Home / Skip Sizes

Skip Sizes — Dimensions, Capacity & Which to Choose

Every skip we supply, from a 2 yard mini to a 40 yard roll-on/off. Compare dimensions, how much each holds, and what they're best suited to.

Picking the right size matters for cost as much as convenience. Too small and you'll need a second skip; too large and you're paying for space you can't legally fill — heavy waste like soil and rubble is limited by weight, not volume. Click any size for full details.

Compare every size

SizeAlso calledApprox. dimensionsBin bagsBest for
2 Yard SkipMini skip1.5m × 1.2m × 0.9maround 20Small garden clearances, Bathroom strip-outs
4 Yard SkipMidi skip2.1m × 1.5m × 0.9maround 40Kitchen and bathroom refits, Small renovation projects
6 Yard SkipBuilders skip3.0m × 1.5m × 1.2maround 60Renovations and refurbishments, Soil, rubble and hardcore
8 Yard SkipBuilders skip3.6m × 1.8m × 1.4maround 80Larger building projects, Heavier construction waste
12 Yard SkipMaxi skip4.0m × 2.0m × 1.7maround 120Bulky, lightweight waste, Shop and office strip-outs
20 Yard SkipRoll-on/off (RoRo)Roll-on/off — dimensions vary by supplieraround 200Construction and demolition sites, Ongoing commercial waste
40 Yard SkipRoll-on/off (RoRo)Roll-on/off — dimensions vary by supplier400+Major construction projects, Factories and industrial sites

Which size do I need?

  • Small clear-out or garden tidy — 2 or 4 yard
  • Kitchen or bathroom refit — 4 or 6 yard
  • Renovation, soil or rubble — 6 or 8 yard (the most popular choice)
  • Bulky but light waste, strip-outs — 12 yard
  • Construction sites, ongoing commercial waste — 20 or 40 yard RoRo

Weight, not space, is the real limit. An 8 yard skip is the practical maximum for a full load of soil, rubble or hardcore. Anything larger has to be mixed with lighter material, or moved by grab lorry.

What can't go in a skip

Whatever size you choose, some materials are banned or must be kept separate — fridges, electricals, tyres, plasterboard, asbestos, chemicals, mattresses and upholstered furniture. Read the full guide to what can and can't go in a skip.

Common questions

What size skip do I need?
For most home renovations a 6 yard builders skip is the safe choice - it holds around 60 bin bags and takes heavy waste. Use a 2 or 4 yard skip for small clear-outs, and a 12 yard skip for bulky but lightweight waste.
What is the most popular skip size?
The 6 yard builders skip is the most commonly hired size in the UK. It fits most driveways, accepts soil and rubble, and suits renovations, refurbishments and full house clearances.
Can I put soil and rubble in any size skip?
No. Heavy waste like soil, rubble and hardcore is limited by weight, not space. An 8 yard skip is the practical maximum for a full load - 12 yard and larger containers are for light waste only.

Not sure which size you need?

Tell us what you're clearing and we'll recommend the right skip — and match you to a licensed local supplier from our network of 1,100+.