RORO Skip vs. Traditional Skips: Which One’s Right for Your Project?
When you’re knee-deep in a renovation or construction project, the last thing you want is to waste time (and money) on the wrong skip hire. I’ve been in the waste management industry for years, and one question I hear all the time is: “Should I go for a RORO skip or a traditional skip?”
The answer? It depends. Both have their strengths, and choosing the wrong one can leave you frustrated with extra costs or logistical headaches.
In this guide, I’ll break down the key differences, pros, and cons of RORO and traditional skips—helping you make the smartest choice for your project.
What’s the Real Difference Between RORO and Traditional Skips?
RORO Skips (Roll-On Roll-Off)
- Size: Massive—usually 20 to 40 cubic yards (imagine a shipping container full of waste).
- Best for: Heavy-duty jobs like demolition, large-scale construction, or clearing out an entire property.
- Delivery: Rolled onto your site by a specialised lorry—no crane needed.
- Placement: Needs serious space—think a driveway, construction site, or private land.
🔗 For large projects, check out our 20-40 Yard RORO Skip Hire options.
Traditional Skips
- Size: Smaller—ranging from 4 to 12 cubic yards (perfect for home cleanouts).
- Best for: Household junk, garden waste, or small renovations.
- Delivery: Dropped off by a lorry with a crane.
- Placement: Can go on your driveway or roadside (but you might need a permit).
🔗 Not sure which size you need? Our Skip Size Guide has you covered.
RORO Skip: The Heavyweight Champion
👍 Why It’s Great
✔ Handles Huge Loads – Need to clear out a demolition site or commercial waste? A RORO skip swallows it all.
✔ Cost-Effective for Bulk Waste – Cheaper per tonne than multiple traditional skips.
✔ No Weight Worries – Perfect for bricks, concrete, soil, and heavy debris.
✔ Swap-When-Full Option – Great for long-term projects where waste keeps piling up.
👎 The Downsides
✖ Needs Serious Space – Won’t fit in a tight street or small driveway.
✖ Overkill for Small Jobs – If you’re just clearing a garage, this isn’t the one.
✖ Longer Hire Periods – Usually rented for weeks/months, not days.
💡 For really heavy-duty waste removal, a Grab Lorry might be a better fit.
Traditional Skip: The Reliable Workhorse
👍 Why It’s Great
✔ Flexible Sizes – From a 4-yard mini skip (ideal for a garden tidy-up) to a 12-yard monster (great for big home renovations).
✔ Fits in Tight Spaces – Can be placed on roadsides (with a permit) or driveways.
✔ Short-Term Hire – Need it for just a few days? No problem.
👎 The Downsides
✖ Not for Mega Projects – Filling multiple skips for a big job gets expensive fast.
✖ Weight Limits Apply – Some materials (like soil) might require a larger skip than expected.
✖ Permit Hassles – If you’re placing it on the road, you’ll need a skip permit.
Want to pack more into your skip? Read our Smart Skip Filling Tips.
Which Skip Should YOU Choose?
Pick a RORO Skip If…
- You’re knocking down a building or handling industrial waste.
- You’ve got a ton of heavy debris (rubble, bricks, soil).
- You have space for a massive container.
Pick a Traditional Skip If…
- You’re doing a home clearout, garden project, or small renovation.
- You need a skip for just a few days.
- You want something that fits on your driveway or roadside.
Still unsure? Our Ultimate Skip Hire Guide covers everything you need to know.
Final Tip: Don’t Get Caught Out!
I’ve seen too many people hire the wrong skip and end up paying extra for another collection or struggling with space.
- For big jobs? Go RORO.
- For home projects? Traditional is your friend.
And if you’re still scratching your head, just give us a shout—we’ll help you pick the perfect skip for your needs.
More Helpful Guides
- What Can & Can’t Go in a Skip? (Avoid costly mistakes!)
- Skip Hire Costs Explained (No nasty surprises.)
- Eco-Friendly Skip Tips (Dispose of waste responsibly.)
