Skip sizes
Deciding on which skip size to order can be difficult. Large skips work out cheaper but only if you fill them up. But order one that’s too big and you’ll end up paying for thin air. Equally, there’s nothing worse than having a skip that’s so small you end up having to order another. The following skip size guide explains the different skip sizes available, the sorts of projects each is best suited to, and certain restrictions that apply with larger skip sizes.
Skips Sizes are measured in cubic yards
Skip sizes are referred to by their volume in terms of cubic yards. A cubic yard is 1 yard (3 foot) high x 1 yard wide x 1 yard deep and is roughly the size of two washing machines or dishwashers, a domestic fridge freezer, or a large upholstered armchair. For the more metric of you, one cubic yard is equivalent to ¾ of a cubic metre (91cm x91cm x 91cm)
Common skip sizes
Below are the most common skip sizes together with a guide to how many full bin bags you can fit in them and the typical sort of waste projects each skip size is used for.
2 cubic yards (‘Mini Skip’) 20 -30 bin bags
The 2 yard Mini Skip is suitable for very small domestic jobs. It holds the equivalent of 20-30 bin bags
4 cubic yards (‘Small Skip’) 30-40 bin bags
The 4 yard Small Skip is excellent for bathroom and smaller kitchen refits. It holds the equivalent of 30-40 bin bags.
6 cubic yards (‘Small Builders Skip’) 50-60 bin bags
One of the most popular skip sizes, the 6 yard Builders Skip is perfect for larger kitchen refits and other medium sized refurbishment projects. It holds the equivalent of 50-60 bin bags.
8 cubic yards (‘Large Skip’) 60-80 bin bags
The most popular skip size, the 8 yard Large Skip is the largest skip available for loads of heavy waste like builders rubble, soil and concrete. It is ideal for larger residential refurbishment works and office and shop refits. It holds the equivalent of 60-80 bin bags.
12 cubic yards (‘Maxi Skip’) 100-120 bin bags
The 12 yard Large Maxi skip is ideal for large house clearances or bulky refurbishment works. It holds the equivalent to 100-120 bin bags. It cannot be used for loads of Heavy waste (like builders rubble, soil and concrete) due to weight constraints of skip lorries. Equally, its size means that most councils will not allow it to be put on a public highway, so you can normally only use one if you have space for it on your property.