SKIP SIZES UK: HELP AN EASY GUIDE

Do you need help choosing the right skip size for your project? When hiring a skip the most important thing to consider is which skip size you will require. However, with various open or enclosed sizes and optional drop-down doors, choosing the right one can be tricky. Skip sizes in the UK are generally measured in yards (cubic yards)

Let us help you choose the skip size for your needs.

Skip sizes in the UK range from 2 yards to 40 yards.

Think about these questions: “What is the job I am undertaking?” “Do I have any large bulky items to dispose of?”. “Is the contents of my skip going to be too heavy for certain size skips?’ Figuring out which size will best accommodate the type of waste you need to dispose of needn’t be too difficult. Once you know the size you wish to hire, you can get an instant quote and book online here

Findaskip Diagram of skip sizes showing number of black bags and wheel barrows each skip size will hold.

All skips sizes are available, look below at each skip size we have and what the capacity is for each skip size.

Skip Size Range

Our skip sizes range from 2 yards to 40 yard skips.

We have created a straightforward forward easy guide to all UK skip sizes below.

These include dimensions, approximate bin bags and how many wheelbarrows of soil etc will go into each skip. This will ensure that you select and book the right skip size.

To prevent wasted space within the skip, we suggest breaking down large, bulky items – such as wardrobes or sheds – into smaller pieces.

We strongly believe customers should hire a skip that isn’t completely filled, rather than one that is too small. This prevents the need to hire a second skip, at a further cost. Therefore, where possible, plan and prepare!

2 cubic yard skips are the smallest skip used by the general public. They are ideal for small household and garden clearances.
6 – 8 yard skips are usually the biggest sized skip used by the general public. They are the largest you can use for soil/inert waste. The reason this is the biggest size for soil / hardcore is, it makes the skips to heavy to pick up in larger sizes and can damage driveways and pathways.
10 – 16 Yard skips are for light waste only. Ideal for office/household clearances (not for soil / inert waste.)
20 – 40 yard Roll on/ Roll off skips are for light commercial use only, such as large warehouse clearances.
You can also use 20-yard skips for soil/inert waste excavations. We always advise not to mix 20 & 40 yard skips with general waste, soil and hardcore as the skips are priced on tonnage and haulage. If you mix skips with heavy material, expect a nasty surprise and extra tonnage invoices when the company collects them and weighs them. Final tonnage for roll-on-off bins isn’t determined until they’re taken back and weighed on the weigh bridge at the waste transfer station.
An 8 yard is generally the largest size you can place on the highway. Findaskip can provide permits via your local council.

Cubic Yards

Do you want to know how to work out the cubic yard of a skip? The formula below will ensure you are getting the right skip size for your job.

The formula to calculate this is:

Number of Cubic Yards = Length (in feet) Width (in feet) Depth (in feet) ÷ 27. Simply multiply the three dimensions together to find the number of cubic feet, then divide by 27 to find the number of cubic yards.

Lastly, if you require further information on what items cannot go into a skip we have detailed this on our Frequently Asked Questions Page.