Choosing the right skip size can be confusing at first. Too small and you’ll be left with piles of rubbish and nowhere to put it. Too big and you’re paying for space you don’t need.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect skip for your job.
Skip Sizes
We’ve got six different skip sizes that cover everything from small house jobs to big commercial clear-outs. Each one works best for certain types of jobs, so understanding this will help you choose the right one.
| Skip Size | Dimensions (W x L x H) | Equivalent Bin Bags | Perfect For |
| Mini 2 Yard | 1.3m x 1.9m x 1m | ~25 bags | Small garden tidy-ups, bathroom renovations |
| Midi 4 Yard | 1.6m x 2.5m x 1.1m | ~40 bags | Kitchen renovations, medium garden projects |
| Large 6 Yard | 1.8m x 3.5m x 1.1m | ~60 bags | Whole room renovations, large garden makeovers |
| Extra Large 8 Yard | 1.8m x 3.7m x 1.3m | ~80 bags | Multi-room renovations, small building projects |
| Extra Large 10 Yard | 1.8m x 3.3m x 1.5m | ~100 bags | Whole house renovations, commercial clearances |
| Extra Large 12 Yard | 1.8m x 4m x 1.8m | ~120 bags | House demolitions, major construction sites |
Let’s Break Down Each Size
Mini 2 Yard Skip
This size is perfect when you just need to get rid of a reasonable amount of stuff without taking over your entire driveway. Think of it as your go-to for:
- Clearing out that shed you’ve been meaning to tackle
- Small garden waste removal jobs
- Bathroom or small bedroom renovations
- General household decluttering
What to know: If you’re clearing out a typical household room and expecting to fill around 20-30 bin bags, this is the right size for your project.
Midi 4 Yard Skip
This is probably our most popular size, and for good reason. It’s big enough to handle proper jobs but won’t dominate your space. Great for:
- Kitchen renovations (old units, worktops, tiles)
- Medium-sized garden clearances
- Loft conversions
- Small extension work
Worth noting: Most people underestimate how much waste a kitchen renovation generates. This size typically handles the job perfectly.
Large 6 Yard Skip
Now we’re looking at serious renovation territory. This skip comes with a handy drop-door at the front, which makes loading much easier when you’re dealing with heavy materials like tiles or bricks. Perfect for:
- Complete room makeovers
- Large garden landscaping projects
- House clearances
- Small to medium building work
Extra Large 8 Yard Skip
If you’re renovating multiple rooms or doing significant building work, this is the right choice. The drop-door front makes loading much easier with heavier materials. Ideal for:
- Whole house renovations
- Commercial waste disposal
- Knocking down walls or structures
- Large-scale clearances
Extra Large 10 Yard Skip
This size is for substantial projects. You’ll typically know if you need one of these – we’re talking about major renovation and construction work:
- Complete house gut-outs
- Large commercial building clearances
- Major construction work
- Extensive demolition projects
Extra Large 12 Yard Skip
Our largest skip is designed for the most substantial projects. If you’re demolishing a property or clearing a major commercial site, this is your best option:
- Total property demolitions
- Huge commercial clearances
- Major construction and development projects
How to Choose the Right Size (Without the Guesswork)
1. Estimate Your Waste Accurately
Most people underestimate how much rubbish their project will generate. That bathroom renovation will likely produce more waste than you initially think. Consider going one size up from what you first estimate.
2. Think About What You’re Throwing Away
Garden waste is light and fluffy – you can pack loads into a smaller skip. Bathroom tiles and old concrete? Heavy and dense – you’ll need more space, even if it doesn’t look like much.
3. Check Your Space
Measure your driveway, gateway, or wherever the skip is going. There’s nothing worse than a skip that won’t fit through your gate or blocks your neighbour’s access.
4. Factor in Your Budget
Larger skips cost more, but remember that hiring two smaller skips often costs more than one larger one, plus you’ll have additional delivery and collection fees.
5. Think About Permits
Putting a skip on the road? You might need a skip permit. We can help sort this out for you, but it’s worth thinking about in advance.
What Can’t Go in Your Skip?
Before you start filling up your skip, there are some things that simply can’t go in there. We’re talking about:
- Electrical items (fridges, TVs, etc.)
- Batteries
- Paint and chemicals
- Asbestos
- Medical waste
Still Not Sure? We Can Help
If you’re still uncertain about which size to choose, we’re here to help. Norman Wenn has over 20 years of experience helping Norfolk residents and businesses with their waste disposal needs.
We can also help with:
- Skip permits for road placement
- Grab hire services for really awkward jobs
- Commercial contracts for ongoing projects
Give us a call on 01603 881292.