What is a Builder's Skip? | JustHire

When looking to hire a skip, you may have heard of a specific type of skip called a builder's skip. But what makes this skip a builder's skip? What can be put in it? How much does it cost? And how big is it? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about a builder's skip.

What is a Builder's Skip?

Simply put, builder's skips refer to either a 6-yard skip or an 8-yard skip. More specifically, a 6-yard skip is typically referred to as a "small builder's skip," and an 8-yard skip is referred to as a "large builder's skip." They are called builder's skips because they are commonly found on construction sites and used for construction waste. The 6-yard and 8-yard skips are two of the most popular skips for domestic and commercial use.

 What Can You Put in a Builder's Skip?

A builder's skip follows the same rules as any skip regarding 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 that in most cases, an 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 Builder's 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 builder's skip holds 6 cubic yards. The 6-yard skip's dimensions are:

• Length: 3 meters

• Width: 1.5 meters

• Height: 1.2 meters

A 6-yard skip 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 skip's dimensions are:

• Length: 3.35 meters

• Width: 2.1 meters

• Height: 1.5 meters

An 8-yard skip 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 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 Skips?

Once you have selected what size skip you require, you can also choose what type of builder's 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. Where you are in the UK will also affect the price of the builder's skip, with Devon and Cornwall being more expensive than Leeds and Manchester. The type of builder's skip you hire will also affect the price. Builder's skips that are lockable or enclosed can incur additional costs.

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

Builder's skips are great for a multitude of projects due to their size; they can hold large quantities of waste. Jobs they can be used for include:

• Construction projects

• Garden clearances

• Commercial waste

• Office clearances

Any project with large amounts of material to dispose of may benefit from a builder's skip.

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

Yes, you can put a builder's skip on the 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 that a skip permit will increase the skip hire cost.

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