A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Sizes of Skips Available in the UK

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Choosing the correct skip size for your project can make a world of difference. In the United Kingdom, skips are available in a multitude of sizes and each one is suitable for different types of projects, whether it’s a small home clean-up or a large construction project. Understanding the differences in size will ensure you hire the right skip, saving time, money and making your waste management much more efficient.

Mini Skips (2-3 Yards)

Starting from the smallest, mini skips typically have a capacity of 2-3 cubic yards. These skips are perfect for minor home tasks like garden clean-ups, small kitchen renovations or clearing out a room. They’re compact, cost-effective and can generally accommodate approximately 20-30 bin bags of waste, although this depends on the nature of the waste.

Midi Skips (4-5 Yards)

Midi skips are a step up from mini skips and usually range from 4 to 5 cubic yards in size. These skips are a popular choice for medium-sized projects such as refurbishing a single room or garden landscaping work. They have a capacity for about 30-40 bin bags of waste.

Builders’ Skips (6-8 Yards)

These skips are a common sight on construction and building sites, hence the name ‘Builders’ skips’. They typically range between 6 to 8 cubic yards and can hold approximately 60-80 bin bags of waste. These are suitable for heavy waste types, including bricks, soil, and concrete. They’re ideal for larger home improvement projects, like kitchen or bathroom renovations, or small commercial jobs.

Large Skips (10-12 Yards)

Large skips are meant for bigger renovation projects and small office clear-outs. With a capacity of 10 to 12 cubic yards, these skips can handle approximately 100-120 bin bags of waste. However, due to their size, they’re not suitable for heavy waste like soil or rubble as the skip may become too heavy to transport safely.

Maxi Skips (14-16 Yards)

Maxi skips are designed for large-scale projects, such as office clear-outs, large home renovations, and smaller building projects. These skips can hold an impressive 140-160 bin bags of waste and are suitable for light to medium weight waste.

Roll-on Roll-off Skips (20-40 Yards)

Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) skips are the largest available skips and are typically used for commercial projects. They range from 20 to 40 cubic yards and can hold a significant amount of waste, making them perfect for large-scale construction, renovation, or demolition jobs.

Remember, before hiring a skip, ensure you have enough space to place it and access for the skip lorry to deliver and collect it. Additionally, for skips placed on a public road, you might need to acquire a permit from your local council.

This guide should give you a better understanding of the various skip sizes available in the UK. Always consider the scale of your project and the type of waste you’re disposing of before hiring a skip. Choosing the right size can help you manage your waste more efficiently and save you from unnecessary costs and inconveniences.