What size skip do I need? A simple guide

Choosing the right skip size saves money and hassle: too small and you are paying for a second skip, too big and you are paying for space you never fill. Here is how the sizes compare and what each one is best for.

Skip sizes at a glance

• 3 and 4-yard mini skips (around 25 to 40 bin bags): bathroom refits, small garden tidy-ups and single-room clear-outs. Compact enough for most driveways.
• 6-yard builder's skip (around 50 to 65 bin bags): the most popular size, ideal for kitchen and bathroom renovations and heavy waste like soil and rubble.
• 8-yard skip (around 70 to 85 bin bags): larger building and renovation jobs producing plenty of general waste.
• 10 and 12-yard skips (around 90 to 130 bin bags): big house or office clear-outs and bulky, lighter waste.
• 14 and 16-yard maxi skips (around 130 to 170 bin bags): the largest skips, for high volumes of light, bulky waste.
• Roll-on roll-off skips (20 to 40 cubic yards): commercial and construction sites with continuous waste.

The golden rule: heavy versus light

The single most important factor is weight. Dense materials such as soil, concrete and rubble are heavy, so they belong in a smaller builder's skip (6 or 8 yard). The big maxi skips are designed for light, bulky waste only: a maxi skip full of rubble simply cannot be lifted safely.

So if your job is mostly heavy waste, size down. If it is bulky but light (furniture, packaging, timber), size up.

Matching a skip to your job

• Small bathroom or single room: 3 or 4-yard
• Kitchen refit or renovation: 6-yard
• Larger build or extension: 8-yard
• Full house or office clearance: 10 or 12-yard
• Very large light-waste clearance: 14 or 16-yard
• Ongoing site waste: roll-on roll-off

Still not sure?

If you are stuck between two sizes, it is usually safer to ask. Browse all skip sizes for dimensions and capacities, or get a free quote and select "Not sure", and a local provider will recommend the right size for your project.