip holds roughly 15-20 bin bags of waste and is perfect for those with limited space.

• Midi Skips (4 yards): Slightly larger than mini skips, 4 yard skips are great for medium-sized projects, such as clearing out a shed, small renovations, or a bigger garden clean-up. They can hold around 30-40 bin bags of waste, making them a versatile option for homeowners and small businesses.

• Builder's Skips (6-8 yards): Often referred to as builder’s skips, these are the most common skip sizes used for larger residential projects and construction work. A 6 yard skip can hold around 50 bin bags of waste, while an 8 yard skip can hold up to 80 bags. These sizes are ideal for home renovations, large garden clean-ups, or commercial and building projects.

• Large Skips (10-12 yards): If you’re dealing with a very large project, such as extensive home renovations or a full office or warehouse clean-up, a 10 yard or 12 yard skip might be the perfect option. These skips can hold between 100-120 bin bags and are commonly used for larger construction and demolition projects.

• Roll-on Roll-off Skips (15-40 yards): These are the largest skips available, typically used for industrial projects, large-scale construction, and commercial site clearances. Roll-on roll-off skips are ideal for businesses or contractors who need to dispose of large quantities of bulky or heavy waste. They can hold up to several hundred bin bags and require a larger space for placement.

How Do You Know Which Skip Size to Choose?

Choosing the right skip size depends on the type of project you're working on, the amount of waste you'll be disposing of, and the space available for the skip. Here’s a quick breakdown of when to consider each size:

• Mini Skip (2-3 yards): Choose this size if you’re working on small, DIY projects like clearing out a few rooms, small garden clean-ups, or clearing garage junk.
• Midi Skip (4 yards): Opt for this size if you’re doing medium-sized renovations, a garden overhaul, or clearing out larger amounts of waste from a house or business.
• 6-8 Yard Skip (Builder’s Skips): A great option for large renovations, home or office clear-outs, or for disposing of construction debris like timber, bricks, or plasterboard.
• Large Skips (10-12 yards): Use this size for large-scale building projects, commercial clean-ups, or if you have a lot of heavy or bulky waste to dispose of.
• Roll-on Roll-off Skips: These are ideal for industrial-scale waste removal, construction projects, or businesses that need to dispose of large volumes of waste over an extended period.

How Much Waste Can Each Skip Hold?

Here’s a general guide to how much waste each skip size can hold in terms of bin bags:

• Mini Skip (2-3 yards): Holds approximately 15-20 bin bags of waste.
• 4 Yard Skip (Midi Skip): Holds around 30-40 bin bags of waste.
• 6 Yard Skip (Builder’s Skip): Holds about 50 bin bags of waste.
• 8 Yard Skip (Builder’s Skip): Holds 60-80 bin bags of waste.
• 10-12 Yard Skip: Holds around 100-120 bin bags of waste.
• Roll-on Roll-off Skips (15-40 yards): Can hold several hundred bin bags, depending on the size of the skip.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Skip Size

1. Type of Waste: Consider the types of materials you’ll be disposing of. Some skips are better suited for certain types of waste. For example, 6-8 yard skips are perfect for construction debris, while mini skips are ideal for lighter household waste like cardboard or small items.

2. Project Size: Think about how much waste your project will generate. If you're unsure, it's often better to choose a slightly larger skip to avoid running out of space.

3. Space Availability: Not all skips will fit in the available space at your property. Make sure you have enough room for the skip before you book it. Mini skips are great for smaller spaces, while larger skips may need more room for placement.

4. Budget: Larger skips cost more to hire than smaller ones. However, renting multiple smaller skips can end up being more expensive than hiring one larger skip. Make sure to balance your project’s needs with your budget.

5. Duration of Hire: The longer you need the skip, the more it will cost. If you’re unsure about how much time you’ll need, check with your skip hire provider about rental terms and the costs for extending the hire period.

How Much Does Skip Hire Cost?

The price of skip sizes can vary depending on the size of the skip, your location, and the type of waste you're disposing of. On average:

• Mini Skips (2-3 yards): £80 - £150
• 4 Yard Skip (Midi Skip): £100 - £200
• 6-8 Yard Skip (Builder’s Skip): £150 - £300
• 10-12 Yard Skip: £250 - £400
• Roll-on Roll-off Skips (15-40 yards): £400 - £800

Prices may also vary depending on the location and any extra services required (like permits or longer rental durations). It’s always a good idea to get quotes from several skip hire providers in your area.

Skip Hire Tips for First-Time Renters

If you’re renting a skip for the first time, here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly:

• Check with Local Authorities: If you plan to place the skip on a public road, you may need a permit. Skip hire companies can often arrange this for you, but it’s worth confirming in advance.
• Fill the Skip Properly: Make sure you don’t overfill the skip. There are legal weight limits, and overfilling can result in additional charges or delays in collection.
• Know What You Can and Can’t Dispose Of: Always check with your skip hire provider for a list of acceptable waste to avoid any unexpected charges.

Find the Right Skip Hire Near You

At LocalSkipHireUK.co.uk, we make it easy to find the right skip size for your project. Whether you’re looking for a mini skip for a small clean-up or a roll-on roll-off skip for a large construction project, we’ve got you covered. Simply search for skip hire in your area, compare prices, and find the best provider for your needs.