Renovating or decluttering your home, but stuck before you’ve even begun because you don’t know what size skip you need? No problem. We have a full breakdown of all the skip sizes and exactly how much you can fit into each (and the types of waste they’re perfect for!). Knowing which skip to order means you won’t overpay or get caught out with not enough space for all your junk – an annoying setback.
If you’re wondering “What size skip do I need?”, we’ve got you covered with our skip size guide.
What Size Skip Do I Need?
Read our skip size guide to get a better understanding of how much waste each can contain and calculate what skip size you need. As a general rule of thumb, the number of yards equates to around 10 tonnes of waste capacity.
2 Yard Skip Size
The smallest skip we offer, the 2 yard skip size is ideal for those small decluttering jobs around the house or garden. It’s suitable for homeowners with smaller driveways and may help you skip getting a permit. Looking to hire a skip for commercial jobs? We recommend a larger skip size!
3 Yard Skip Size
From bathroom and kitchen renovations to garage decluttering, the 3 yard skip is ideal for single room domestic jobs. It is suitable for housing the following types of waste: General garden and household waste, scrap metal, soil, bricks, wood, plastic, hardcore, rubble, paper and concrete. Please note: This skip is advised for domestic use only.
4 Yard Skip Size
A popular choice for builders and homeowners alike, the 4 yard skip size accommodates slightly larger clearouts, including for a kitchen and bathroom. Light commercial clearouts are also suitable for this skip.
6 Yard Skip Size
Suitable for bricks and soil, the 6 yard skip can house up to 6 tonnes of heavy waste. This makes it ideal for commercial and domestic landscaping projects or renovating projects where you need to remove bulky furniture items, such as sofas.
8 Yard Skip Size
The big one for an ambitious full property clearout – the 8 yard skip can house up to 8 tonnes of bulky waste. This makes it ideal for larger furniture items, such as sofas, sinks and kitchen worktops.
12 Yard Skip Size
For those larger scale refit projects, the 12 yard skip is a builder’s best friend. However, just because this skip is bigger doesn’t mean it’s suitable for all types of waste. Hardcore and soil are a no-go for this skip size due to weight restrictions. However, you can fill it with as much light waste as you want, including metal, wood, plastic, packaging and furniture.
16 Yard Skip Size
The largest skip size available, the 16 yard skip is perfect for large-scale refurbishments, refits and clearouts. The same restrictions apply for heavy waste as the 12 yard skip size, but you can fill to the brim with up to 16 tonnes of light waste.
Skip Size Comparison Table
See the differences between skip sizes at a glance by referring to the comparison table below. We cover the dimensions and the volume of waste in tonnes, as well as how many bin bags you can comfortably fit in.
| Skip Size | Dimensions | Skip Sizes in Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Yard | Height: 1000mm (3.3ft) Length: 1900mm (6.3ft) Width: 1400mm (4.7ft) |
Up to 2 tonnes or approx. 20 bin bags |
| 3 Yard | Height: 1100mm (3.8ft) Length: 2350mm (7.9ft) Width: 1400mm (4.7ft) |
Up to 3 tonnes or 25–30 bin bags |
| 4 Yard | Height: 1100mm (3.8ft) Length: 2600mm (8.6ft) Width: 1700mm (5.7ft) |
Up to 4 tonnes or 30–40 bin bags |
| 6 Yard | Height: 1100mm (3.8ft) Length: 3200mm (10.6ft) Width: 1900mm (6.3ft) |
Up to 6 tonnes or 50–60 bin bags |
| 8 Yard | Height: 1250mm (4.1ft) Length: 3800mm (12.6ft) Width: 1900mm (6.3ft) |
Up to 8 tonnes or approx. 80 bin bags |
| 12 Yard | Height: 1850mm (6.1ft) Length: 3800mm (12.6ft) Width: 1900mm (6.3ft) |
Up to 12 tonnes or approx. 120 bin bags |
| 16 Yard | Height: 2000mm (6.7ft) Length: 3800mm (12.6ft) Width: 1900mm (6.3ft) |
Up to 16 tonnes or approx. 160 bin bags |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skip size do I need for a double mattress?
For various reasons, including complex material composition and bulkiness, you are not allowed to place a mattress in a skip. If you need to get rid of a mattress, you can choose a council collection service or take it to a recycling centre. Read our guide for more information about what you can and can’t put into a skip.
Can you fill the skip to the top?
Yes, you can fill your skip to the top as long as the waste is level with the top. It’s important that you do not overfill it, as this may cause safety issues when the skip needs to be collected.
What is the right size of skip for a house clearance?
For a full house clearance, we recommend a minimum size of 8 yards for your skip. This ensures you have plenty of space for furniture, fixtures and waste from all the rooms.
Get the Job Done With Skips Delivered in Just 2 Days
Need help securing the right skip for your requirements? Our friendly team is just a phone call away and are happy to help. Give us a call to order the right skip today. Once booked in, your skip could be with you in just two days. If you need help sorting permits, we can assist with that too. We’re here to make waste removal hassle free, so you can get on with the more important aspects of your building or home improvement project.
