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.
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.
| Size | Approx. capacity | Typical dimensions | Good for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 yardMini skip | 20–30 bin bags1.5 m³ | About 1.2 × 0.9 × 0.8 m | Small bathroom strip-outs, Garden tidy-ups | View → |
| 3 yardMini skip | 25–35 bin bags2.3 m³ | About 1.5 × 1.0 × 0.9 m | Small home clear-outs, Light garden work | View → |
| 4 yardMidi skip | 30–40 bin bags3.0 m³ | About 1.8 × 1.3 × 1.0 m | Small kitchen or bathroom refits, Shed and garage clear-outs | View → |
| 5 yardSmall skip | 40–50 bin bags3.8 m³ | About 2.1 × 1.4 × 1.1 m | Medium home projects, Kitchen strip-outs | View → |
| 6 yardBuilders skip | 50–60 bin bags4.6 m³ | About 2.6 × 1.5 × 1.2 m | Kitchen renovations, Medium house clearances | View → |
| 8 yardLarge builders skip | 60–80 bin bags6.1 m³ | About 3.7 × 1.7 × 1.25 m | Major home renovations, Large garden clearances | View → |
| 10 yardMaxi skip | 80–100 bin bags7.6 m³ | About 3.7 × 1.8 × 1.5 m | Office clear-outs, Bulky house waste | View → |
| 12 yardMaxi skip | 100–120 bin bags9.2 m³ | About 3.8 × 1.8 × 1.8 m | House clearances, Office furniture | View → |
| 14 yardLarge chain-lift skip | 120–140 bin bags10.7 m³ | About 4.0 × 1.8 × 1.9 m | Commercial clear-outs, Manufacturing sites | View → |
| 16 yardMaxi skip | 140–160 bin bags12.2 m³ | About 4.2 × 1.8 × 2.0 m | Commercial clear-outs, Shop fitting waste | View → |
| 20 yardRoll-on roll-off | Use volume, not bag counts15.3 m³ | About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.2 m | Construction, Commercial clear-outs | View → |
| 25 yardRoll-on roll-off | Use volume, not bag counts19.1 m³ | About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.5 m | Bulky commercial waste, Retail programmes | View → |
| 30 yardRoll-on roll-off | Use volume, not bag counts22.9 m³ | About 6.1 × 2.4 × 1.8 m | Commercial renovations, Manufacturing | View → |
| 35 yardRoll-on roll-off | Use volume, not bag counts26.8 m³ | About 6.1 × 2.4 × 2.1 m | Industrial clear-outs, Large packaging loads | View → |
| 40 yardRoll-on roll-off | Use volume, not bag counts30.6 m³ | About 6.1 × 2.4 × 2.4 m | Bulky industrial waste, Distribution sites | View → |
4 yard skip
30–40 bin bags
Small kitchen or bathroom refits · Shed and garage clear-outs
See size detailsVolume 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.
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.
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.
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 optionsQuestions about choosing a skip size
If your job is unusual, call with a complete waste list and clear access details.
Call NowDo 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.
Still between two sizes?
Call with a clear description of the pile and proposed placement. We’ll check volume, weight and access before quoting.
