Do you need a skip for soil and hardcore, but you are not sure what skip size you need? Do not worry we are here to help you get the correct skip size.

If you need a skip for soil or hardcore (bricks, rubble) it is important to know which skip size will best suit your needs. Look at our skip size guide here . This will reduce the need to hire a second skip unnecessarily. Hiring one larger skip rather than multiple skips of the same size will always save you money.

We are often asked this question at Findaskip. Customers ask us via our live chat or telephone us before they order. If you know what size you need and would like a quick instant quote, you can get this here

The first thing that you will need to consider is the type of waste that the skip will be used for?

What’s the biggest size skip I can have for soil?

If you have heavy inert (soil, sand, shingle, hardcore, bricks, concrete, rubble) materials, the biggest skip you will be able to use would be a 6 yard to an 8 yard, builders’ skip, although this will also depend on the company and the size of lorries that they are using. Some companies will only hire out a 6 yard for this type of waste. Generally speaking, the skip company will need an 18 tonne skip lorry to collect up to 8 yards of soil and or hardcore. If the skip company only has a 14 tonne lorry or 7.5 tonne the biggest skip may only be up to a 4 yard for heavy waste material.

Larger skips such as 10, 12 or 14 yard maxi skips must be used for light weight only (light bulky waste) as they can become too heavy for the skip lorry to pick up once it has been loaded or may cause damage the driveway, pavement or road.

If you have just one type of inert waste it is worth discussing this with the skip hire company, as it is typically cheaper and easier to dispose of than household waste and you may be able to get a discounted price.

For large digouts and commercial projects, it is possible to have a 20 yard roll on off skip for inert (soil / hardcore). We only ever advise that these skips are not to be mixed with other types of waste as it can become very expensive, due to the fact that these size skips are priced on weight.

How much weight will the skip hold?

There is a simple rule of thumb guide to knowing how much soil or hardcore your skip will accommodate. Try to remember that your skip will take roughly the same amount of tonnage as it will yardage. Therefore, a 4 yard skip will hold 4 tonnes worth of soil.

How much will a skip for soil or hardcore cost?

With us you can get an instant price and book online here or you can look at our average skip prices guide across the country here.

How many rubble bags or Wheelbarrows does a skip hold?

As a general guide, see below for the amount of rubble bags or wheelbarrows each size skip will hold:

How can I calculate the size of the skip I need?

It is a common mistake to assume that if you are digging out 2 cubic yards of soil, you will only need a 2 yard skip. In many cases, this is not correct. Once excavated, soil becomes loosened and aerated, meaning it can take up far more space than it did in the ground. We usually recommend allowing up to double the space when calculating the skip size you may need.

You can help save space by compressing the soil down as much as possible. Using a sturdy board to periodically press the soil down in the skip can help compact it more efficiently. Remember, skips must not be overloaded above the sides, and drivers may refuse collection until excess waste has been removed.

If you are unsure which skip size is best for soil or hardcore waste, call Findaskip on 0800 019 4530. Our team will be happy to help with prices, skip sizes and any questions regarding skip hire.