Skip Capacity: Weight vs. Volume Explained
Before going to hire any skip size make sure you choose the right skip size for your domestic and commercial waste disposal needs. Two key factors determine skip capacity: weight limits and volume capacity.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between weight and volume in skip hire, how they affect your choice, and tips for maximising skip efficiency.
Skip Sizes, Volume Capacity and Weight Limits
At SkipHireTeam.co.uk, we offer a range of skip sizes to handle everything from small home cleanouts to major construction projects. Skip sizes indicate how much space your waste will take up, each skip also has a maximum weight limit.
Each skip is measured in cubic yards (yd³), which refers to how much space it can hold – but remember, what you put inside affects how much weight it can safely carry.
| Skip Size | (L×W×H) | Capacity | Hold | Max Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-yard skip | 3.5m × 1.8m × 1.4m | 4 yd³ | 20-25 bin bags | 1.5 tonnes | Small garden clearances, minor DIY |
| 6-yard skip | 4.0m × 1.9m × 1.5m | 6 yd³ | 30-40 bin bags | 2 tonnes | Bathroom renovations, garage clearouts |
| 8-yard skip | 4.5m × 2.0m × 1.5m | 8 yd³ | 45-55 bin bags | 3 tonnes | House extensions, major garden projects |
| 10-yard skip | 5.0m × 2.1m × 1.6m | 10 yd³ | 60-70 bin bags | 4 tonnes | Large home renovations, roof replacements |
| 12-yard skip | 5.5m × 2.2m × 1.7m | 12 yd³ | 65-80 bin bags | 5 tonnes | Commercial refits, new build projects |
| 20-40 yard RORO | 6.0m × 2.4m × 2.0m | 20 yd³, 40 yd³ | 100-400 +bin bags | 10-20 tonnes | Medium to large construction sites, demolition waste |
Key Considerations When Choosing Size
1. Space vs. Weight Balance
- A 4-yard skip can hold about 20-25 standard bin bags of light waste (like household clutter)
- But only 1 cubic yard of heavy materials (like bricks or concrete) before hitting weight limits
2. Access Requirements
- Smaller skips (4-8yd) fit in most driveways with standard 2.5m width clearance
- Larger skips (12yd+) need roadside placement and often require skip permits
3. Waste Type Matters
- Bulky light items (furniture, timber): Better for smaller skips
- Dense heavy materials (soil, rubble): Require larger skips despite taking less space
Types of Waste & Their Weight
Understanding waste density is crucial for choosing the right skip size and avoiding overloading fees. Below is our detailed breakdown:
| Waste Type | Weight per yd³ | Visual Equivalent | Skip Size Recommendation | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil & Rubble | 1.2-1.5 tonnes | 1 wheelbarrow = 0.15 tonnes | 8-yard+ skips | • Wet soil weighs 20% more • Must be clean (no contaminants) |
| Concrete & Bricks | 1.8-2.2 tonnes | 100 bricks = 0.3 tonnes | 12-yard+ skips or RORO | • Broken concrete weighs less than solid slabs • Brick recycling available |
| General Household | 0.3-0.5 tonnes | 10 bin bags = 0.2 tonnes | 4-8 yard skips | • Compact items to save space • No hazardous materials |
| Garden Waste | 0.2-0.4 tonnes | 1 lawn mower bag = 0.02 tonnes | 4-6 yard skips | • Seasonal variations (autumn leaves lighter) • No tree stumps >15cm diameter |
| Plasterboard | 0.7-1 tonne | 10 sheets = 0.25 tonnes | Separate collection required | • Must be kept completely dry • UK regulations require segregation |
| Metal & Scrap | 1.5-2.5 tonnes | 1 fridge = 0.1 tonnes | 8-yard+ skips | • Separate ferrous/non-ferrous for recycling • Sharp edges must be protected |
| Timber | 0.4-0.6 tonnes | 10 fence panels = 0.15 tonnes | 6-10 yard skips | • Treated wood needs special disposal • Nails must be removed |
| Mixed Construction | 0.8-1.2 tonnes | Typical house renovation waste | 10-12 yard skips | • Load evenly to distribute weight • Hazardous materials excluded |
For Example: If you fill an 8 yrd skip with bricks, you could exceed the weight limit (8 yd³ x 2 tonnes = 16 tonnes, but the skip only allows 3 tonnes).
In this case, you need to rent large skips or multiple collections.
For more details, see our guide on Skip Types for Different Waste.
Pro Tips:
The 75% Rule: For heavy materials, fill skips only 75% to stay under weight limits
Waste Segregation: Separating materials can reduce costs by 20-30%
Unexpected Heavy Items:
1 cast iron bath = 0.15t
1m³ of roof tiles = 0.8t
10 concrete blocks = 0.1t
How to Avoid Overloading Your Skip
Know Your Waste Type – Heavy materials like concrete require larger skips even if they don’t fill the space.
Don’t Overfill – Skips should be filled level with the top, not piled high.
Consider Separate Collections – For mixed waste, separate heavy and light materials.
Ask for Advice – If unsure, our team can recommend the best skip for your needs.
Need the Right Skip? Contact Skip Hire Team Today!
Choosing the correct skip size ensures cost-effective and compliant waste disposal. At Skip Hire Team, we offer a range of skips with clear weight and volume guidelines.
✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees.
✅ Expert advice
✅ Expert advice on skip sizes 📞 Call us today 0800 260 5989
Conclusion
Skip capacity depends on both volume and weight. Always consider the type of waste you’re disposing of to avoid overloading. Whether it’s a small home clean-up or a large construction project, we have the perfect skip for you!
Get the right skip – hire with confidence!
