Construction Skip Hire: Choosing the right size for your needs
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.
Know Your Skip Sizes: A Guide to Choosing the Right Skip
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
Skip Type |
Capacity (Yds³ / Mtrs³) |
Height (Mtrs) |
Length (Mtrs) |
Width (Mtrs) |
Ideal Use |
2 Yard Mini |
1.83 | 0.91 | 1.52 | 1.22 | Small flat refurbishments, clear-outs |
4 Yard Midi |
3.65 | 0.91 | 2.13 | 1.52 | Small construction jobs, garden waste |
6 Yard |
4.6 | 1.22 | 2.6 | 1.52 | House extensions, larger clear-outs |
8 Yard |
6.12 | 1.37 | 3.20 | 1.75 | Building works, bulky materials |
10 Yard |
7.65 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 1.75 | Bulky items from construction |
12 Yard |
9.17 | 1.68 | 3.7 | 1.75 | Big clear-out jobs, large bulky items |
8 Yard Enclosed |
6.12 | 1.37 | 3.20 | 1.75 | Secure waste storage, prevention of overflow |
12 Yard Enclosed |
9.17 | 1.68 | 3.7 | 1.75 | Large projects requiring secure waste storage |
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.
Builders skips: What do you need to know?
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!
What are Roll-on-Roll-Off Skips used for?
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.
Can you hire a skip for a day?
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
Traditional Skip Hire VS Caged Tipper Hire
Whether you’re working on a domestic or commercial project, both caged tipper hire and traditional skip hire can offer a number of key benefits to support your requirements.
Here at McCarthy Marland, we have an extensive fleet of skips for hire throughout the South West. It can be tough to know which source of waste management is best for you, but with plenty of services to choose from, we’ll guide you through your options.
You can take most unwanted waste to your local council tip for free – but it can be a real chore, to not only get there when it’s open, but to deal with the removal of dirty, heavy waste. When you hire a skip or use our ‘wait and load’ service, there’s no need to use up petrol to visit a recycling centre, or waste time filling and unloading your car repeatedly. Aside from the obvious hassle-free advantages, here’s everything you need to know about our skip services.
WHY HIRE A TRADITIONAL SKIP?
When you hire a skip, you’ll save yourself a lot of time from loading, unloading, and driving to the dump. You can fit a lot more into a skip than your car. There are plenty of skip sizes to choose from to suit your needs, and once delivered, the only thing you need to do is fill it up – all in your own time. You can usually keep your skip for up to three weeks.
Hiring a skip has proven to be the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to clear all of your household rubbish, garden waste and building material – all in one go. Unlike a trip to your local council bins, there’s no need to worry about sorting your waste into each recycling bin. When you hire a skip from us, we’ll do all of that for you when we take it away. You’re free to mix as many materials (like soil, concrete, rubble, wood and plastic) as you’d like.
As well as being environmentally ethical, hiring a skip can make the process much safer since all handling and disposal of the waste will be carried out by professionals. When you manually pile your car or fill recycling bins with heavy items, you could end up hurting yourself. Our experts know how to dispose of waste hygienically and safely.
When you hire any one of our skips, we’ll deliver it to you promptly and at the most convenient time to suit you. If your skip will need to be located on a public road, we’ll also take care of arranging your skip permit for you. If you’re storing your skip at home and have enough garden and driveway space, then a permit is not required.
Got a building, landscaping or renovation project planned? Hiring a skip will allow you to get rid of unwanted construction material as you go. By keeping your site tidy, you’ll improve safety and make tasks a lot easier. Once you’ve finished your project you can still use the skip for any other bits and bobs you may have lying about at home. It might even be worth having a clear out of your garage or loft while you’ve got the skip, too.
Fill out an online quote form, and we’ll give you a tailored waste disposal service that’s right for you.
WHY USE A CAGED TIPPER?
Our caged tipper hire is a fast and flexible alternative to skips. Our Wait and Load service is great for one-off jobs or for regular pickups from restricted sites, where a traditional skip can’t gain access. From simple junk removal, to house clearance or bulky, commercial waste, our tipper vans can help with all sorts of projects.
If it’s not convenient to store a skip for several days, it’s worth considering a caged tipper. If you’ve already got an abundance of waste ready to get rid of and want it shifted fast, this low-cost alternative to skip hire is ideal. Caged tippers don’t just make the disposal of unwanted waste quick and easy – they can actually save you money as you won’t need to pay for road permits.
The process really is simple; a caged tipper vehicle arrives at the most convenient time for you and one of our highly reliable drivers will be happy to help you load it up. Your waste will be tackled within as little as an hour.
Our caged tippers aren’t just for waste removal – we can also use these vehicles to deliver small quantities of aggregates. We can deliver up to 2 tons of sand, 20mm ballast or pipe bedding in caged tippers.
To get in touch or find out more about hiring a caged tipper, call us today on 01666 505800.
HIRE WITH US
With over 30 years of experience in waste and recycling operations, you can rely on us to take care of your unwanted material professionally and responsibly. With McCarthy Marland, you get an expert waste removal service every time – whether you’re hiring a small skip, our largest roll on roll off container, or your hiring a caged tipper truck.
We take great care to offer you the best value for money and our expert team are always on hand to help find you the best solution for your next job.
To get a quote today give us a call on 01666 505800.
Why are Skips Yellow – and Other Fun Facts!
As unbelievable as it may seem, the humble skip actually has an interesting history behind it – and it’s origins go back further than you might think.
The History of Skip Hire
Did you know that skips trace their roots all the way back to the 1920s? During Victorian times, wheeled waste containers were used in the mining industry to remove rubble from mine shafts and to ferry quarry material around.
It wasn’t long before these oversized waste receptacles found use away from the mines, and were repurposed for construction waste disposal. But the old wooden mining carts soon became outdated as projects grew and horses struggled to pull the bulky waste over long distances. With the invention of the internal combustion engine, horses were phased out and replaced with trucks for haulage.
Modern skips as we know them today were born of necessity. Post-WWII war Germany was in ruin and rubble clearance was intensive. To save time and labour, the skips we know today were invented: detachable waste hoppers that could be unloaded from trucks, allowing drivers to move more efficiently while waste was loaded in.
These large, polygonal steel containers were tough and capable successors to the horse-drawn carts that once lined the streets and their design has barely changed since they were introduced.
Back in the UK, home remodelling was becoming increasingly popular during the 60s, as ageing buildings were given a new lease of life. The modern, German-design of skips started to appear on residential streets as a result – but skip hire was not affordable for most people in those days.
Now, skips are the UK’s favourite way to move bulky waste around; as a nation, we move over 200 million tonnes of waste in skips every year!
So – Why are Skips Yellow?
In 1971, the government introduced regulations on skip hire as part and mandated that all skips had to be painted yellow. Yellow was chosen because it’s the most visible colour in the dark, and as skips were often placed in roads, it was meant as a way to avoid collisions.
Now that skips can have lights attached to them, the law requiring all skips to be yellow has been lifted – but the colour has stuck! It’s become symbolic of the humble skip, and remains a traditional choice for skip colour.
Hire a Skip with McCarthy
Hire a skip now from McCarthy, for quick and convenient disposal of all kinds of waste – including house clearances, office clearances, DIY waste and bulky waste.
Call us on 01235 760555 or fill out our contact form.
Not one, not two, but three new skip loaders delivered to Somerton
As part of our ongoing vehicle replacement program on a sunny morning in Spring 2021 we had three new DAF 18 tonne skip loaders delivered to our Somerton depot. Our drivers were very keen to get them straight out to work!