Glasgow base · Scotland-wide coverage
Skip sizes Scotland

Choose the right skip without guessing.

Compare capacity, footprint, waste weight and the job you are doing. If you are between two sizes, tell us what is in the pile and we will help you decide.

2–40yard options
15size guides
1clear choice
Side-by-side guide

Skip sizes for Scottish homes and sites

Skips are measured by volume in cubic yards. External dimensions vary by manufacturer, so use these figures as a planning guide.

SizeApprox. capacityTypical dimensionsGood for
2 yardMini skip20–30 bin bags1.5 m³About 1.2 × 0.9 × 0.8 mSmall bathroom strip-outs, Garden tidy-upsView →
3 yardMini skip25–35 bin bags2.3 m³About 1.5 × 1.0 × 0.9 mSmall home clear-outs, Light garden workView →
4 yardMidi skip30–40 bin bags3.0 m³About 1.8 × 1.3 × 1.0 mSmall kitchen or bathroom refits, Shed and garage clear-outsView →
5 yardSmall skip40–50 bin bags3.8 m³About 2.1 × 1.4 × 1.1 mMedium home projects, Kitchen strip-outsView →
6 yardBuilders skip50–60 bin bags4.6 m³About 2.6 × 1.5 × 1.2 mKitchen renovations, Medium house clearancesView →
8 yardLarge builders skip60–80 bin bags6.1 m³About 3.7 × 1.7 × 1.25 mMajor home renovations, Large garden clearancesView →
10 yardMaxi skip80–100 bin bags7.6 m³About 3.7 × 1.8 × 1.5 mOffice clear-outs, Bulky house wasteView →
12 yardMaxi skip100–120 bin bags9.2 m³About 3.8 × 1.8 × 1.8 mHouse clearances, Office furnitureView →
14 yardLarge chain-lift skip120–140 bin bags10.7 m³About 4.0 × 1.8 × 1.9 mCommercial clear-outs, Manufacturing sitesView →
16 yardMaxi skip140–160 bin bags12.2 m³About 4.2 × 1.8 × 2.0 mCommercial clear-outs, Shop fitting wasteView →
20 yardRoll-on roll-offUse volume, not bag counts15.3 m³About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.2 mConstruction, Commercial clear-outsView →
25 yardRoll-on roll-offUse volume, not bag counts19.1 m³About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.5 mBulky commercial waste, Retail programmesView →
30 yardRoll-on roll-offUse volume, not bag counts22.9 m³About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.8 mCommercial renovations, ManufacturingView →
35 yardRoll-on roll-offUse volume, not bag counts26.8 m³About 6.1 × 2.4 × 2.1 mIndustrial clear-outs, Large packaging loadsView →
40 yardRoll-on roll-offUse volume, not bag counts30.6 m³About 6.1 × 2.4 × 2.4 mBulky industrial waste, Distribution sitesView →
Mini skip2YD³

2 yard skip

20–30 bin bags

Small bathroom strip-outs · Garden tidy-ups

See size details
Mini skip3YD³

3 yard skip

25–35 bin bags

Small home clear-outs · Light garden work

See size details
Midi skip4YD³

4 yard skip

30–40 bin bags

Small kitchen or bathroom refits · Shed and garage clear-outs

See size details
Small skip5YD³

5 yard skip

40–50 bin bags

Medium home projects · Kitchen strip-outs

See size details
Builders skip6YD³

6 yard skip

50–60 bin bags

Kitchen renovations · Medium house clearances

See size details
Large builders skip8YD³

8 yard skip

60–80 bin bags

Major home renovations · Large garden clearances

See size details
Maxi skip10YD³

10 yard skip

80–100 bin bags

Office clear-outs · Bulky house waste

See size details
Maxi skip12YD³

12 yard skip

100–120 bin bags

House clearances · Office furniture

See size details
Large chain-lift skip14YD³

14 yard skip

120–140 bin bags

Commercial clear-outs · Manufacturing sites

See size details
Maxi skip16YD³

16 yard skip

140–160 bin bags

Commercial clear-outs · Shop fitting waste

See size details
Roll-on roll-off20YD³

20 yard skip

Use volume, not bag counts

Construction · Commercial clear-outs

See size details
Roll-on roll-off25YD³

25 yard skip

Use volume, not bag counts

Bulky commercial waste · Retail programmes

See size details
Roll-on roll-off30YD³

30 yard skip

Use volume, not bag counts

Commercial renovations · Manufacturing

See size details
Roll-on roll-off35YD³

35 yard skip

Use volume, not bag counts

Industrial clear-outs · Large packaging loads

See size details
Roll-on roll-off40YD³

40 yard skip

Use volume, not bag counts

Bulky industrial waste · Distribution sites

See size details
01

Volume is only half the answer

Two piles can look the same but weigh very differently. Soil and concrete need less skip volume than wood, packaging or furniture.

02

Measure access for the lorry

The skip may fit the drive while the delivery vehicle does not. Check gates, parked cars, low branches, cables and turning space.

03

Leave room below the top

Waste must sit level with or below the skip edge. A larger skip is cheaper than delaying collection because a load is unsafe.

Large container check

16 yard maxi or roll-on roll-off?

A 16 yard container is normally a large maxi skip for light, bulky waste. Roll-on roll-off containers usually start at around 20 yards and need more site space.

Compare commercial options
Straight answers

Questions about choosing a skip size

If your job is unusual, call with a complete waste list and clear access details.

Call Now
Do I need a permit for a skip in Scotland?

You normally need a council permit when a skip will sit on a public road, pavement, verge or other council-managed land. A skip fully inside a private drive or work site normally does not need a road permit.

Who arranges the skip permit?

The skip supplier will normally check the placement and deal with the roads authority process. Tell us the exact address, dates and placement early because lead times and council fees vary.

How high can I fill a skip?

Keep every item level with or below the top edge. An overloaded skip cannot be carried safely and may need material removed before collection.

Can I put soil and rubble in a large skip?

Heavy waste needs careful sizing. A smaller 2, 4 or 6 yard skip is often better for soil, bricks and concrete. A 16 yard skip is for light, bulky waste and should not be filled with dense material.

How long can I keep the skip?

Hire periods vary by area and job. We confirm the included period in writing before you book. If the skip is on a road, its collection date must stay within the permit dates.

What happens to the waste?

Loads are taken through authorised waste facilities, where reusable and recyclable materials can be separated. Ask for the waste carrier or transporter registration details before booking any operator.

Clear quote · No size guesswork

Still between two sizes?

Call with a clear description of the pile and proposed placement. We’ll check volume, weight and access before quoting.

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