If you’re planning a home improvement, renovation or garden clearance, chances are you’ve come across the 6-yard skip. It’s one of the most widely used skip sizes in the UK and is often seen as the go-to choice for medium-scale projects. But unless you’re in the trade, the term “6-yard” can be a bit misleading. What does that really mean in terms of space? And how much waste can you fit in a 6-yard skip?
What a 6-Yard Skip Really Holds
A 6-yard skip can hold around 4.6 cubic metres of waste, which typically equates to 50-60 full bin bags. It’s the kind of skip that suits a bathroom refit, moderate garden clearance, or a room renovation where bulky, awkward waste needs to go. If you’ve got a mix of wood, plasterboard, broken units and some bagged rubbish, you’ll likely find a 6-yard skip provides enough space for your project.
However, it’s not just about volume. The type of waste you’re disposing of can drastically affect how well the space works for you.
Weight Restriction and Heavy Waste Considerations
Unlike larger skips, the 6-yard skip is commonly used for heavy waste because it sits below the maximum weight most councils and operations allow for transport. That makes it ideal for projects involving soil, bricks, rubble, concrete or hardcore. However, if your waste is dense, it won’t take much to reach the skip’s load capacity. In some cases, you could hit the weight limit well before it’s visually full.
This is where people often run into issues. It’s easy to underestimate just how heavy a pile of bricks or turf can be, especially when it’s compacted into a single container. Overloading a skip by weight, not volume, can result in additional charges or require some waste to be removed before collection.
Is a 6-Yard Skip Big Enough for My Project?
A 6-yard skip can hold up to 4.6 cubic metres of waste, or roughly 50 to 60 bin bags. While it may not be the largest size available, it’s often the best fit for medium-sized clearances where space or weight restrictions are a concern.
| Skip Size | Volume | Approx. Bin Bags | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Yard | 4.6 cubic metres | 50–60 bags | Bathroom or kitchen rip-outs, soil, rubble, garden clearances |
This size works well for most domestic and builder projects, especially when dealing with a mix of bulky items and heavy materials. If you’re loading rubble, bricks or compacted soil, the 6-yard skip provides a safe and efficient way to handle dense waste without the risk of overloading. If you’re unsure of the weight restrictions on our skip hire, call us directly. Our expert skip hire team is always happy to help.
How Size Translates Physically
Physically, a 6-yard skip tends to measure around 2.6m long by 1.5m wide and 1.2m high. It fits easily on most domestic driveways and doesn’t require the space that a larger 8-yard or 12-yard skip would need. If you’re placing it on the road rather than private land, a skip hire permit from the council will usually be required. Most providers, including Stevensons, can arrange this for you as part of the service.
Is a 6 Yard Skip Right for You?
The answer depends on what you’re throwing away and how quickly space will be eaten up. If you’re loading lightweight materials like insulation, cardboard or green waste, you might run out of volume before reaching the weight limit. If you’re shifting broken concrete or dig-out from a landscaping job, you’ll likely hit the weight ceiling first.
This is why understanding both the type and amount of waste matters more than simply looking at skip size names. A 6-yard skip is rarely too small for a single-room renovation or heavy groundwork, but it may fall short if you’re tackling a full house clearance or commercial fit-out. In those cases, moving up to an 8 or 12-yard container could work out more economically.
Still Not Sure? Let’s Make It Simple
Choosing the right skip size doesn’t need to be a gamble. If you’re in any doubt, our team can talk you through the best option based on the waste you’re getting rid of, the space you have for the skip itself, and how long you need it on site.
We offer flexible delivery, quick collections and a straightforward booking process so you can focus on your project while we handle the waste. Call us on 03330 155 144 or book online today to hire a 6-yard skip near you.