How to Choose the Right Skip Size

Booking a skip from a trusted skip company is a great way to manage your waste, whether you’re doing a home renovation, clearing the garage, or managing a construction project. But with so many skip sizes to choose from, how do you choose the right size? This will help you choose the perfect skip for you and get a cost-effective solution for all types of waste, from domestic waste to construction waste.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right size skip is important for several reasons. It gives you enough space to handle how much waste you’re getting rid of, stops you from overfilling, and means you don’t pay for more capacity than you need. By choosing the right size, you’ll save time and money and make the whole process of getting rid of your waste easier.

Skip Sizes

Skip sizes are measured in cubic yards; one cubic yard is about the size of two standard bin bags. Skips come in all shapes and sizes to suit different types of waste and project sizes, from small garden clearances to large construction waste removal. Here’s a list of the most common UK skip sizes and their uses.

Mini Skip (2-3 Yard Skips)

A mini skip is the smallest skip size available, perfect for small domestic jobs or minor clear-outs. It can hold 20-30 bin bags of waste, great for garden waste, household waste, or small DIY jobs.

• Capacity: 2-3 cubic yards
• Holds: Up to 30 bin bags
• Ideal for: Small household clearances, garden waste, and garage clearances

Midi Skip (4-5 Yard Skips)

A midi skip is good for medium-sized jobs. It can hold a bit more waste than a mini skip, so it’s good for bigger household jobs like kitchen refits or bathroom renovations. A 4 or 6 yard skip is generally referred to as a mid-range option.

• Capacity: 4-5 cubic yards
• Holds: 40-50 bin bags
• Ideal for: Household clearances, small renovation projects, light construction waste

Small Builders Skip (6-8 Yard Skips)

The small builders skip, also known as a 6 yard skip or 8 yard skip, is one of the most popular sizes in the UK. This size is often used for building projects and is great for heavy waste like rubble, soil, and concrete. Big enough for building waste but small enough to fit on most private property driveways.

• Capacity: 6-8 cubic yards
• Holds: 60-80 bin bags
• Ideal for: Builders waste, domestic projects, light construction waste, green waste

Maxi Skip (12 Yard Skip)

A 12 yard skip is for larger projects, like big home renovations or office clearances. This skip is great for light bulky waste like furniture but not for heavy waste like soil or concrete. It’s the skip for bigger volumes of bulky items without the need to worry about heavy waste types.

• Capacity: 12 cubic yards
• Holds: 120 bin bags
• Ideal for: Office clearances, large household clearances, light bulky waste

Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo Skips)

For bigger skips required for commercial or industrial projects, roro skips offer more capacity. These big containers are used in commercial waste management and large building projects where large volumes of heavy loads or bulky waste need to be removed.

• Capacity: 20-40 cubic yards
• Ideal for: Large-scale projects, commercial clearances, heavy loads, building waste

How to Choose the Right Skip Size

When choosing the right skip size, think about the type and volume of waste you’ll be dealing with and the space you have for the skip. Here are some steps to help you decide:

Calculate How Much Waste You Have

Think about how many bin bags or bulky items you need to get rid of. For example:

• A mini skip for small DIY jobs or garden waste.
• A midi skip for medium domestic jobs like kitchen or bathroom refits.
• A builders skip for heavy waste like bricks, soil, or builders waste.

Think About the Waste Type

Different types of waste need different skip sizes. For example:

• Light construction waste and green waste can go in smaller skips like 4 yard or 6 yard.
• Heavy waste like bricks and soil will need a bigger yard skip or builders skip.
• For bigger projects with heavy loads or commercial waste, you might need a 12 yard skip or even a roro skip.

Use a Skip Size Calculator

Many skip companies have a skip size calculator on their website. This will help you work out how many cubic yards of waste you have. A skip size guide will also show you visual representations of different skip sizes to help you decide.

Space for the Skip

Do you have enough space on your driveway or private property for the skip? Bigger skips like maxi skips or roro skips need more room and access for the skip lorry. If you don’t have enough space, you may need to opt for a smaller skip or apply for a permit to put the skip on a public road.

Budget

Larger skips are better value when you have a lot of waste to get rid of but can be more expensive. Choosing the smallest skip that meets your needs is the most cost-effective. If you’re not sure what size you need, talk to your skip hire company for more help.

Why Choose the Right Skip Size

Choosing the right size skip means:

• You have enough room for your waste.
• You don’t pay for more capacity than you need.
• Waste disposal is efficient and cost-effective.
• You meet local regulations for level load limits for skips.

Conclusion

Knowing how to choose the right size skip can make all the difference between a smooth and hassle-free waste disposal process and one that’s frustrating and expensive. Whether you’re dealing with household waste, garden waste, or construction waste, choosing the right size skip is key to your project. If you’re unsure, talk to a skip hire company or use a skip size calculator to make the right choice for you.