Skip Sizes Guide: Which Skip Do You Need in the South West?
Choosing the right skip size saves you money and hassle. Too small and you will need a second skip. Too large and you are paying for space you do not use. This guide breaks down every skip size available in the South West with dimensions, capacity and typical costs to help you choose.
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Mini Skip (2-3 Cubic Yards)
Mini skips are the smallest option, ideal for small garden clearances, bathroom refits and minor DIY projects. They hold roughly 25-35 bin bags of waste. Dimensions are approximately 1.2m long x 0.9m wide x 0.6m high. Mini skip hire in the South West typically costs £80-£150 for up to a week. They are easy to position on a driveway and do not require a council permit if placed on private land.
Midi Skip (4-5 Cubic Yards)
Midi skips are a step up, suitable for kitchen renovations, larger garden projects and general household clearances. They hold around 40-55 bin bags. Dimensions are approximately 1.8m long x 1.2m wide x 1m high. Prices in the South West range from £120-£200. Midi skips are popular because they offer good capacity without taking up too much space.
Builders Skip (6-8 Cubic Yards)
The builders skip is the most commonly hired size in the UK. It is suitable for house renovations, extension builds, large clearances and trade work. An 8-yard builders skip holds around 60-80 bin bags. Dimensions are approximately 3.7m long x 1.7m wide x 1.2m high. Expect to pay £150-£300 in the South West depending on the waste type and hire duration. This is the standard size most people picture when they think of a skip.
Large Skip (12-16 Cubic Yards)
Large skips are designed for major renovation projects, commercial clearances and demolition work. A 14-yard skip holds around 120-140 bin bags. They are significantly bigger than builders skips, with dimensions approximately 4.2m long x 1.8m wide x 1.8m high. Prices in the South West range from £250-£450. Due to their size, large skips usually require placement on a driveway or hard-standing area and may need a council permit if placed on a public road.
Roll-On Roll-Off Skip (20-40 Cubic Yards)
Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) skips are the largest available, used for major construction projects, site clearances, and industrial waste. They are delivered and collected by specialist roll-on roll-off lorries. A 40-yard RoRo can hold the equivalent of around 400 bin bags. Prices in the South West start from £300 and go up to £600+ depending on the size and waste type. These are typically hired by construction companies and commercial operations rather than householders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular skip size?▼
The 6-8 yard builders skip is by far the most popular size in the UK. It offers enough capacity for most home renovation projects, garden clearances and trade work, while still fitting on a standard driveway.
Can I mix different types of waste in one skip?▼
Most skip hire companies allow mixed general waste. However, certain items must be separated or cannot go in a skip at all, including fridges, freezers, TVs, monitors, gas cylinders, tyres, batteries, paint and solvents, asbestos, and clinical waste. Check with your hire company for their specific rules.
How high can I fill a skip?▼
You should not fill a skip above the top edges. Overloaded skips are a safety hazard and may be refused for collection. The waste must sit level with or below the skip walls. If you need more space, it is better to hire the next size up rather than overfill.
How long can I keep a skip?▼
Most skip hire companies in the South West offer a standard hire period of 7-14 days. Extensions are usually available at a daily or weekly rate. If you need a skip for longer, ask about extended hire rates when booking as these are often better value than extending day by day.
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