When you’re working on a building site, time is money and so is waste. Choosing the wrong skip size might seem like a small mistake, but it’s one that can seriously slow you down. Two of the most common options for construction projects are the 6-yard and 8-yard skip, often referred to as builders skips. But despite the name, they’re not interchangeable.
In fact, choosing the wrong one could leave you with a skip that’s too heavy to lift, or worse – a failed collection and extra charges. Let’s clear up the confusion and get to the bottom of what each skip is actually meant for.
The 6-Yard Skip: Built for the Heavy Stuff
The 6-yard skip is the workhorse of construction waste. It’s compact enough for most driveways but large enough to take on dense, heavy materials like concrete, bricks, rubble and hardcore. If you’re digging out footings, breaking up a patio, or dealing with the aftermath of structural demolition, this is the skip you want.
It’s strong, sturdy, and crucially, it can be safely lifted when full of heavy waste. That makes it ideal for contractors dealing with serious weight.
The 8-Yard Skip: More Volume, Less Weight
The 8-yard builders skip is often chosen for larger projects, but there’s a catch: you can’t fill it with heavy waste. Once loaded with things like hardcore or soil, it becomes too heavy for the collection vehicle to lift. If you treat it like a bigger version of the 6-yard, you’re likely to run into problems.
What it is perfect for is general construction waste – plasterboard, timber, packaging, mixed renovation debris and lighter materials from internal refits. It gives you more room, but only when the waste isn’t too dense.
The Most Common Mistake on Site
It’s easy to assume that the 8-yard builders skip is the safer option because it’s bigger. But that’s where many builders slip up. If you’re working with heavy materials, overfilling an 8-yard skip can result in a failed collection, extra charges or having to unload and re-distribute the waste.
There’s no shortcut here – it’s about choosing the right tool for the job, not just the biggest.
For Some Projects, You Might Need Both
On larger builds or renovations, the best solution is often to hire both a 6-yard and an 8-yard skip. Use the 6-yard for rubble, bricks and soil, and the 8-yard for everything else. Not only does this keep your site organised, it also makes compliance easier when it comes to separating waste types.
More importantly, it keeps your project moving without surprises from the skip hire company.
Skip Hire Advice That’s Actually Useful
At the end of the day, picking the right skip isn’t about size – it’s about what’s going in it. If you’re planning a job with mixed waste, speak to our team, who understands the difference between capacity and weight restrictions.
We supply both 6-yard and 8-yard skips for construction waste and can help you avoid the common pitfalls. Whether you’re clearing hardcore, fitting out a property, or managing a full-scale site, we’ll make sure your skip is built for the job. Contact us or order your skip online. Not sure which skip size you’ll need? Use our skip and waste calculator or speak to our skip hire experts for more guidance.