A Guide To Builder's Skips

When looking to hire a skip, you may of heard of a specific type of skip, a builders skip. But what makes this skip a builders skip, what can be put in it, what does it cost and how big is it. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about a builders skip.

What is a Builders Skip?

Simply put builders skips are either referring to a 6 yard skip or a 8 yard skip. To be more specific a 6 yard is typically referred to as a "small builders skip" and a 8 yard is referred as a "large builders skip". They are called builder's skips as they are commonly found on construction sites and used for construction waste. The 6 and 8 yard are two of the most popular skip for domestic and commercial use.

What Can you put in a Builder's Skip?

A builder's skip comes under the same rules as any skip in regards to what waste materials can be placed in them.

Examples include:

• Household waste

• Garden waste

• Bulky Waste

• Soil

• Bricks

• Rubble

For a more extensive list click here.

Please bear in mind in most cases a 8 yard skip is the largest skip that can have heavy waste put in it, but some skip hire companies will limit this to a 6 yard skip. It is always best to check with the waste management company first and ask the largest skip they allow hard core in. 

What Can't you put in a Builders Skip?

Any hazardous waste cannot be put into a builder's skip. This includes: 

• Asbestos

• Electrical equipment

• Tyres

• Batteries

For a full list of things that cannot go into a builder's skip please click here.

How Big is a Small Builder's Skip?

A small builders skip holds 6 cubic yards.The 6 yard skips dimensions are:

Length: 3 Meters

Width: 1.5 Meters

Height: 1.2 Meters

A 6 yard can hold up to 60 black bin bags of waste.

How Big is a Large Builder's Skip?

A large builder's skip, holds 8 cubic yards of waste. The 8 yard skips dimensions are:

Length: 3.35 Metres

Width: 2.1 Metres

Height: 1.5 Metres

A 8 yard can hold up to 80 black bin bags of waste.

Obviously the larger skip sizes offer more space for waste and could be a better value skip depending on the amount of refuse you have. Always double check you have the right size skip for the job! For more information on skip sizes check out our skip size guide.

Are there Different Types of Builder's Skip?

Once you have selected what size skip you require you can also choose what type of builders skip you need. These types include open skips, enclosed skips, lockable skips and drop door skips.

How Much does a Builder's Skip Cost?

Builder's skips can vary in price due to multiple factors. In general the large builder's skip, the 8-yard, will be more expensive than the smaller 6-yard skip. Depending where you are in the UK will also effect the price of the builder's skip. With Devon and Cornwall being more expensive then Leeds and Manchester. What types of builder's skip you hire will also effect the price. Builder's skips that are lockable or enclosed can be an additional cost.

What Jobs Could a Builder's Skip be Used For?

Builders skip are great for a multitude of projects due to their size they can hold large quantities of waste. Jobs they can be used for:

• Construction projects

• Garden clearances

• Commercial waste

• Office clearances.

Any project with large amounts of material to get rid of, the builders skip may be suitable. 

Can a Builder's Skip be put on the Road?

Yes, you can put a builder's skip on a road. This will require a skip permit which can be obtained through the skip hire company. They will apply to the local council for you. Please bear in mind a skip permit will make the skip hire cost a bit more money. 

We hope this guide has helped you decide whether a builders skip is the right choice for your next project!