Skip Dimensions and Sizes
Whether you're clearing out a home, tackling a garden renovation, or managing a large construction site, choosing the right skip size is essential. At Skip Hire Network, we offer a full range of skip sizes to suit every need - from the compact 4-yard midi skip to spacious 16-yard maxi skips. When choosing a skip, it’s not just about the yard size - it’s about how much space it takes up and how much waste it can safely hold. Below you’ll find skip dimensions, capacity, and suitability to help you pick the perfect skip for your project. Use our quick guide below to find the ideal skip for your project based on capacity and skip dimensions, so you can save money and dispose of your waste responsibly.
4 yd midi skip
- Perfect for: Small domestic projects
- Approx. capacity 30 - 40 bin bags or 3 m³ / 4 yd³
- Approx. skip dimensions: 2.6m x 1.5m x 1.2m
- The 4 yard skip is ideal for minor home renovations, garden clearances, or garage tidy-ups. Its compact size makes it suitable for fitting on driveways and in tight spaces, while still offering plenty of room for bulky waste.
From £160
BOOK6 yd midi skip
- Perfect for: Kitchen or bathroom refits
- Approx. capacity 50 - 60 bin bags or 4.6 m³ / 6 yd³
- Approx. skip dimensions: 3.2m x 1.8m x 1.2m
- A popular choice for household and trade use, the 6 yd skip is great for slightly larger renovations or small building jobs. It’s big enough for rubble, soil, and general mixed waste but still easy to position on most properties.
From £220
BOOK8 yd maxi skip
- Perfect for: Construction waste and heavy materials
- Approx. capacity 60 - 80 bin bags or 6 m³ / 8 yd³
- Approx. skip dimensions: 3.6m x 1.8m x 1.3m
- One of the most common skip sizes used on building sites, the 8 yard skip is excellent for handling large volumes of hardcore, soil, or general waste. Ideal for medium-sized renovation projects or full room refits.
From £240
BOOK12 yd maxi skip
- Perfect for: Large household clearances
- Approx. capacity: 100 - 120 bin bags
- The 12 yard skip offers significant capacity and is best suited to bulkier, lighter materials like furniture, packaging, and garden waste. It’s not recommended for heavy waste like soil or rubble due to weight restrictions.
From £280
BOOK14 yd maxi skip
- Perfect for: Shop refits and commercial use
- Approx. capacity: 120 - 140 bin bags
- A great option for large-scale clear-outs and refurbishment projects, the 14 yard skip can handle high volumes of bulky waste. It's ideal for commercial sites, office clearances, or disposing of large furniture and fixtures.
From £360
BOOK16 yd maxi skip
- Perfect for: Industrial and construction sites
- Approx. capacity: 140 - 160 bin bags
- The largest skip we offer, the 16 yard skip is designed for projects that produce a significant amount of light, bulky waste. It's perfect for construction sites, shop fittings, or large-scale domestic clearances - but not suitable for heavy materials like soil or hardcore.
From £400
BOOK
What do “yard sizes” mean?
Skip sizes are measured in cubic yards (yd³), which refers to the volume of space inside the skip:
- 1 cubic yard = 0.76 cubic metres
- 1 cubic metre = 1.3 cubic yards
- A standard bin bag holds ~0.06 cubic yards (0.05 m³)
Space and access requirements
When choosing your ideal skip, you’ll need to consider more than just its dimensions in terms of how much you want to put in it. You’ll also need to make sure you have enough space for delivery and collection:
- Driveway width: at least 2.9 m (9.5 ft)
- Delivery lorry length: approx. 7 – 8 m
- Overhead clearance: 4 m (13 ft) to avoid low branches or wires
- Surface: flat, stable ground (no soft grass or uneven gravel)
If the skip will be placed on a public road, you’ll usually need a council skip permit – we can help arrange this during booking.
Why choose Skip Hire Network?
With nationwide coverage, affordable pricing, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Skip Hire Network is your trusted partner for skip hire across the UK. We take the hassle out of waste disposal by offering a wide range of skip sizes, reliable next-day delivery, and expert customer support. Plus, we’re dedicated to recycling as much waste as possible, helping you reduce your environmental impact and meet your sustainability goals without sacrificing convenience or efficiency.
FAQs on skip dimensions and sizes
Most driveways can fit a 4-yard or 6-yard skip comfortably, but check the dimensions we’ve given for more peace of mind. Larger skips (8-yard and above) need about 3.5 – 4 metres of clear space.
We recommend measuring your driveway before booking, and be sure to check for gates, walls, or low branches that could block access.
Skip lorries are typically 7 – 8 metres long and need at least 2.9 metres width for safe access.
If space is tight, our team can advise on placement options or arrange a smaller skip where possible.
Yes, but you’ll usually need a council skip permit. We can arrange the permit for you as part of your booking (fees and notice periods vary by local authority).
Consider three things:
- Type of waste you’re getting rid of (heavy vs light)
- Amount of waste (bin bags, furniture, etc.)
- The available space for placement
If unsure, our team can help you estimate the ideal size in just a few minutes.