Skip Sizes Comparison
Skips are measured in cubic yards, referring to the volume of waste they hold. Clear Away Waste Management offers sizes from 2 yards to 40-yard roll-on-roll-off (RORO) skips.
Skip Size |
Capacity |
Best For |
Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Yard Mini |
20-30 bin bags |
Small clearances, bathroom refits |
Heavy waste suitable |
4 Yard Midi |
40 bin bags |
Kitchen refits, small gardens |
Heavy waste suitable |
6 Yard Builders |
60 bin bags |
Home extensions, medium gardens |
Heavy waste suitable |
8 Yard Large |
80 bin bags |
Major renovations, large gardens |
Heavy waste suitable (8 tonnes max) |
10 Yard |
100-110 bin bags |
House clearances, office fit-outs |
Light waste only |
12 Yard |
120-130 bin bags |
Commercial projects, shop fittings |
Light waste only |
14 Yard |
130-140 bin bags |
Commercial sites, construction |
Light waste only |
16 Yard |
160-180 bin bags |
Major commercial projects |
Light waste only |
RORO |
400+ bin bags |
Large construction, demolition |
Varies by size |
Important: Skips 10 yards and above cannot hold heavy materials such as rubble, hardcore, soil, or mud due to vehicle weight restrictions. For heavy waste, the 8 yard skip is the largest option.
Project Recommendations
2 Yard Mini Skip works for bathroom refurbishments, small garden clearances, and minor DIY projects. The small footprint fits limited driveway space.
4 Yard Midi Skip suits kitchen renovations, bathroom replacements, and garage clear-outs.
6 Yard Skip handles combined bathroom and kitchen refits, flooring removal, medium home extensions, and garden landscaping. This is the most popular size for homeowners.
8 Yard Skip manages major home renovations involving multiple rooms, large garden clearances with heavy waste, and substantial amounts of rubble, concrete, and soil. This is the largest domestic skip size that accepts heavy materials.
10 Yard Skip works for office clear-outs, shop fittings, and house clearances with bulky items.
12-14 Yard Skips suit commercial building renovations, factory clearances, and construction sites producing light, bulky waste.
16 Yard Skip & RORO handle major construction projects, industrial clearances, and large-scale commercial refurbishments.
Key Considerations
Waste Type
Heavy materials like rubble, soil, and concrete require careful consideration. For heavy waste, choose skips 8 yards or smaller. For light, bulky waste, any size up to RORO works. Mixed waste projects may need separate skips for heavy and light materials.
Available Space
Measure your driveway or road space before ordering. 2-4 yard skips fit tight spaces. 6-8 yard skips need standard driveway width. 10+ yard skips require substantial space. Skips 8 yards and larger cannot be placed on public roads.
Permit Requirements
For skips on public roads or pavements, you’ll need a permit from your local council in Essex. Council permits typically cost £30-£60 and take 3-10 working days to process. Clear Away can arrange permits.
Project Duration
Longer projects generate more waste. A renovation taking several months will need either a larger skip or multiple exchanges of smaller ones. Consider whether you’re working on one room or an entire property.
Efficiency Impact
The correct skip size directly impacts waste disposal efficiency. Getting it right first time avoids ordering a second skip mid-project. One appropriately-sized skip is more efficient than multiple smaller ones. Fewer collection trips reduce carbon emissions and support better waste segregation.
Maximising Space
Break down large items and flatten cardboard boxes. Place heavy materials like rubble at the bottom. Fill gaps strategically with smaller items. Distribute waste evenly. Keep waste below the skip’s sides for safe transport. Never include asbestos, batteries, electrical items, tyres, or hazardous materials.
Alternative Options
For some projects, grab hire services work better than skip hire. Grab lorries handle more weight, can load and remove waste in one visit, and work well for excavation. Grab hire suits projects generating 10+ tonnes of heavy material.
For security, enclosed skip hire is available in 8, 10, 12, and 16-yard sizes. These lockable skips prevent unauthorised dumping, weather damage, and theft.
Common Questions
How long can I keep a skip? Standard hire periods are 1-2 weeks. Longer hires or regular exchanges can be arranged for ongoing projects.
Can I change skip size after ordering? Contact us as soon as possible if you need a different size. Changes are subject to availability.
What if my skip gets full before my project ends? We can exchange your full skip for an empty one, or provide an additional skip if you have space.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right skip size depends on your project scope, waste type, available space, timeline, and budget. For most domestic renovations, a 6-yard skip provides good versatility. For larger projects with heavy waste, an 8-yard skip offers maximum capacity. For commercial projects with light waste, 10-12 yard skips deliver efficiency.
Our experienced team can provide recommendations based on your specific situation.
Responsible Waste Disposal
Clear Away ensures waste is managed responsibly. Our advanced recycling centre processes over 200,000 tonnes of waste annually. Our goal is to recycle, re-use, or recover 100% of materials received.
When you hire a skip from Clear Away, your waste is sorted at our facility, recyclable materials are separated and processed, and we comply with all UK waste regulations. You receive a waste transfer note for your records.
Get Expert Help
Our team at Clear Away Waste Management can assess your project scope, estimate waste volumes, recommend cost-effective solutions, arrange permits, and schedule delivery and collection.
We serve customers throughout Essex, including Basildon, Chelmsford, Brentwood.
Call us on 01268 520 166 or book online.
