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Skip Sizes — Mini to RoRo with Volume, Weight and Uses
UK skip sizes reference from mini skips to roll-on/roll-off containers, including volume in cubic yards and metres, weight limits, typical uses, and hire costs.
UK Skip Sizes
| Skip Size | Volume (yd³) | Volume (m³) | Approx. Dimensions (L x W x H, m) | Typical Weight Limit (tonnes) | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.9 | 2 | £90-£180 |
| Midi | 4 | 3.1 | 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 | 4 | £150-£280 |
| Builder's | 6 | 4.6 | 3.7 x 1.7 x 1.2 | 6 | £200-£350 |
| Large | 8 | 6.1 | 3.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 | 8 | £250-£420 |
| Maxi | 12 | 9.2 | 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.8 | 10 | £300-£520 |
| RoRo (small) | 20 | 15.3 | 6.0 x 2.4 x 1.5 | 12 | £350-£550 |
| RoRo (large) | 40 | 30.6 | 6.0 x 2.4 x 2.6 | 15 | £450-£700 |
What Fits in Each Skip Size
| Skip Size | Equivalent To | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (2 yd) | 20-30 bin bags | Small garden clearance, single room declutter |
| Midi (4 yd) | 40-50 bin bags | Bathroom refit, large garden clearance |
| Builder's (6 yd) | 60-70 bin bags | Kitchen or bathroom refit, small renovation |
| Large (8 yd) | 80-90 bin bags | Whole-room renovation, house clearance |
| Maxi (12 yd) | 120-140 bin bags | Extension project, major renovation |
| RoRo (20-40 yd) | 200-400 bin bags | New build, demolition, commercial fit-out |
Related Calculators
Use the Skip Hire Cost Calculator to estimate the right skip size for your project, or the Demolition Waste Calculator for cost estimates. The Structural Demolition Calculator helps estimate waste volumes.
Next up: related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
The 6-yard skip (also called a builder's skip) is the most commonly hired skip in the UK. It holds approximately 4.6 m³ (6 cubic yards) and can typically carry up to 6 tonnes. It is suitable for bathroom or kitchen refits, garden landscaping, single-room renovations, and small extension projects. A 6-yard skip typically costs £200-£350 to hire for 1-2 weeks depending on location.
Yes. If the skip is placed on a public highway (road, pavement, or verge), you need a skip permit from your local council. Permits typically cost £20-£65 and are valid for 2-4 weeks. The skip must have lights and reflective markings if on the road. If the skip is on your own private land (driveway, garden), no permit is required. Some councils also restrict skip placement near junctions or on busy roads.
Items banned from skips include: asbestos, gas cylinders, batteries (car or industrial), tyres, fridges and freezers (they contain refrigerant gases), paint and solvents, clinical waste, explosives/ammunition, and electrical equipment (WEEE regulations). Plasterboard must be separated from general waste for disposal due to hydrogen sulphide gas risk in landfill. Some skip companies charge extra for mattresses.
A skip is delivered empty and collected when full, typically left on site for 1-2 weeks. Grab hire (or grab lorry) is a truck with a hydraulic grab arm that collects loose waste directly from site without needing a skip. Grab hire is cheaper for large volumes of heavy waste (soil, rubble, concrete) and does not require a road permit, but the waste must be accessible within reach of the grab arm (typically 6 metres).
Typical UK skip hire costs (2025-2026): mini skip (2-yard) £90-£180, midi skip (4-yard) £150-£280, builder's skip (6-yard) £200-£350, large skip (8-yard) £250-£420, maxi skip (12-yard) £300-£520, roll-on/roll-off (20-40 yard) £350-£700+. Prices vary significantly by region (London is typically 30-50% more expensive) and waste type (mixed waste costs more than clean rubble). Overloading charges may apply.
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Last updated: March 2026
Verified against UK standards · estimates only, confirm with your supplier.