What Skip Size Do I Need?

Years of experience working in the waste disposal

You’ve planned your latest building work, garden clear-out, or renovations, but how are you going to get rid of all the waste? The most logical answer is a skip, and while this may seem like a fairly simple solution, there is a whole other factor that you need to consider – what size slip do you need? Are you clearing out masses of debris, or is your waste fairly small and therefore only in need of a little skip? Have no fear, this guide is here to answer all of your questions before you start your search for Skips Durham & Washington. 

Do You Need a Skip?

First, make sure you actually need a skip. Assess the work that needs to be done and the amount of waste that is anticipated. Can it realistically be disposed of correctly by the company you have hired to do the work, or possibly even yourself? 

If so, you definitely won’t be needing a skip. You should also consider where you plan on placing the skip. If it is on private land, you have no need to worry. But public land (including roads) will require a license from the council.

What Size Skip Do You Need?

Once you are absolutely positive you need a skip, you can move onto determining the size required for the task at hand. When looking for Domestic Skips Durham & Washington, you have a few standard size options to choose from – each of which can be found below.

Mini Skip (2-Yarder).

This is the smallest and cheapest skip that you will find on the market. It can hold about 30 rubbish bags or a small sofa. And is usually best suited to waste fro the garden or a small room refurbishment. They are one of the safest to use on public roads. As well as the easiest to move around due to their small size. 

Small Skip (4-Yarder).

This can hold around 40 bin bags or two sofas, and it is perfectly suited to the renovation of a small bathroom or kitchen. It can hold a lot while also taking up very little space. Making it a convenient model to have and one that is easy to move around. They are also very easy to park on the street for your convenience. 

6-Yarder Builder Skip.

This is the most popular skip for hire because it comes in at a good size and is the least expensive builder skip. It can hold up to 60 bin bags. Or three sofas, and is suited to renovation waste, garden waste, or clearing out the loft. They are great all-rounder skips that are suited to a variety of tasks. 

8-Yarder Builder Skip.

This is the largest skip allowed on public areas, and it tends to be hired after major renovation work that has a lot of clean-up. While commonly used for domestic purposes, you will often find it in commercial settings as well. It can hold a good 80 bin bags or 4 sofas. And the large capacity means you don’t have to hire two skips. 

12-Yarder Maxi Skip.

These are very rarely used domestically, especially as they cannot be used on public land. They are normally found on large private sites if being used for domestic purposes and have a massive capacity of 120 bin bags or six sofas. They are commonly used for massive building projects that require the disposal of masses of rubble and building debris.

What are the Weight Limits? 

This is something that you will need to keep in mind when you are hiring your skip. This is because the capacity of a skip is not determined by the amount of material that can be put inside, but also by the ability of the lorry to lift it. Therefore, skips also have a weight limit to prevent them from becoming too heavy for a lorry to lift (which would be pretty inconvenient). 

Now, there is an easy way to determine the weight limit of your skip. Generally speaking, each yard of the skip will correspond with a metric tonne of waste. So, the mini skip is able to hold two tonnes, and the eight yarder could hold a good 16 tonnes of waste. Although, from a practical standpoint, it makes more sense to load the eight-yard skip with a max of eight tonnes. 

If you’re not sure that your skip will be able to hold everything, the sensible option is to hire two skips or arrange for collection halfway through the work that is being carried out and then having the empty skip returned to you. You also need to consider the type of waste being put into the skip (rubble, garden waste, wood) and how heavy it will be in the skip – this will help you to further determine the type you need as well as how many. 

What Can You Put in a Skip? 

You can put almost anything in a skip. Rubble, bricks, garden waste, stone, wood, even furniture. It’s helpful to know that the majority of household waste is covered when you want to dispose of it using a skip, but what about the materials that aren’t allowed? Here’s a quick look at some of the key things you cannot put in a skip:

• TVs/computer monitors
• Asbestos
• Tyres
• Fluorescent tubes
• Fridges
• Paint and paint tins (unless empty)
• Plasterboard
• Batteries
• Medical waste
• Gas cylinders
• Liquids
• Solvents
• Oil, petrol, diesel and explosives

To Conclude 

If you are searching for Skip Hire in Durham & Washington, we are the people for you. We’re here to provide you with excellent service, speedy skip delivery, and responsible disposal for your peace of mind. Whether you want to hire a skip immediately or you would rather talk it through with a member of our team first, we are here to answer all of your pressing questions and provide you with detailed quotes so that you make the right choice for you and your project.