Recent government figures reveal that UK businesses generated 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2020 – a significant share of the country’s 191.2 million tonnes. That’s a staggering amount of waste that needs to be collected, sorted, and processed.

Whether you’re operating a busy construction site or managing a commercial refurbishment, it’s vital that you manage your waste efficiently and responsibly. And that all starts with selecting the right skip for the job. We explore the differences between RoRo skips vs traditional skips, and explain how to choose the best option for your needs.

Key skip definitions

Before we dive into weighing up the pros and cons, it’s vital that you understand what types of skips are available. 

Traditional skips

Also known as builder skips, these are the most common skips you’ll see on driveways or smaller building sites. They’re available in sizes from 2 to 16 yards and are best suited for general waste or medium-sized mixed loads. These skips are versatile and compact, making them ideal for locations with limited space.

RoRo skips

Commonly referred to as roll-on roll-off containers, these are high-capacity, heavy-duty skips that are designed for handling large volumes of waste. They range from 16 to 40 yards and are commonly used during major construction or demolition projects. They require more space than traditional skips and are loaded directly onto lorries, making them ideal for businesses producing bulkier or heavier waste types.

The pros and cons of RoRo skips vs traditional skips

RoRo skips and traditional skips each have their own strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons of each:

RoRo skip benefits

• Larger capacity – RoRo skips are ideal for high-volume projects as they can hold significantly more waste than traditional skips.
• Great for bulky waste – They’re perfect for handling demolition waste, timber, metal, and other heavy-duty materials.
• Improves site productivity – RoRo skips don’t need to be collected as often, meaning you can focus on completing your project with minimal disruption.
• More cost-effective for larger jobs – Although they are more expensive upfront, RoRo skips save you money in the long-run as you don’t need to pay for frequent collections.

Discover more benefits of RoRo skips for bulk waste management.

RoRo skip disadvantages

• Requires more space – Due to their large size and the need for lorry access, RoRo skips aren’t suitable for all sites.
• Limited accessibility – RoRo skips can’t be placed in narrow or height-restricted areas, which can be a problem in urban or confined spaces.
• Can be more difficult to load – The higher sides of a RoRo skip can make manual loading more challenging without machinery on site.

Traditional skip benefits

• Best for smaller projects – Traditional skips are ideal for garden clearances, minor renovation works, or small-scale construction jobs.
• Fits in tighter spaces – They’re easier to position in driveways, narrow streets, or compact work areas.
• Lower initial hire cost – Traditional skips are usually cheaper to hire for short-term or one-off use.

Read more about the advantages of skip hire in our blog post.

Traditional skip disadvantages

• May need more frequent exchanges – Their smaller capacity means they can fill up quickly, so you may need to arrange multiple collections during your project.
• May require a skip permit – You may need to arrange a permit if you need to place the skip on a public road or pavement, which adds to the cost of hire.
• Can be inefficient for bulky waste – Large, awkwardly shaped items can take up lots of space and cause the skip to fill inefficiently.

How to choose between RoRo skips and builder skips

When choosing between RoRo skips vs builders skips, you’ll need to think about the type and volume of waste you expect to produce, and how long you’ll need the skip for. 

If you’re working on a large-scale construction or demolition project, or you’re handling heavy commercial waste, then a RoRo skip will be more efficient and offer better value for money. However, if your site has limited space, or your waste needs are minimal, then traditional skip hire might be the better option.

We’ve put together this handy table to help you choose the right option for your needs:

Choose McCarthy Marland as your trusted skip supplier

At McCarthy Marland, we are proud to offer efficient and reliable skip hire services to businesses across the South of England. We supply open and enclosed traditional skips in sizes from 2 to 12 yards, as well as open and enclosed RoRo skips from 16 to 40 yards. We offer flexible collections to suit your schedule, causing minimal disruption to your operations. All waste is then sorted and processed at one of our waste transfer stations, where we aim to recover as much recyclable content as possible.  

Still not sure which skip to choose? Get in touch to discuss your skip hire needs and we’ll help you find the perfect option for your site.

According to official government statistics, the UK recycling rate currently sits around 45%. But there’s still a way to go to achieve the 2035 target of 65%. Now more than ever, we all need to play our part in cutting down landfill waste and boosting recycling wherever possible. 

Whether you’re tackling a home renovation or managing a busy construction site, hiring a skip is often the most efficient way to handle waste. But what actually happens to your waste after it’s placed in a skip? Is it recycled, or does it end up in landfill? And how can you maximise the amount of waste that’s recycled when hiring a skip?

In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about recycling and skips, and share how our skip hire services can help you do your bit for the planet.

Do skip hire companies recycle?

It all depends on who you hire. At McCarthy Marland, we’re proud to achieve an average recycling rate of 95% across all our facilities, including waste from skips – and we’re constantly investing in better technologies and methods to increase that figure even further. 

Once you’ve finished with your skip, we’ll collect it and take it back to one of our recycling centres for processing. Using a combination of mechanical and manual sorting processes, we’ll recover as much waste as possible from your skip for recycling. Any waste that we cannot recycle is safely incinerated to recover electricity, and food waste is broken down to produce biogas in a process known as anaerobic digestion. 

What can you recycle in a skip?

So, we’ve explained how our skip recycling process works. But which types of waste can be recycled in a skip?

Our skips are suitable for a wide range of materials:

• Wood including broken furniture and pallets
• Metal such as pipes, wiring, cans, and scrap metal
• Cardboard & paper from packaging and office clear-outs
• Plastic including hard plastics like containers and pipes
• Garden waste such as branches, leaves, and soil
• Construction waste including bricks, rubble, concrete, and plasterboard
• Glass from pubs, bars, restaurants, and events

Read our skip hire FAQs for a full list of what can and can’t go in our skips.

How to maximise recycling when hiring a skip

Want to make sure you recycle as much waste as possible when hiring your skip? Here are a few ways you can boost your skip recycling rate:

1) Separate waste types wherever possible

Although we do sort materials at our transfer stations, pre-separating your waste on site can make the recycling process much more efficient and ensure that recyclable materials don’t get missed. If you’re generating a large amount of one material, like cardboard, metal, or green waste, then you might want to consider hiring multiple skips for different waste streams. 

2) Load your waste correctly

The way you fill your skip can make a big difference in how much waste is recycled. Start with flat, heavy items at the bottom, and then layer lighter or awkwardly shaped items on top. This not only maximises space, but also protects recyclable materials from being crushed or contaminated. Our blog on the best way to fill a skip offers practical advice to help you load your skip efficiently. 

3) Don’t overload your skip

Filling your skip beyond its capacity can cause collection issues and make it harder to recycle your waste. If you overload your skip or pack it unevenly, you could crush recyclable materials, making them difficult to recover. Always keep your waste level with the top of the skip, and distribute it evenly to ensure your waste can be transported safely back to the recycling centre.

4) Avoid contaminating recyclable materials

If you place food waste, liquids, or hazardous materials into your skip, this can prevent otherwise recyclable items from being processed correctly. These waste types can spoil entire loads, making it difficult or even impossible to separate materials and recycle them effectively. To get the most out of your skip and ensure that waste can be sorted properly, check out our ‘what can go in a skip’ guide before loading. 

Our skip hire services can help you recycle with confidence

Planning a clearout or construction project and want to dispose of your waste responsibly? Our skip hire services can help you do just that. When you hire one of our skips, you can rest assured that you’re helping to divert waste away from landfill and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.

We offer a wide range of skip sizes to suit every project, no matter how big or small. From 4-yard mini skips to large 40-yard roll-on roll-off containers, we can help you choose the right skip for the job and provide you with all the support you need to maximise your recycling efforts.

Book your skip hire today and get ready to recycle with confidence.

Do you need to dispose of substantial quantities of bulky waste? Whether you’re clearing out a house or tackling a major landscaping project, having a skip on hand can make the process much smoother. When you hire a skip, there’s no need to worry about taking endless trips to the tip; instead, you can quickly clear all the rubbish from your site and dispose of it in one go. But how long can you keep a skip for?

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about skip hire durations and share our top tips for efficient skip use, so you can begin factoring your skip hire into your upcoming project timeline.

How long can I keep a skip for?

Most skip hire companies offer a standard skip hire period of 14 days, which is enough time for the majority of domestic and commercial clearout projects. However, at McCarthy Marland, we offer a flexible approach to skip hire and allow our customers to hire skips for up to one month.

We understand that every project is different, and sometimes you might need to hire a skip for longer. We’re always happy to discuss extended hire options and can tailor the hire period to your project timeline. When you submit your online skip booking form, just let us know how long you’ll need it for – and we’ll take care of the rest.

Do I need a permit for longer skip hire?

Where your skip is placed can also affect how long you can keep it for. If your skip is going to be placed on private property, such as your driveway or a construction site, then you generally won’t need a permit and can keep the skip for as long as agreed with your provider. 

However, if you plan to place your skip on a public road or pavement, you will usually need a skip permit. Permits usually last between 7 and 14 days, depending on your local council’s regulations. If you need your skip permit for longer than 14 days, your local council may issue you with an extension, which could come at an additional cost. 

If you do need to obtain a permit when hiring one of our skips, we will handle the application process on your behalf. That way, you can spend less time worrying about paperwork, and focus all your attention on completing your project safely. 

How can I get the most from my skip?

We’ve pulled together some essential tips to help you make the most of your skip hire period:

• Plan ahead – Make sure that you have a clear understanding of the quantity and types of waste you’ll be disposing of before your project starts. You could begin to sort and gather your waste before the skip arrives on-site to avoid wasting valuable hire time.
• Hire the right skip size – It’s vital that you choose the right skip size to match your predicted waste output. If you hire a skip that is too small for your waste, then you could end up wasting money hiring an additional skip. Discover more in our guide to choosing the right skip size.
• Load your skip strategically – Place flatter items at the bottom of your skip (like wood and plasterboard), and then stack heavier or bulkier items on top. You can then fill in the gaps with smaller debris to maximise space. Read our blog post on ‘the best way to fill a skip’ for further information. 
• Don’t overfill your skip – It’s illegal to transport a skip that has been filled beyond the rim. If you overfill your skip, your skip provider may charge an additional disposal fee, or they may refuse collection altogether. Make sure that everything fits neatly within the skip’s edges.
• Know what can and can’t go in – Some hazardous materials, such as asbestos, tyres, fridges, and electric items require specialist disposal and can’t be placed in your skip. You should always check this with your skip company beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises.
• Think about access – Your skip provider will need unobstructed access in order to deliver and collect your skip. Make sure you place your skip along a clear access route and avoid placing it where parked cars or gates might get in the way. 

Where can I hire a skip?

At McCarthy Marland, we pride ourselves on offering cost-effective and convenient skip hire services to individuals and businesses across the South of England. We offer a wide range of skip sizes, from 2 yard (mini) skips for small domestic jobs to 12 yard (open or enclosed) skips for heavy-duty commercial clearout projects. 

When you hire a skip from us, we clearly outline the skip hire duration and associated costs. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden surprises. We offer fast, reliable delivery and collection services to keep your project on track. And once your skip is collected, we make sure your waste is handled responsibly, with a strong focus on recycling and recovery wherever possible. 

Are you ready to hire your skip? Simply fill in our online skip booking form and one of our expert team members will get in touch to arrange your delivery ASAP. 

Construction and industrial sites often produce substantial amounts of bulky waste. RoRo skips are an alternative to traditional skips, offering a cost-effective and efficient waste management solution for all manner of large-scale projects. In today’s blog, we explore everything there is to know about RoRo skips, including available skip sizes and the benefits of RoRo containers for bulk waste management.

What are RoRo skips?

Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) skips are large waste containers that are specifically designed for easy loading and unloading. They are able to roll on and off specialised transport vehicles, which is particularly advantageous when managing significant quantities of waste. They can efficiently handle large volumes of rubble, metal, and other bulky materials, making them the ideal solution for extensive construction, demolition, and industrial projects.

RoRo skip dimensions and capacities

RoRo skips come in various sizes to cater to different project needs. These include:

• 15 yard containers: Ideal for low level loading of heavy dug out materials
• 20/25 yard containers: Suitable for heavy and bulky materials from construction or demolition projects
• 35/40 yard containers: The largest option available for significant waste management requirements across industrial sites
• Larger skip volumes: You can organise an appropriate combination of other RoRo containers to give you the required capacity needed for your project

RoRo skip cost considerations

The cost of hiring a roll-on roll-off skip can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Skip size: Larger RoRo containers are generally more expensive to hire due to their increased capacity
• Duration of hire: If you need to hire a RoRo skip for an extended period of time, this could incur additional charges
• Type of waste: Certain waste types can affect the overall cost, for example hazardous waste, as these materials may require disposal at a specialist facility
• Skip permit: If you plan to place the skip on public land, you may need to purchase a skip permit at an additional cost
• Location: Your area and ease of accessibility on site could influence the overall transportation costs

Top 5 advantages of using RoRo skips

1) Efficiency

The substantial capacity of RoRo skips reduces the need for multiple waste collections, helping to streamline operations and minimise disruptions on site. By disposing of waste materials in a single skip, you can focus more on productivity and less on waste management logistics. This efficiency keeps your project running on schedule without any unexpected delays.

2) Cost Effectiveness

As RoRo containers accommodate larger waste volumes, this decreases the need to hire multiple smaller skips. Fewer collections leads to lower transport and handling costs, making RoRo skips a budget-friendly option for large-scale waste disposal. By optimising waste segregation at the source, you can also reduce your landfill tax disposal fees, leading to further cost savings.

3) Sustainability

As discussed above, RoRo containers don’t need to be transported as often as traditional skips. This helps to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Their large capacity also facilitates better on-site waste segregation, making it much easier to recycle unwanted materials. By choosing RoRo skips, your businesses can significantly improve its sustainability credentials, making you more attractive to eco-conscious customers and stakeholders.

4) Flexibility

RoRo skips are designed to accommodate a diverse range of waste materials, including construction waste, industrial debris, and other bulky items. This flexibility makes them suitable for use across various sectors – from construction and manufacturing to retail and logistics. 

5) Safety

Safety is a key consideration in busy construction and industrial environments. 

By containing large volumes of waste in a single designated area, RoRo skips significantly reduce trip hazards and obstructions that could be caused by scattered debris. This helps you to maintain a cleaner and more organised worksite, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Why hire your RoRo skips from McCarthy Marland?

At McCarthy Marland, we offer a wide range of RoRo skips for all your bulky waste needs. Whether you’re working on an industrial, demolition, or construction site, we can arrange collections to suit your schedule, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. If you’re unsure about which RoRo container to hire, we also offer tailored advice on choosing the right skip size for your project. 

Contact us today to enquire about our roll-on roll-off skip hire service.

Selecting the right skip size is a crucial consideration when planning any construction project – from small-scale renovation works to major commercial clear-outs. The correct size will not only ensure that your waste is properly contained; it will also allow you to comply with regulations and avoid additional costs. But with so many options to choose from when it comes to commercial skip hire, it can be difficult to determine which skip is best suited to your project’s needs. 

We break down all the available options for construction skip hire below, so you can make an informed decision about which skip to choose for your project. 

Understanding construction skip hire sizes & types

There are a variety of skip sizes available – from mini skips to large builder’s skips. Here are the most common skip sizes that are typically used for construction projects: 

• 4 yard (midi) skip hire – these skips can accommodate 30-40 bin bags of waste, making them perfect for small construction jobs and heavy materials such as bricks
• 6 yard skip hire – ideal for medium-sized construction projects such as house extension work, these skips can house 50-60 bin bags of waste
• 8 yard skip hire – 8 yard skips are the go-to option for large renovation projects that generate substantial amounts of bulky waste (60-80 bin bags worth)
• 10 yard skip hire – suitable for housing between 80-100 bin bags worth of bulky waste from larger construction projects
• 12 yard skip hire – as our largest skip size, these skips hold 100-120 bin bags of waste, making them suitable for large-scale commercial construction projects 
• Roll on roll off containers (RoRos) – available in sizes ranging from 15 to 40 yards, these large, open-top containers are ideal for major construction and demolition projects that generate high volumes of waste

Our standard skips are also available in open or enclosed formats. Open skips are the traditional type of skip, with an open design that makes them easy to fill – particularly on construction sites where bulky materials can be deposited from above. Enclosed skips have a lockable lid to prevent others from throwing their materials in your skip, which may be beneficial for construction projects with a tight budget.

How to choose the right skip size for your construction project

1) Assess the Type of Waste

Construction projects produce a wide variety of waste materials. The most common types of construction waste are:

• General building waste including rubble, soil, concrete, wood, and metals
• Inert waste materials that will not decompose naturally, like concrete and rubble
• Hazardous waste such as asbestos

The type of waste you produce could have a direct impact on the skip size you require. For example, heavy materials such as bricks may be better disposed of in smaller skips, to help avoid overloading. It’s important to note that hazardous materials may require more specialist disposal methods, so it’s worth asking your waste management company if they can accommodate hazardous waste disposal. 

2) Estimate the Volume of Waste

As well as the type of waste, you’ll need to estimate the amount of waste your project is likely to produce. As explained above, 4 yard skips may be more suitable for small construction jobs, whereas 12 yard skips are best suited to large-scale commercial construction projects. RoRo containers are often the most cost-effective choice for extensive demolition or site clearance projects, as they allow for bulk disposal without the need to hire multiple smaller skips.

If you’re unsure about which skip size you need, we always recommend opting for a slightly larger skip to ensure you have enough space and won’t need to order an additional one. Read our dedicated blog post on ‘know your skip sizes’ for further advice on choosing the right skip size for your construction project.

3) Consider the Space Available

Once you’ve estimated the type and volume of waste your project will generate, it’s time to start thinking about where you will place the skip. Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate your chosen skip size without obstructing any pathways or driveways. When opting for a RoRo container, keep in mind that these containers need ample space for delivery and collection, as they are transported on larger vehicles. If your site has limited space, you may need to choose a smaller skip to fit the space comfortably.

4) Determine the Duration of Hire

Whilst assessing your project’s waste requirements, you’ll also need to estimate the duration of your construction skip hire. This decision should be informed by your project timeline, with a little bit of leeway in case deadlines are extended. Choosing to hire a skip for a longer period is often more cost-effective than shorter one or two-day rentals, so consider whether you could find multiple uses for the skip over your entire project timeline. If you’re looking to hire a RoRo container, you may want to consider hiring it for an extended period of time, especially if waste is generated continuously over time rather than all at once.

5) Apply for a Skip Permit

The final consideration when opting for construction skip hire is whether or not you need to apply for a skip permit. If you plan to place your skip on private land, you will not usually require a skip permit – but if the skip will be positioned on public land i.e. footpaths or roadsides, then you’ll need to apply for a permit from your local council. Many skip hire companies will complete all the paperwork and apply for the permit on your behalf, like we do here at McCarthy Marland. 

Choose McCarthy Marland as your construction skip hire partner

If you’re seeking reliable construction skip hire for your upcoming project, look no further than McCarthy Marland. We supply skips and RoRo containers to construction sites of all shapes and sizes, and can help advise you on making the right selection for your project. Our team ensures timely skip hire delivery and collection, providing you with a hassle-free experience from beginning to end.

Get in touch today to discuss your construction skip hire needs.

Are you planning a large-scale construction or demolition project and need help clearing waste from your site? A roll-on roll-off skip could be exactly what you need. They’re designed to handle substantial volumes of waste, and are often cheaper and more practical than traditional skips. 

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know about RoRo skip hire, including the typical sizes, uses, and costs, as well as the benefits of using these containers for your waste management.

What is a RoRo skip? 

A RoRo skip is a large-capacity waste container that’s rolled on and off a specialist vehicle using a hook and a set of rollers on its base. Unlike traditional skips that are lifted with a lorry or truck, this method ensures that extremely heavy or bulky waste can be handled safely and efficiently. 

Waste can be loaded in two different ways. Many RoRo skips are equipped with a rear door, which allows them to be loaded at ground level. This is ideal if you need to load large or awkwardly shaped items. Alternatively, these skips can be loaded over the top using plant equipment such as a loading shovel, digger, or excavator. Waste can be dropped directly into the skip from above, which reduces the need to manually handle heavy, bulky materials.

The benefits of RoRo skip hire

So, why should you hire a RoRo skip for your upcoming project? These types of skips offer numerous benefits, including:

• High capacity – RoRo skips can manage vast amounts of waste in one go. We offer containers as big as 40 yards, which reduces the need to hire multiple smaller skips.
• Cost-effective – As they can handle more waste than traditional skips, we won’t need to collect them as often, helping to lower your transportation costs.
• Efficient – RoRo skips are quick and easy to load and unload, helping to keep your project running on schedule and avoid costly downtime.
• Sustainable – We ensure that all your waste is handled responsibly. We aim to recycle as much material as possible, diverting the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.

Read more about the benefits of RoRo skips for bulk waste management in our dedicated blog post.

Common uses for RoRo skips

Demolition projects

Is your demolition project expected to produce large quantities of concrete, rubble, timber, and metal? RoRo skips can easily store and transport these bulky materials – and thanks to their large capacity, they don’t need to be collected as often. This efficiency helps to keep your project running on time and to budget.

Land preparation & site clearance

Before beginning any construction or landscaping project, you will need to clear the site of soil and debris. Low-sided RoRo containers can remove this material in a single load, so you can quickly prepare the land for construction.

Basement digs

If you regularly work on basement construction projects, you’ll know that the excavation process produces vast amounts of soil and rock, and you’ll often need multiple excavators to clear these materials. A RoRo skip reduces the number of empties needed, which drastically speeds up the digging process.

Aggregates & new builds

RoRo skips aren’t just for waste. They’re also ideal for transporting large volumes of aggregates, such as sand, gravel, or crushed concrete. You can store the containers on-site until you need the aggregates for backfilling foundations, bedding, or as part of your concrete mixes.

RoRo skip sizes and types

At McCarthy Marland, we offer a wide range of RoRo skip sizes to suit your project needs, including:

• 15 yard RoRo skips – ideal for low-level loading of heavy materials from excavation or clearance projects.
• 20 yard RoRo skips – perfect for bulky waste generated from medium-scale construction or commercial projects.
• 40 yard RoRo skips – best suited to large construction sites and major demolition projects that are expected to produce substantial amounts of waste.

We also supply the following types of RoRo skips:

• Open RoRo containers – easy to load from all sides, either manually or using machinery.
• Enclosed RoRo containers – fitted with roofs and lockable lids to securely store your hazardous or sensitive waste, including asbestos and WEEE items. We also offer enclosed compactor containers for general waste.

RoRo skip hire cost

Wondering how much it costs to hire a RoRo skip? The final cost will vary depending on the size of the skip, the type of waste your project will produce, and how long you’ll hire the skip for. Larger containers might be more expensive to hire from the outset, but they often work out more cost-effective than hiring multiple smaller skips, as they need fewer collections.

Speak to our team for an accurate quote. We can advise on the right container for your project and help you choose the most cost-effective solution.

Why choose McCarthy Marland for your RoRo skip hire?

We supply some of the biggest RoRo skips on the market that are ideally suited to a wide range of projects. Whether you’re tackling a major demolition, preparing land for a new build, or simply need to deliver aggregates to your site, we guarantee to have the perfect RoRo skip for your needs. We’re always on hand to offer expert advice on choosing the right container, and can even offer a combination of RoRo skips to help you reach the desired capacity.

Contact us to book your RoRo skip hire.

Deciding on the right skip size for your project can seem daunting. Whether you’re clearing out your home, working on a construction site, or managing a commercial project, understanding the different types of skips, their uses, and sizes is crucial. This article simplifies the process, providing you with an easy-to-understand comparison table and essential dos and don’ts for skip use.

Types of Skips and Their Uses

Skips come in a variety of sizes and types, each designed for specific needs:

• Mini Skips (2 Yard): Perfect for small household clear-outs or minor renovation tasks.
• Midi Skips (4 Yard): Suited for small construction jobs or garden makeovers.
• Standard Skips (6-8 Yard): Ideal for house extensions, medium-sized construction projects, and larger clear-outs.
• Large Skips (10-12 Yard): Best for big construction projects, large house clearances, and bulky items.

Types of Skips

We have three main types of skips for the general public and trade uses. We also feature specialist skips such as compactor skips and Roll On Roll Off skips for larger projects.

Open Skips

Uses: Open-top skips are traditional skips you see around. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of waste types, including general household, garden waste, and construction debris. Their open design makes them easy to fill, particularly with bulky items or materials that can be thrown in from above.

Sizes: Ranging from small (2-yard) sizes suitable for minor home renovations or garden clearances to large (12-yard) sizes ideal for significant construction projects or large house clear-outs.

Drop Door Skips

Uses: Drop Door skips feature a hinged door that can be lowered to create a ramp. This design is great for projects with heavy waste like soil or rubble. It helps avoid lifting heavy loads over the sides by allowing them to be wheeled in instead.

Sizes: We offer these skips in 6 and 8-yard sizes, making them a good choice for medium to large projects, including garden redesigns or extensive home renovations.

Enclosed Skips

Uses: Enclosed skips offer the advantage of a lockable lid, providing security for the waste inside and preventing unauthorised use. They are ideal for situations where there is a risk of others adding their waste to your skip or when you need to prevent waste from blowing away.

Sizes: Available in 8 and 12-yard sizes, enclosed skips are perfect for large commercial projects or when handling sensitive materials that need to be contained.

Skip Size Comparison Table

What Can and Can’t Go in a Skip

Allowed:

• General household waste
• Construction waste
• Garden waste
• Wood, metal, plastic

Not Allowed:

• Hazardous materials (oil-based paints, asbestos)
• Electrical appliances (fridges/freezers)
• Tyres, batteries
• Chemicals, solvents

Choosing the right skip doesn’t have to be complicated. With this guide, you should have everything you need to select the perfect skip size for your project and understand what waste it can contain. 

If you want to rent a skip or have questions, our team can help. Contact your local team in Gloucestershire at 01453 701230, Bristol & Bath at 0117 941 2555, or Somerset at 01458 274654. You can also email customerservices@mccarthymarland.co.uk for assistance. Our specialists will guide you through the booking process. 

Skip hire whether it is for commercial, residential or and trade, requires a little know-how before you jump in. So, this post should help guide you through the ins and outs of hiring builders skips.

If you would like to order a skip online please visit our skip hire page to go to our booking form.

Skip Hire for Builders and Trade

Commercial skip hire tends to involve a fleet of skips of various sizes, while a sole trader can hire a builders skip for each job as and when they need to. There are convenient options for any scale of operation, from the smallest of jobs to the colossal volumes of inert waste produced during demolition, for example.

Skips are measured in (cubic) yards. The standard builders skip size is 6 yards: that’s one of our medium skip sizes, which is available in different formats (open, closed and drop end) to cater to a range of sites and equipment. Drop end skips are great for wheelbarrow access, while open skips are easy to fill with earthmoving equipment.

We understand that not everyone is familiar with cubic yards as a measurement – or cubic metres for that matter. For a sense of scale, a builder’s skip is about 1 metre tall (3.3 feet), or roughly waist height, around 2 metres (6 feet) wide and around 3 and a half metres (11 feet) long – plenty of room for a single room renovation project or the removal of a paved driveway, for example.

A standard sized 6 yard builders skip can hold about 4,600 litres, which is the equivalent of 55 full size black bin bags.

Skip Sizes and Comparison

Not every job needs a standard sized builders skip. For smaller projects, or removing a small amount of rubble, mini skip hire offers a far more rugged and convenient alternative to using heavy duty refuse sacks. On the other end of the scale, large skips offer huge capacity: the equivalent of 80 bin bags in volume.

At 1.8 metres tall, a large skip hire is best reserved for large-scale domestic or smaller commercial jobs.

Roll On/Roll Off

For the biggest projects, you need the biggest skip size – and roll on/roll off (RO/RO) waste containers are the biggest in the business. Our RO/RO waste disposal containers are available up to a capacity of 40 cubic yards. If you have enough space onsite, you may find these particularly useful if doing a complete home renovation project.

Skip Hire Locations

McCarthy Marland operates across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Bristol and Somerset. With so many locations, it’s hard to list them all! Our main locations are Gloucester, Bristol, Somerset and the surrounding area. A more detailed list of locations can be found on our skip hire locations page. If you can’t find your local area, feel free to get in touch.

McCarthy Marland Contact Us

To talk to our skip hire experts, arrange a site survey or find out more about how we can help with your next project, fill out a quick contact form now or give us a call on 01666 505800. Alternatively you can book a skip online!

When it comes to serious waste disposal, RORO skip-hire is the way to go. But what kind of jobs would you need for the largest skip available?

Basement Digs

After a loft conversion, garage conversion and building an extension, there’s nowhere left to go but down. Basement digging is becoming an increasingly popular way of growing a home (especially where land prices are highest), but basement digs are a complex task with some huge steps that need to be taken before completion.

One of the biggest challenges is the excavation itself, which can take anywhere between 3 and six months, depending on the size of the basement being built.

An initial opening has to be made by hand before temporary supports are installed. Then, an excavator is brought in to do the bulk of the digging work. Excavated material is placed into a skip – and for substantial digs with multiple excavators (and where space allows), a RORO skip would be best for the job. RORO skip hire eliminates the need for frequent empties, which can speed up the digging process in many cases.

Demolition

Demolition contractors regularly require RORO skip hire services for moving large quantities of rubble and demolition waste. The sheer volume of material produced by the demolition process means that multiple RORO skips may be on site at any one time, handling large sections and broken down materials. These can be stored and even processed on site, for use at later stages in the project – such as land preparation.

Aggregates, Land Preparation and New Builds

RORO skips can be used for transporting large amounts of aggregate materials, which can be delivered to sites for land preparation and back-filling for foundations in new builds. Sometimes, this process can be seamlessly joined into the demolition of a building. With on-site concrete crushing and materials processing, aggregates can be moved and stored in RORO skips until they’re required – either becoming filler material, bedding or additives to new concrete.

RORO Skip Hire

Are you local to our depots located in Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset and Oxfordshire and require a large skip for demolition or clearance?

For more information on our RORO skip hire and waste management services, please contact us today –

Gloucestershire – 01666 505800 / 01453 701230

Somerset – 01458 274654

Oxfordshire – 01235760555

Bristol & Bath – 0117 941 2555

or email us at info@mccarthymarland.co.uk.

Everyone’s skip hire needs are different – and while yes, you can hire a skip for a day, it’s often not practical to do so. Why isn’t a skip always the best option for same day waste removal and what are the alternatives?

Skip Permits

If you’re planning to use a skip on public land (stored roadside or in a communal street), you must apply for and be granted a permit. At Valley Trading, we apply for skip permits on your behalf when you hire a skip through us – and processing a permit from your local council can take up to a week. Permits generally last for between a week and four weeks once granted.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be granted your skip permit on the same day – and fines can top out at £1,000. While you can usually get next day skip hire, there’s no guarantee that the timing will be right.

For skip hire on private property, you don’t need a permit – so you could technically hire a skip for a single day if it’s being stored on your driveway or on land that you own. It’s quite unlikely that a single person will be able to fill a standard builder’s skip with DIY or renovation waste in a single day, though – which means it’ll largely be a waste.

Skips are Better for Short-term but Ongoing Projects

It’s wise to hire a skip for waste that you’ll need to move soon, but are going to add to every day over a short period. As an example, when stripping your bathroom out for a remodel, it’ll take at least a few days of DIY to fill a skip with tile, old fixtures, piping, flooring and all the offcuts of new materials. It’s not a one-day job.

If you’ve got a lot of help at your disposal – or you’re running a commercial building or refit operation – then single day skip hire might make sense in some situations. Generally, it’s best to hire a skip for longer periods of time – and the bigger the skip, the longer the project timeline.

So, is there a solution for single-day, bulky waste disposal?

Caged Tippers – AKA a Man with a Van

To get waste off your property in one hit, a caged tipper is a brilliant idea. Also known as a man with a van, caged tipper hire gives you huge waste capacity and the assistance of one of our waste specialists – helping you clear the waste quickly and efficiently.

Our caged tipper trucks can carry up to 3.5 tons, handling large jobs like house clearances, office clearances, commercial waste collection and bulky waste collection.

Hire a Skip from McCarthy Marland

For more  information on any of our skip hire or caged tipper services, please contact us today – call 0117 941 2555 or email us at customerservices@mccarthymarland.co.uk