Choosing Your Skip
Choosing the right skip size can be the difference between a smooth-running project and an unnecessary expense. Too small, and you’ll pay extra for multiple collections; too large, and you’re wasting money on empty space. At David Brown Skip Hire, we discuss your requirements and help you get it right the first time.
Why Size Matters for Your Budget
Understanding skip capacity is fundamental. Skips are measured in cubic yards, but what does that actually look like?
| Skip Size (Yards / m³) | Name/Type | Approximate Capacity | Ideal for… |
| 4 Yd / 3.3 m³ | Midi Skip | ~30-40 Black Bags | Small bathroom refit, garden clear-outs, or single room decluttering. |
| 6 Yd / 5 m³ | Small Builder’s | ~50-60 Black Bags | Kitchen strip-out, medium house clearances, or heavy soil/hardcore disposal. |
| 8 Yd / 6.6 m³ | Large Builder’s | ~70-80 Black Bags | Major home renovation work, larger construction jobs, or bulky waste. |
| 10 Yd / 8.3 m³ | Large Skip | ~90-110 Black Bags | Large site clearances, commercial projects (often used for light waste). |
| 12 Yd / 10 m³ | Maxi Skip | ~110-140 Black Bags | Large office clear-outs, bulky light materials, industrial projects. |
| 20 Yd / 16.7 m³ | Roll-on/Roll-off | N/A (Volume) | Large construction sites, manufacturing, high-volume light waste only. |
| 40 Yd / 33.4 m³ | Roll-on/Roll-off | N/A (Volume) | Very large commercial demolition projects and high-volume recycling streams. |
How to Estimate Your Needs
- Be Realistic About Volume: It’s tempting to round down but remember the waste you generate when you demolish something is often bulkier than when it was originally installed. Always overestimate slightly to avoid paying for a costly second delivery.
- Consider Weight vs. Volume: If your project involves heavy materials like concrete, brick, or soil (often called ‘inert’ waste), you will be restricted to the smaller 6-yard and 8-yard skips. This is due to road legal weight limits. We cannot safely collect an overweight heavy skip.
- Load Strategically: Plan how to load the skip efficiently. Break down bulky items like furniture and place flat, heavy objects (like wood or plasterboard) on the bottom to crush lighter items, maximising every inch of space.
If you have a project which requires a skip and need help estimating the right size skip for the job. Don’t leave it to chance. Call the experts at David Brown Skip Hire today on call 07802 843100 and we’ll ensure you get the right size skip, at the right price and delivered t on schedule.