What Size Skip Do I Need?

Understanding Skip Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

You will see them dotted across towns and cities, safely storing heaps of waste at a time, Skip hire is very popular.

It's popular because it's easy and it keeps things tidy.

Just like us humans, skips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each skip being ideal for different things. 

Here is a breakdown of the range of skip sizes and prices for your common everyday UK skips:

Mini Skip 2-3 yards: Estimated cost to hire: Mini Skip: £70 - £130.

Midi 4 yard Skip - 6 yard skip:  Estimated cost to hire: Midi Skip: £180 - £220.

Builder's skip 8 yard skip -10 yards: Estimated cost to hire: Builder's Skip: £290 - £350.

Maxi - 12 yard Skip: (120 bin bags of waste or 60 wheelbarrows full) - Well suited for larger domestic or commercial projects such as full house clearances or large scale renovations. Estimated cost to hire: Maxi Skip: £350 - £550.

Roll on Roll Off Skip 20-40 yards: Typically used for commercial or industrial purposes. Suitable for large scale construction projects. These are more suited to massive construction projects, so it is hard to estimate the cost of these but you would be looking at around: £750 - £1000.

These estimates are for a typical 7-day rental without a permit. Prices can be higher in other areas. The cost of skip hire can vary widely based on several factors, including the skip size, your location, the duration of hire, whether you need a permit, and any additional services.

Estimating Your Waste: Tips for Accurate Measurement   

• Assess Your Waste: Determine the quantity of items you are disposing of, whether it is old furniture, construction waste, or organic materials.
• Consider Skip Options: Skips are available in various sizes, so carefully consider the amount of space required. It is advisable to choose a slightly larger size rather than opting for a smaller one, as you would rather have more space then be struggling to squeeze all your junk in. 
• Match the Size to the Job: Ensure that the skip size corresponds to your project. Smaller skips are suitable for minor tasks, while larger ones are more suitable for substantial projects.
• Break Down Complex Shapes: If your waste doesn't have a simple shape, break it down into basic shapes like cubes, rectangles, or cylinders. Measure each part separately and add them up.
• Recycle and Reuse: Consider whether any of the items you are disposing of can be recycled or reused. This can help minimise the amount of waste going into the skip.
• Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the progress of your project and the amount of waste being generated. This will help you determine if you need to arrange for additional skip collections or if you need a different skip size.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right skip size for your needs and ensure that your waste disposal is efficient and cost-effective. 

Types of Skips: From Mini to Roll-On Roll-Off

Mini Skip: An ideal skip for small projects, such as garden clearances, small renovations or disposing of household waste. These can easily fit in driveways or tight spaces.

Midi Skip: (40 bin bags of waste or 20 wheelbarrows full) - Ideal for medium sized projects, which includes kitchen or bathroom renovations, clearing out a single room, or disposing of moderate amounts of household or garden waste. Offers more capacity than mini skips but still suitable for residential use.

Builder's Skip: (80 bin bags of waste or 40 wheelbarrows full) - These are the most popular choice and we would highly recommend. Perfect for bulky waste like construction, debris, soil and larger amounts of waste. Widely used in construction and renovation projects for mixed construction waste. 

Maxi Skip: (120 bin bags of waste or 60 wheelbarrows full) - Well suited for larger domestic or commercial projects such as full house clearances or large scale renovations. Can handle a significant volume of waste.

Roll-On Roll-Off Skip (RoRo): Suitable for significant waste disposal needs. Ideal for industrial and commercial projects with large volumes of waste.

Lockable Skip: Ideal for preventing unauthorised access or tampering with the contents. Equipped with a lockable lid to secure the waste inside.

Enclosed Skip: Suitable for waste that requires containment, such as hazardous materials. Comes with a cover to contain and protect the waste.

Drop Door Skip: This features a hinged door that can be opened for convenient loading.

Wait and Load Skip: Suitable for situations where a skip cannot be left unattended. The skip is dropped off, loaded immediately, and then taken away.

Permits and Regulations: What You Need to Know

Hiring a skip is different to having a bin outside your house, with something so large, there are a few rules and regs that skip hirers will have to follow, to make sure safe waste disposal is taking place at all times. 

Skip Hire Permit for Placement: If your skip is being placed on a road or pavement, you will need a skip permit for this.

Private Property Considerations: If your skip is going on your driveway or private property, a permit may not be needed. As always make sure to use the knowledge of your skip provider, as they will be able to let you know whether a permit is needed depending on where you put the skip. 

Skip Size Limits: Just like in life, know your limits! Every skip size has different limits so make sure to stay clued up on how much you can fill. 

Skip Lighting and Marking: If on a public road, your skip may need to become a shining attraction. Especially if your skip is placed in a spot where large amounts of light can't get to it. 

Choosing the Right Skip for Household Projects

Your projects are planned, the workers are ready, now all you have to do is pick which size skip is right for you. 

Bear in mind though that each project may need a different size skip so careful planning of what is being recycled, reused and thrown in the skip is crucial to ensuring that you are as efficient as possible with your skipping space. 

What Size Skip for a Bathroom Renovation:

For a bathroom renovation, a mini skip (2-3 cubic yards) or a midi skip (4-6 cubic yards) should be ideal. Bathroom renovations usually produce a moderate amount of waste, including tiles, fixtures, and construction debris.

The mini or small builder's skip can easily fit in a driveway or on the street, making it convenient for the renovation process. 

What Size Skip for a Garage:

If you're cleaning out your garage, a small to medium-sized skip would be perfect. You can choose a mini skip (2-3 cubic yards) for a smaller garage or a builder's skip (6-8 cubic yards) for a bigger one, depending on how much stuff you need to get rid of.  

As you begin clearing out your garage, be sure to properly dispose of any hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, or batteries. These cannot be thrown into a skip and require special disposal methods.
 

What Size Skip for a Kitchen:

Kitchen renovations tend to generate a considerable amount of waste due to the removal of cabinets, appliances, and construction materials. A medium to large skip, such as a builder's skip (6-8 cubic yards) or even a 16 yard skip (Maxi Skip), may be appropriate. 

Before starting the renovation, carefully plan the layout and design of the new kitchen to minimise the need for excessive demolition and waste generation. 

What size skip for a House Clearance:

The size of the skip for a house clearance depends on the size of the property and the amount of belongings to be cleared. For a standard-sized house clearance, a builder's skip (6-8 cubic yards) or a larger skip may be necessary.

If it's a smaller property, such as a one-bedroom flat or a small terraced house, a Mini skip (2-4 cubic yards) may be sufficient. However, if it's a larger property with a lot of belongings to clear, 8 yards Builders Skips / Maxi Skips or even a roll-on roll-off skip may be required.

What Size Skip for a Loft Conversion:

Loft conversions can result in a substantial amount of waste, including insulation, old materials, and debris. A larger skip, such as a builder's skip (6-8 cubic yards) or even a maxi skip (10-16 cubic yards), may be suitable for a loft conversion project. 

For any of these options, it's always best to consult with a professional skip hire company who can provide guidance on the most suitable skip size for any type of job when you book your skip. 

Commercial and Construction Waste: Larger Skip Options

If you've got a big site with lots of commercial or construction waste, don't worry - there are bigger skips available to handle all that stuff.

You'll need to think about what size skip you need and what kind of waste you're dealing with.

Roll-On Roll-Off Skips (RoRo): Ideal for large-scale construction and commercial projects with significant waste volumes. Roll-On Roll-Off skips are delivered and collected using specialised trucks with hydraulic systems. Often used for demolition projects, construction sites, and major renovations.

Maxi Skips: Suitable for medium to large domestic and commercial or construction projects. Maxi skips have a higher capacity compared to standard builder's skips. They can handle a mix of heavy and bulky waste, including construction debris, metals, and larger items.

Eco-Friendly Waste Management: Recycling and Skip Hire

Skipping your waste away is not just a case of hauling your old trash into the empty skipping void and not thinking about it again. Oh no, eco-friendly waste disposal is the way to go for all your waste clearances!

Here are a few tips on how you can make your skip disposal as efficient and eco-friendly as possible. 

1. Waste Reduction Strategies: Implement strategies to reduce waste generation in the first place. This may include sourcing materials with minimal packaging, reusing items where possible, and employing construction techniques that minimise waste.
2. Promote Reuse: Consider donating items that are still in usable condition. Some skip hire companies have partnerships with charities or recycling centre's to facilitate the reuse of certain items.
3. Recycling Documentation: Work with skip hire companies that provide transparent documentation on how waste is managed, including recycling rates and disposal methods.
4. Environmental Certification: Look for skip companies with an ISO rating or who have achieved an ISO standard, this will mean that they strive for excellence, the best services, processes and waste recycling. Don't know what an ISO is? Read our blog on ISO Accreditation's here .

Safety Considerations When Using Skips

• Compact the Waste: Break down large items and flatten bulky waste materials.
• Avoid Overloading: Follow the skip's fill line to prevent safety issues and extra costs.
• Load Strategically: Place heavy items at the bottom, layer lighter ones on top, and arrange long items along the sides to maximise space.
• Level Loads: Always make sure loads are level. This helps to avoid any accidents or extra fees. 
• Equipment: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety boots, when loading or unloading waste into the skip.

Cost Analysis: Understanding Skip Hire Prices

Skip Size: The size of the skip influences the cost. Smaller skips generally cost less than larger ones (e.g., roll-on roll-off skips). Choose a size that suits your waste disposal needs. If you only have light waste, it would be more low cost to go for a smaller one. 

Rental Period: How long you hire the skip for will affect the costs. Most skip hire companies provide a standard rental period across the UK.

Permit Fees: If a permit is required for your skip on the road, permit fees will be an additional cost. 

Weight Allowance: Skips often have weight limits, and exceeding these limits can result in additional charges. Be aware of weight restrictions and choose a skip size that accommodates your waste without exceeding the weight limit.

Skip Hire Company: Different skip hire companies may have varying pricing structures for your waste removal. Obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare their rates, services, and customer reviews.

Environmental Fees: Some skip hire companies may include environmental fees to cover the costs of recycling and responsible rubbish disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skip Hire

1. How is a skip delivered? A heavy goods skip wagon is used for both delivery and collection for most skip hire and waste services.
2. Do I get a delivery slot? Most companies will give you a morning or afternoon slot. When booking online with ourselves at BusyBins you can request an AM (7-12.30PM) or PM (12.30PM-6PM) slot. If you are lucky you may be able to get next day delivery.
3. How long can I keep the skip? The standard skip hire period is typically 7 to 14 days. 
4. Best way to look for skip services to suit your needs? As we end up saying on most of our blogs, Google is always your friend. Use google to search for skip services near yourself. This could be by typing in looking for Skip hire UK or Skip hire near and then your postcode or location. For instance: Skip Hire near Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Glasgow, Lytham st annes, basically anywhere in the UK etc...