A roll-on roll-off skip is worth considering when your project will produce more waste than a standard builders’ skip can comfortably handle. Large refurbishments, commercial strip-outs and industrial clearances can generate substantial volumes of material, making repeated smaller skip collections impractical. The right choice depends on the amount of waste, its weight and the space available on site.
Also known as RoRo skips, these larger skips are delivered and collected using specialist vehicles. At Stevenson Skip Hire, we supply skips up to 40 cubic yards, giving businesses and contractors additional capacity for demanding projects.
When a Standard Skip Is No Longer Enough
A standard skip can be perfectly suitable for an individual room renovation or a smaller building job. Larger projects become more difficult to manage when waste accumulates faster than it can be removed. A shop strip-out, for example, may produce bulky shelving, timber fittings and packaging within a short period.
If you expect to fill several smaller skips, it is worth discussing roll-on roll-off skip hire before work begins. Having more capacity available can reduce the number of exchanges needed, although the benefit depends on the waste and your site layout. Large commercial premises and construction projects are common settings for RoRo skips.
Consider the busiest stage of your project, rather than just its overall duration. A six-week refurbishment might generate most of its waste during the first few days. Planning capacity around that initial strip-out helps you avoid starting the next stage with waste still occupying valuable working space.
Choosing Between a 20-Yard and 40-Yard Skip
Two common roll-on roll-off skip sizes are 20-yard and 40-yard. These figures describe volume, not the weight of waste you can load. A 40-yard skip offers twice the nominal capacity of a 20-yard skip, but that does not mean it can carry twice the weight.
| Skip size | Typical application | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 20-yard RoRo | Substantial construction waste loads, including approved heavy materials | Confirm the waste type and permitted load before booking |
| 40-yard RoRo | Large volumes of lighter, bulky refurbishment or commercial waste | Extra capacity does not make it suitable for a full load of soil or concrete |
Some 20-yard RoRo skips can accept heavy materials such as soil, concrete and hardcore, subject to the agreed specification. Larger 40-yard skips are generally used for lighter, bulkier waste. Always confirm the loading restrictions for your particular hire.
Match the Skip to the Waste
Describing the job as a “building clearance” does not tell us everything needed to arrange the right skip. Removing timber fittings and packaging creates a different load from breaking up concrete floors. Tell us which materials will make up most of the waste and flag anything unusual before booking.
A larger skip also does not remove waste restrictions. Asbestos, batteries, solvents, fridges and electrical equipment cannot simply go into a general mixed-waste skip. Upholstered furniture also needs separate consideration. Check our waste restrictions and speak to us about any items requiring a different disposal arrangement.
Check Access Before Arranging Delivery
A RoRo skip needs more than an empty parking space. The delivery vehicle requires suitable access and enough room to position, unload and collect the skip. The ground must also be suitable for the vehicle and loaded skip, with overhead clearance checked in advance.
Send photographs and measurements of the proposed location when discussing your booking. Mention narrow entrances, tight turns, slopes and any overhead obstructions. Think about collection day too: building materials, parked vehicles or scaffolding arriving later could block an access route that was clear when the skip was delivered.
Plan the Hire Around Your Project
Compare the complete waste removal arrangement when requesting a quote. Ask about the hire period, loading allowance, collection and any exchanges you expect to need. A larger skip may reduce vehicle visits, but its value depends on how efficiently you can use the capacity.
At Stevenson Skip Hire, we offer short-term and long-term hire options. Call us on 03330 155 144 to discuss your waste, site access and project dates, and request a quote for roll-on roll-off skip hire.