When it comes to waste management for domestic, commercial, or construction projects, choosing the right skip size is crucial. A 6 yard skip is one of the most popular choices across the UK, providing the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether you're tackling a home renovation, garden clearance, or small-scale building work, 6 yard skip hire offers a practical and cost-effective solution for managing waste efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring a 6 yard skip, typical use cases, what you can and cannot dispose of in this skip size, permit requirements, and tips for getting the most from your skip hire.

What is a 6 Yard Skip?

A 6 yard skip, often referred to as a builder’s skip, is a medium-sized skip that offers ample space for a wide variety of waste materials without taking up excessive room on-site. On average, a 6 yard skip holds around 50 to 60 bin bags of waste, making it ideal for medium-sized projects where a mini or midi skip would be too small.

Typical dimensions of a 6 yard skip:

• Length: 2.6 metres (8.5 feet)

• Width: 1.5 metres (5 feet)

• Height: 1.2 metres (4 feet)

It’s important to note that exact dimensions may vary slightly between providers.

Common Uses for a 6 Yard Skip

The 6 yard skip is extremely versatile and suitable for a range of domestic and commercial applications, including:

Home Renovation Projects

If you’re upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or undertaking a general house refurbishment, a 6 yard skip provides sufficient space for disposing of old units, tiles, flooring, and other waste.

Garden Clearances

Clearing an overgrown garden, removing turf, soil, branches, and garden furniture is made easy with the capacity offered by a 6 yard skip.

Small Construction or Building Jobs

Builders and contractors frequently hire 6 yard skips for rubble, bricks, concrete, timber, and other building debris generated during small to medium projects.

Office and Shop Clearouts

Businesses moving premises or decluttering can use a 6 yard skip to dispose of unwanted office furniture, fixtures, and non-confidential paperwork.

Garage and Loft Clearances

For households looking to declutter spaces that have accumulated waste over time, a 6 yard skip provides just the right amount of space without being oversized.

What Can You Put in a 6 Yard Skip?

6 yard skips are suitable for a wide range of general and construction waste, including:

• Bricks, rubble, and concrete

• Wood, timber, and metal

• Tiles and ceramics

• Soil and garden waste

• Plastics

• Non-electrical fixtures and fittings

• Furniture

However, certain items are prohibited and must not be placed in a skip:

• Asbestos

• Paints, solvents, and liquids

• Tyres

• Gas cylinders

• Fridges, freezers, and other electrical appliances

• Plasterboard (unless pre-agreed and separated)

• Hazardous or medical waste

Disposing of these items incorrectly can result in additional charges or refusal of collection, so it is vital to check with your skip hire provider for guidance.

Do You Need a Permit for a 6 Yard Skip?

If you plan to position your 6 yard skip entirely on private property such as a driveway, garden, or private yard, you do not require a permit.

However, if the skip needs to be placed on a public road or pavement, you must apply for a skip permit from your local council. Most skip hire companies can arrange this permit on your behalf for a small administrative fee. The cost of permits and conditions, such as required safety lights and cones, varies depending on the council.

Failing to secure a permit can result in fines, so it is important to plan ahead.

Benefits of Hiring a 6 Yard Skip

Ample Capacity

With enough space to handle medium-sized waste loads, a 6 yard skip is often the ideal choice for home and building projects that generate more waste than a mini skip can handle.

Cost-Effective

Hiring a skip reduces the need for multiple trips to recycling centres, saving you time, effort, and fuel costs.

Space-Efficient

The 6 yard skip offers generous capacity without taking up excessive space, making it suitable for properties with limited room for skip placement.

Eco-Friendly Waste Management

Reputable skip hire companies sort and recycle a high percentage of collected waste, helping to minimise landfill and promote environmental sustainability.

Time-Saving

Having a skip on-site means you can dispose of waste as it’s generated, keeping your project area clean and safe.

Tips for Making the Most of Your 6 Yard Skip Hire

• Plan Waste Disposal: Before your skip arrives, estimate the volume and type of waste you will generate to ensure a 6 yard skip is the right choice.

• Load Smartly: Place flat items at the bottom and break down larger pieces where possible to maximise skip capacity.

• Avoid Overfilling: Skips must be filled no higher than the top edge for safe transportation. Overfilled skips may not be collected, or you could face extra charges.

• Separate Hazardous Items: Identify any waste that requires special disposal and arrange for appropriate removal with your provider.

• Arrange Timely Collection: Agree on a collection date to ensure your skip does not overstay and incur additional rental charges or neighbour complaints.

How Long Can You Keep a 6 Yard Skip?

Most skip hire companies offer flexible rental periods, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days as standard. Extensions can usually be arranged if required, though additional charges may apply. When arranging your skip hire, it’s best to discuss your timeline with the provider to ensure you have the skip for as long as your project requires.

How Much Does 6 Yard Skip Hire Cost?

The cost of hiring a 6 yard skip varies depending on several factors:

• Location (prices can be higher in city centres like London)

• Duration of hire

• Whether a permit is required

• Type of waste (e.g. mixed waste vs. inert materials)

On average, a 6 yard skip hire can range from £200 to £300, excluding permit fees. Always request a clear, itemised quote to avoid unexpected costs.

Conclusion

A 6 yard skip is a highly practical choice for medium-sized projects, providing the right balance of capacity, space efficiency, and affordability. Whether you’re renovating a property, clearing a garden, or managing construction waste, 6 yard skip hire ensures your waste is collected and disposed of responsibly and conveniently.