Waste disposal is an integral part to all refit and large scale building projects. Choosing the right skip to hire or waste solution can save time, money and ensure projects run smoothly. Read our handy guide to help guide you in choosing the right skip.
The basics
- Skips are measured in cubic yards: calculated by length by width by height.
- Not all skips are the same: Different skips cater to different waste types and loading requirements, from general mixed waste to wood waste to hazardous waste types.
- Waste segregation: Certain materials require separate containers to avoid cross contamination and to comply with environmental legislation. Waste types include, hazardous waste.
- Capacity for weight: A larger skip doesn’t necessarily mean it can handle heavier waste. Take a look at the table below for more info:
Do you need a skip?
Managing high volumes of waste? Hiring a skip or setting up a tailored waste management solution is often the most efficient and cost effective choice.
Benefits:
- Centralised waste management: Save time on multiple waste runs
- Health & safety: Containing waste minimises hazards, obstruction, and pest issues on site.
- Environmental protection: Prevents contamination of ground or drainage areas.
- Flexible hire options: Ideal for one off projects or ongoing commercial contracts, hire periods from 1 to 4 weeks (or longer by arrangement).
What Size Skip Do I Need?
Before choosing, consider:
- Volume and type of waste generated
- Duration of your project
- Access for loading and collection
We’ve listed common skip sizes below, including their commercial uses.
Midi Skip Hire: 4 Yard
- Holds approx 40 bin bags
- Ideal for small office refurbishments or site maintenance
- Compact enough for limited access areas
Small Builders Skip Hire: 6 Yard
- Holds approx 60 bin bags
- Commonly used for small construction projects and shop refits
- Suitable for mixed or heavy waste
Large Builders Skip Hire: 8 Yard
- Holds approx 80 bin bags
- Suitable for light construction waste, refurbishments, and general site clearance
- Often used on commercial building and maintenance projects
Maxi Skip Hire: 12 Yard
- Holds approx 120 bin bags
- Designed for bulky, lightweight commercial waste
- Commonly used for office or retail refits, warehouse clearances, or site soft-strip projects
Note: Larger skips are not suitable for heavy waste such as concrete or soil.
Construction & Specialist Skip Hire
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) Skip Hire
- Designed for large scale waste from construction, demolition, or manufacturing.
- Available in sizes 15–40 yards:
- 15–20yd: Suitable for heavy materials (soil, bricks, concrete)
- 20–40yd: Ideal for high volume light waste (packaging, wood, plastics)
- Perfect for large, ongoing projects where regular skip exchange is required.
Enclosed Skip Hire
- Used where waste must be contained for safety or compliance reasons.
- Suitable for hazardous and confidential waste.
- Lockable for security and protection against unauthorised access or environmental exposure.
Contact our team for tailored advice or to arrange regular scheduled collections.
What Waste Goes Where?
Compliance is key, commercial waste disposal is regulated under strict environmental laws. Ensure your waste is correctly classified and stored.
Accepted in standard skips:
- Wood, plastics, and packaging
- Metals, bricks, concrete, and rubble
- Paper, cardboard, and general waste
Not accepted (special handling required):
- Asbestos and hazardous materials
- Batteries, oils, solvents, paints
- Electrical and electronic waste (WEEE)
- Gas cylinders, tyres, and clinical waste
Unsure about your waste type? Our team can advise on compliant disposal and specialist containers.
Overloaded Skips
Each skip has a maximum fill level marked on its sides. Overfilling can make the skip unsafe for transport and may result in additional charges or refusal of collection. Always load waste level with the top edge.
Permits
If your skip will be placed on a public road then a permit is required by law.
- This can be arranged with the local authority.
- Typical permit costs start from £30, depending on location and duration (usually 1-4 weeks).
- No permit is required for skips placed on private land or construction sites.
Ready to Book?
Whatever your waste requirement, contact the team to discuss options, whether it is one off skip hire or ongoing solution, the team will get the right solution, to the right place at the right time.
📞 Contact our the Team for a tailored quote or to discuss account options.
