Choosing the Right Skip Size
Ordering the wrong size skip is one of the most common mistakes — too small and you'll need a second hire, too large and you're paying for space you don't use.
Skip Sizes Explained
Mini skip (2–3 yards) Roughly the equivalent of 25–35 bin bags. Good for: - Small garden tidy-ups - Single room clear-outs - Small amounts of DIY waste
Midi skip (4 yards) Around 40–50 bin bags. Good for: - Bathroom or kitchen refits - Small landscaping projects - Moderate house clearances
Builders skip (6–8 yards) The most popular size. Roughly 60–80 bin bags. Good for: - Full house clearances - Renovation projects - Loft or garage conversions
Large skip (10–12 yards) Around 100–120 bin bags. Good for: - Major building works - Large house clearances - Garden landscaping projects
Roll-on roll-off (20+ yards) For commercial quantities. Used for: - Commercial construction - Large demolition projects - Industrial waste
Quick Sizing Rule of Thumb
A good starting point: think about how many standard wheelie bins worth of waste you have. One wheelie bin ≈ about 0.25 yards. So 20 wheelie bins of waste ≈ a 5-yard midi skip.
When in doubt, go one size up. The price difference between a 6-yard and 8-yard skip is usually only £20–£40 — much less than hiring a second skip.
What Can't Go in a Skip?
Some items are prohibited from standard skips: - Asbestos - Electrical items containing gas (fridges, freezers) - Tyres - Batteries - Paint and solvents - Plasterboard (some companies accept it separately)
Always check with your skip hire company before loading.
Compare skip sizes and get quotes from local companies.