UK Landfill Tax: A simple guide to waste management savings
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March 12, 2024UK Landfill Tax: A simple guide to waste management savings
February 27, 2024OPINION: Finally! We’re getting rid of disposable vapes for good
March 12, 2024
Choosing the correct skip size for your waste project ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with local regulations.
At SunSkips, we want our customers to book the best solution so they don’t waste money or require another container to be delivered last-minute.
Let’s delve into some key considerations to help you select the ideal skip size for your waste management needs.
Understanding skip sizes
Skips come in a variety of sizes, typically measured in cubic yards. The size you need depends on the amount and type of waste you plan to dispose of.
SunSkips’ comprehensive skip size guide is a useful starting point for making the right decision. The detailed reference comes complete with handy graphics to simplify things.
Visual aids allow you to estimate how many standard black bags of waste or trailers can fit into each skip size, making the selection process more intuitive.
Or if you already know the volume of waste you’re dealing with, consult the simple table below to find your ideal skip size.
| Skip size | Capacity | Dimensions L x W x H (m/ft) | Volume in bin bags | Access | Ideal for |
| 2-yard Skip | 2 cubic yards (1.5 cubic metres) | 1.5m x 1m x 0.75m / 5’0’’ x 3’4’’ x 2’5’’ | 16 | No door | Small DIY jobs in the home or office. Suitable for all types of general waste including garden and building waste. Fits on a standard driveway. |
| 4-yard skip | 4 cubic yards (3 cubic metres) | 1.8m x 1.1m x 0.95m / 5’11’’ x 4’0’’ x 3’2’’ | 33 | Drop-down door | Small/medium garden clear-outs, small bathroom and kitchen remodels. Fits on a standard driveway. |
| 6-yard skip | 6 cubic yards (4 cubic metres) | 2.6m x 1.5m x 1.2m / 8’6’’ x 5’0’’ x 4’0’’ | 50 | Drop-down door | Medium/large renovations, garden clear-outs. Fits a standard car parking space. |
| 8-yard skip | 8 cubic yards (6.1 cubic metres) | 3.2m x 1.75m x 1.2m / 10’6’’ x 5’9’’ x 4’0’’ | 60 | Drop-down door | Big home/office renovations, garden/building projects. Fits on a standard driveway. |
| 10-yard skip | 10 cubic yards (7.6 cubic metres) | 3.5m x 1.75m x 1.5m / 12’0’’ x 5’9’’ x 4’11’’ | 80 | No door | Major projects like house clearances, building work. Not for heavy waste like soil/rubble. |
| 12-yard skip | 12 cubic yards (9.8 cubic metres) | 3.7m x 1.75m x 1.7m / 12’2’’ x 5’9’’ x 5’6’’ | 100 | No door | Industrial/commercial use, major projects. Not for heavy waste. |
| 14-yard skip | 14 cubic yards (10.7 cubic metres) | 4.1m x 1.8m x 1.75m / 13’1’’ x 5’9’’ x 5’11’’ | 120 | Lockable enclosed bins available | Big building projects, large scale house clearances. Not for heavy waste. |
| 20-yard skip | 20 cubic yards (15.3 cubic metres) | 6.1m x 2.4m x 1.2m / No specific feet dimensions given | 200 | No door | Large construction projects, suitable for a mix of light and heavy materials. |
| 40-yard skip | 40 cubic yards (30.8 cubic metres) | 6.3m x 2.4m x 2.75m / No specific feet dimensions given | 400 | No door | Industrial purposes, very high volume of waste. Suitable for a mix of light and heavy materials. |
Putting in a little planning before you hire a skip will pay off in the long run, allowing you to focus on the clearance and avoid the headaches that come with inefficient waste management.
MORE: Skip hire basics: what you need to know before you hire a skip
Choosing the right skip size: The basics
Waste generation can be unpredictable, but with some careful considerations, you’ll avoid booking yourself a skip that’s either too big or too small:
First, estimate your waste volume: Try to quantify your rubbish as accurately as possible. If you’re struggling to calculate it in cubic feet or metres, use SunSkips’ graphics to gauge how many bags of waste correspond to each skip size.
Next, consider your project size: For small home renovation projects, a mini or midi skip might suffice. Larger construction jobs usually require a builders’ skip or even a RORO.
Be aware of restrictions: Larger skips aren’t suitable for all waste types due to weight limitations.
Consult the experts: When in doubt, reach out to SunSkips’ customer service team. Their advice can prevent common pitfalls and ensure you make an informed decision.
MORE: How does skip hire work?: The complete 10-step process
Assessing your waste volume accurately can save you from the inconvenience and added expense of ordering an additional skip later on. It’s usually cheaper to opt for a slightly larger size than estimated than to underestimate and require a second skip.
MORE: 5 simple ways to save money on your skip hire cost
What you need to know about larger skips
While skips larger than eight yards offer more capacity, they come with some restrictions.
Due to the increased weight, skip sizes from 10 to 14 yards are only suitable for lighter, bulkier waste. This is because the weight can lead to complications in transportation and disposal.
However, for especially large volumes of waste, a 20- or 40-yard RORO skip is suitable for all general waste as it can be rolled onto the back of a lorry.
MORE: What’s the biggest skip you can hire?
Seeking professional advice
For those new to waste disposal or uncertain about their requirements, SunSkips emphasises the importance of consulting with experts.
With years of experience, SunSkips can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the most appropriate skip size for your project without overspending or underestimating your needs.
SunSkips’ friendly team is always available to help you decide the best skip size for your waste management. Get in touch today and let us help you optimise your project.
