How to choose the right skip for your waste

Choosing the right skip for your waste may not seem that important. However, having the right skip for your waste is essential for both practical and financial reasons.

Why is it important to choose the right skip for your waste?

Financial considerations in choosing the right skip

• If you choose a skip that is too big for the volume of waste you are removing, you spend money unnecessarily.
• If you choose a skip that is too small for the volume of waste you are removing, you risk having to order a second skip, which will cost much more in the long run than just one larger skip.
• If you overfill a skip that is too small you will most probably face extra charges for its removal.

Practical considerations in choosing the right skip

• An unnecessarily large skip takes up more space than needed on the driveway or other areas of private land, which can make accessing a building and surrounding spaces more difficult.
• When using a skip that is too small it is tempting to overfill it which can be dangerous for anyone who goes near it due to the potential for falling debris and waste. It can also cost you more to remove it, as mentioned above.
• The type of waste you are managing will influence your choice of skip. More on this later.

Regulations around choosing the right skip

• If you have a driveway or other private outdoor space you should choose a skip that will fit on it, because skips on private land don’t require a permit. However, skips on a public highway, do.
• Skips larger than 8 yards may not get approval for a permit.

A guide to choosing the right skip for your waste

Skips are measured in cubic yards. A cubic yard is the equivalent of 3ft x 3ft x 3ft. One cubic yard of space in a skip can accommodate the likes of a fridge freezer, 10 bin bags, or two appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines. The size of skips in the UK goes up to 40 cubic yards.

Here we offer a comprehensive breakdown of skip sizes and what each is ideally used for.

4 Yard Skip

Dimensions: 0.78m x 1.52m x 1.52m

Capacity: Approximately 30-40 standard bin bags / 4 tonnes

Often referred to as a small or mini skip, the 4 yard skip is a standard, multipurpose skip that is ideal for small domestic projects such as refurbishments, kitchen and bathroom refits, and garden clearances. For smaller projects, the 4 yard skip is a cost-effective choice.

8 Yard Skip

Dimensions: 1.22m x 3.66m x 1.80m

Capacity: Approximately 60-80 standard bin bags / 8 tonnes

The 8 yard skip is considered the most popular choice of skip due to its versatility. It is commonly used for larger domestic projects and is widely known as a builder’s skip. Its generous proportions make the 8 yard skip ideal for full house or office renovations, and shop refits, because it has the capacity for heavy waste such as concrete, soil and rubble.

8 Yard Enclosed Skip

Dimensions: 1.55m x 3.66m x 1.80m

Capacity: Approximately 60-80 standard bin bags / 8 tonnes

The differences between the 8 yard enclosed skip and the standard 8 yard skip is that the enclosed skip is taller and lockable. This is ideal for when you don’t want your waste to be accessible, or for ensuring that the waste remains secure throughout the duration of the project.

8 Yard Crane Lift Skip

Dimensions: 1.22m x 3.66m x 1.80m

Capacity: Approximately 30-140 standard bin bags / 8 tonnes

The 8 yard crane lift skip can be used for the same purposes as the standard 8 yard skip, but it can also be lifted by a crane into and out of difficult to access areas.

14 Yard Skip

Dimensions: 2m x 4.3m x 1.78m

Capacity: Approximately 120-140 standard bin bags / 5 tonnes

The 14 yard skip can be used for larger domestic projects but is usually used for commercial or trade waste removal. Typical waste put into a 14 yard skip is green waste and light construction waste such as wood, plastics and metal. It’s not generally used for inert waste such as brick, concrete, hardcore and subsoils because of its 5 tonne weight limit.

RoRo (Roll on / Roll off) Skips

RoRo skips are used on commercial and industrial sites and are ideal for construction and demolition projects. They are sometimes used by domestic clients, but they are more suitable for commercial and industrial projects.

A 25 yard half height RoRo bin has dimensions of 1.4m x 6m x 2.4m, while the larger 40 yard RoRo bin has dimensions of 2.6m x 6.1m x 2.4m. Both have a 10 tonne capacity.

Wait and Load

Wait and Load skips are ideal for sites with little space for a skip to be left, or where access is difficult. All waste should be ready for collection by the Wait and Load driver who arrives on site with the skip. You load the skip while the driver waits. Once loaded, the driver takes the waste away.

Dimensions: 4 yard, 8 yard or 14 yard skip

Capacity: Approximately 35-140 standard bin bags / 4-14 tonnes

Choose your skip carefully

To recap, when choosing a skip for your project you should:

• Only order the size of skip you really need
• Make sure your skip has a permit if you need one
• Choose the best skip for the type of waste you are managing

Please note that the information in this article is for guidance only. For further advice on exactly which size and type of skip you need for your project, always speak to your skip hire company before hiring a skip.