Get the right skip first time

Picking the wrong skip size is the most common mistake we see. Go too small and you’re paying for a second skip. Go too big and you’re paying for air.

So here’s a straight-talking guide to every skip we hire out from our yard in Longton — what it measures, roughly what it holds, and the jobs it suits best.

Skip sizes at a glance

A “yard” is a cubic yard of space. A standard wheelie bin holds about a third of one, so even our smallest 2 yard skip takes roughly six wheelie bins’ worth.

Mini skips (2 and 3 yard)

Our mini skips fit on most driveways and are the go-to for smaller jobs. The 2 yard suits a garden tidy-up or a loft declutter. The 3 yard gives you a bit more room for a bathroom refit — tiles, an old suite and the flooring all go in.

4 yard midi skip

The 4 yard midi is our most popular all-rounder for home projects. It’s got a drop-down door, so you can wheel a barrow straight in rather than lifting everything over the side. Ideal for garage clear-outs and kitchen refits.

8 yard builders skip

If your waste is heavy, this is the one. The 8 yard takes rubble, soil, bricks and hardcore, and it’s got a drop-down door for easy loading too. It’s the favourite with local builders and anyone knocking through a wall or digging out a patio.

16 yard large skip

Our 16 yard skip stands 6 feet high, 10’5″ long and 6 feet wide, and holds around 170 bin bags. It’s built for big, bulky, light waste — a full house clearance or a commercial strip-out.

One important rule: 16 yard skips are not for soil or hardcore. Filled with heavy waste, a skip that size would be far too heavy to lift safely.

Enclosed skips (8, 12 and 16 yard)

Enclosed skips come with a lockable lid. That keeps your waste dry, stops it blowing about, and stops passers-by fly-tipping into it. They’re a smart choice for building sites, business premises and longer hires — give us a ring on 01782 551 222 and we’ll talk you through which one fits.

The heavy waste rule

If you remember one thing from this guide, make it this:

Size isn’t everything — weight matters too. Soil, rubble, bricks or hardcore? Go for the 8 yard builders skip. Light, bulky stuff like furniture, cardboard and garden cuttings? A bigger skip gives you better value.

Driveway or road?

On your driveway or your own land, you don’t need a permit. If the skip has to go on the road, you’ll need a council permit — and we sort that for you, safety lights and cones included.

In Stoke-on-Trent the council asks for 3 working days’ notice, so book a little earlier if your skip is going roadside. You’ll pick driveway or road when you book online.

What can’t go in a skip

A few things can’t go in any skip: asbestos, TVs and monitors, batteries, medical waste, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, electrical appliances, gas cylinders, chemicals, and railway sleepers.

Some items can go in for a small extra charge — plasterboard, sofas, mattresses, carpets, fridges and tyres. Just add them when you book.

Quick answers

• How big is a 3 yard skip? — 2’6″ high, 6’5″ long and 4 feet wide. It holds roughly 35–45 bin bags.
• What size skip for a bathroom refit? — A 3 yard usually does it. Taking out a full suite and tiling? The 4 yard midi gives you breathing room.
• Can I put soil and rubble in a skip? — Yes, in our mini, midi and 8 yard builders skips. For a big load, the 8 yard is the one. 16 yard skips can’t take heavy waste.
• How long can I keep the skip? — Up to 14 days as standard. Need longer? Just give us a ring.

Still not sure?

Give the team a call on 01782 551 222. We’ve been doing this since 1992 and we’ll tell you honestly which skip you need — even if it’s the smaller, cheaper one.

Want to know about costs? Have a read of our complete guide to skip hire prices in Stoke-on-Trent.

Book your skip online

See prices, pick your dates and choose driveway or road in a couple of minutes — Klarna available at checkout.

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