What Size Skip do I Need?
When it comes to skip hire you need the right skip size, it’s important to think about how much waste you need to dispose of. Skips range from 2 cubic yards (smaller domestic skips) all the way up to 16 cubic yards (larger, commercial skips).
To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve put together this handy skip size guide that takes you through some of the most common sizes and their dimensions. Hopefully you will be able to decide the correct skip size for your needs. For other skip information we have created a generic skip hire guide.
Two important questions to ask when it comes to skip size : How much waste do I have? And what space is available to place the skip?
How Much Waste do I Have?
Each size of skip will be able to hold a certain quantity of unwanted waste, the easiest way to describe the quantity is by the amount of full black bin bags it can hold. You will need to estimate the number of black bin bags it would take to hold all your waste.
The average black bin bag that goes in your traditional dust bin will be 100 litres. So, imagine the amount of rubbish that would go into your traditional dust bin and that would equate to 1 bin bag.
What Space is Available to Place the Skip?
Now you have worked out how much waste you have, you need to work out how much space you have to put the skip. Each size of skip has certain dimensions, from 2-yard up to 16-yard. These dimensions can differ ever so slightly skip to skip.
So, if you are going to put a skip on your driveway you need to measure how big the driveway is, this will allow you to see what skip will fit. Please bear in mind you will also need enough space for the skip to be delivered by the skip lorry, so give yourself ample space. Furthermore, you are going to need space to load the skip, so gives yourself some extra space for easy access.
Skip Measurements: What is one cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a unit of measurement. One cubic yard measures 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet totalling 27 cubic feet. Skips are measured in cubic yards.
UK Skip Sizes and Dimensions
Check out the skip sizes below:
2-Yard Skip
The 2 yard skips, also known as the mini skip, is the smallest skip. One big advantage of being the smallest skip is being able to fit into small drive ways. The 2-yard skip is the perfect skip for your small-scale waste management needs, such as garden clearances. The 2-yard skip will also be the most affordable skip out there.
Dimensions: 5ft x 5ft x 3ft
Waste: 20 – 30 bin bags
Use: Small DIY projects, small house clearance, green waste, heavy waste such as soil, mixed waste
Pros
Most affordable
Small size means more options for skip placement
Great for domestic use
4-Yard Skip
The 4-yard skip, also known as the midi skip, will offer you more room for waste. Predominately hired for medium sized jobs such as home renovations, bathrooms refits, garden improvements and house clear outs. The 4-yard skip comes with the advantages of being one of the small skips but with more room then the 2-yard. Perfect for domestic purposes.
Dimensions: 7ft x 5ft x 3ft
Waste: 40 bin bags
Use: Small house renovations, large house clearances, green waste, builders waste, bathroom refits
Pros
Affordable, better value then a 2-yard skip
Small size means more options for skip placement
Larger than 2-yard skip
Great for domestic use
6-Yard Skip
A 6-yard skip, also known as a small builders skip, is one of the most popular skips used. Being a bit larger than the 4-yard, the 6 yard skip is used for construction and will be seen in many construction sites in the UK.
Dimensions: 10ft x 5ft x 3ft
Waste: 60 bin bags
Use: Small construction project, kitchen and bathroom refits, demolition waste, heavy waste, large house clearances, building waste, garden waste
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 4-yard skip
Great for building and construction
8-Yard Skip
The most popular skip is the 8 Yard, typically referred as a large builders skip, it is mainly used for construction jobs with large quantities of waste, but also being able to manage bulky waste. The 8-yard skip is seen on building sites across the UK. It is also the largest skip you can have aggregates in, such as hardcore
Dimensions: 11ft x 7ft x 5ft
Waste: 80 bin bags
Use: Building projects, demolition waste, builders waste, bulky waste, mixed waste, garden waste, kitchen and bathroom refits
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 6-yard skip
Largest skip that can take soil and hardcore
Largest skip that the local council will allow on a public road
Great for large items and commercial use
10-Yard Skip
One of the larger skips, the 10-yard skip is not suitable for soil and hardcore due to the weight (the largest being the 8-yard skip). Therefore a 10-yard skip can be useful for office clearances and shop fittings due to many large light weight items.
Dimensions: 12ft x 6ft x 6ft
Waste: 100 bin bags
Use: Large commercial clear outs, industrial waste, light construction waste, light bulky waste, garden waste
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 8-yard skip
Great for large items and commercial use
12-Yard Skip
The 12 yard skip, also known as the maxi skip, is used for commercial projects, larger light weight items, and construction. A 12 yard skip can be used domestically where there will be a large amounts of waste but are not suitable for soil or hardcore. The 12 yard maxi is the perfect skip for larger tasks.
Dimensions: 13ft x 7ft x 6ft
Waste: 120 bin bags
Use: Large commercial clear outs, light bulky waste, light construction waste, garden waste
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 10-yard skip
Great for large bulky items and commercial use
14-Yard Skip
14-yard skips can be used in commercial applications, industrial projects and very large house renovations. 14-yard skips are not suitable for soil or hardcore.
Dimensions: 13.5ft x 6ft x 6ft
Waste:140 bin bags
Use: Light construction waste, bulky waste, light waste, demolition waste.
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 12-yard skip
Fantastic for substantial waste
Great for large bulky items and commercial use
16-Yard Skip
16-yard skips will be used for commercial and industrial projects. But they are not suitable for soil or hardcore. 16-Yard skips can fit large amounts of bulky items, so could be used for large commercial clear-outs.
Dimensions: 14ft x 6ft x 7ft
Waste: 160 bin bags
Use: Light construction waste, bulky waste, commercial waste
Pros
Affordable
Larger than 14-yard skip
Fantastic for substantial waste
Great for large bulky items and commercial use
Anything Larger than a 16-yard Skip?
Any larger then a 16-yard skip and you are heading to roll off skips or roll on roll off bins. These containers can hold large amounts of refuse and used predominantly in commercial industries. Roll off skips are very large skips that can hold very large loads their skip size can vary from 18 yards to 60 yards
Most of the skip sizes listed above will have an optional drop door model. You can request this when you order the skip. It is also advised to see what your local council requires for the larger skips, some councils require cones to be placed near the skips, this could be for skips placed on council land or to be visible for road users.
We hope this skip size guide was helpful. If you are having issues choosing a skip size you require do not hesitate to get in contact by email contact@justhire.com. One of our helpful team members will be more then happy to asist. It is better to get some advice about skip sizes than to hire a skip that doesn’t hold enough waste or won’t fit in the location.
Author: Spencer Murphy
Date: 6/26/2022
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