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Skip Size Guide

Skips are available in a variety of sizes. You’ll need to know the right sized skip for the job before you hire one. Otherwise, you may end up with too much waste left over and need to hire another skip – or you’ll get one that’s too big and wind up paying more than you need to.

Skips are measured in mass capacity – how much weight they can hold – and in volume, cubic yards or metres. Those in waste management can work with these metrics but for the average person, it’s much easier to measure in bin bags!

 

Skip sizes & dimensions

 

2 tonne skip

Capacity: about 25 bin bags
Footprint: Allow for 1.5m length and 1.5m width

Ideal for: single room clearances, everyday garden jobs, DIY waste, garage clearances

Price from: £140 (inc VAT)

 

4 tonne skip

Capacity: about 35 bin bags
Footprint: Allow for 2m length and 1.5m width

Ideal for: single room refurbishments, garden clearance, waste clearance

Price from: £190 (inc VAT)

 

8 tonne skip

Capacity: about 70 bin bags
Footprint: Allow for 3.5m length and 2.5m width

Ideal for: general house clearances, bulky waste, garden clearances, commercial waste

Price from: £270 (inc VAT)

 

12 tonne skip

Capacity: about 120 bin bags
Footprint: Allow for 4m length and 3m width

Ideal for: large house clearances, wood, plastics, light furniture and bulky items, flooring, windows, doors

Price from: £360 (inc VAT)

 

16 tonne skip

Capacity: about 150+ bin bags
Footprint: Allow for 2.5m length and 2m width

Ideal for: heavy waste materials such as bricks and plaster, metal, house refurbishments, windows, doors, commercial use

Price from: £460 inc VAT

 

What size skip do I need?

 

Garden clearing

Depending on the amount and type of waste, a 2 or 4 foot skip is usually sufficient for clearing garden debris, foliage and a small amount of mud or gravel. If you have a large amount of soil, gravel or mud to clear, you may need a larger skip due to weight restrictions.

Single room clearances

A 2 tonne skip ideal for single room clearances. Be sure to break down furniture and larger items into smaller parts where possible.

House clearances

An 8 or 12 tonne skip is the most common size used for house clearances. When deciding the size you need, think about how many bulky items you have like furniture, carpets and other fittings.

Kitchen refits

A 8 tonne skip is usually enough for a kitchen refurbishment consisting of cabinets, worktops, units, furniture and flooring. 

Bathroom refurbishment

A 4 tonne skip is usually enough for a bathroom refurbishment consisting of a bathtub, tiles, a shower unit, and glass.

Refurbishment & renovation

A full house refurbishment will usually require a large 12 or 16 tonne skip, depending on the quantity of large, bulky items and heavy items. You will need a 16 tonne skip for removing bricks, rubble and windows.

Contact Sheridan Skips today

Our comprehensive approach to waste management ensures that all materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, in accordance with industry regulations and best practices.

If there is material you are particularly concerned about that you think we can’t remove, call us now and let’s get your skip booked so you can start your home renovation project. Call us on 0161 675 0667 or get in touch with us at info@sheridanskips.co.uk.

Your skip hiring questions, answered

How long can I hire a skip for?

Our skip hire covers a period of 10 days. If you need to hire a skip for longer, please contact us.

Do I need to pay to put a skip outside my house?

Yes, you will need to apply for a skip permit if the skip will be stored on the public highway (road or street). You can’t put a skip on the pavement.

How much does a skip permit cost?

Costs vary by council.

What can I put in a skip?

Most general household and garden waste can be disposed of in a skip. Furniture, rubbleWithin the weight and fill level restrictions you can dispose of furniture, rubble, garden waste, bricks, scrap metal, plastics, general clutter

What can’t I put in a skip?

Some items cannot be processed with regular waste. Items you cannot put in a skip include: paint tins, oil, tyres, refrigerators, batteries, any electrical appliance, fluorescent tubes, asbestos, any kind of hazardous material.

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Skip Size Guide
2025-09-15T13:35:58+01:00
JamesSheridan2021