How to Choose Between 8 Yard and 12 Yard Skips for Your Project

Choosing the right skip size is essential for managing waste effectively, whether you're tackling a renovation, clearing out an office, or managing debris from a large event. While there are many skip sizes in yards to choose from.


Understanding the Basics of Yard Skips

Yard skips are measured by the volume of waste they can hold, typically expressed in cubic yards. A cubic yard equals approximately the size of two washing machines side by side. Therefore, selecting the right size depends on the scale and type of waste involved in your project. It’s crucial to get this right — hiring a skip that's too small might lead to overflow and additional costs, while going too big may mean you’re paying for unused space.


When to Choose an 8 Yard Skip

An 8 yard skip is a widely-used option for both domestic and commercial projects. It offers a generous capacity without taking up excessive space, making it suitable for residential streets and confined locations.


This skip is ideal for:

  • Kitchen or bathroom renovations
  • Medium-sized garden clearances
  • Loft or garage cleanouts
  • Small office refurbishment projects


Its moderate size makes it manageable for placement on driveways or in tighter access areas, while still accommodating a substantial amount of waste. One important thing to remember is that this skip size is often accepted for heavy waste materials such as soil, bricks, and concrete — making it a smart choice for construction or landscaping work.


When to Choose a 12 Yard Skip

In comparison, a 12 yard skip offers significantly more capacity and is better suited to large-scale clearances or bulky, lightweight waste. If you’re overseeing an event, managing an office move, or undertaking a full-scale property renovation, this skip size will ensure you don’t run out of space mid-project.


Typical uses for a 12 yard include:

  • Full house clearances
  • Commercial fit-outs
  • Office relocations
  • Large event cleanups
  • Extensive landscaping works


Unlike smaller skips, this size may not be suitable for very heavy materials due to legal road weight limits. It’s best used for general mixed waste, furniture, packaging, and lighter construction debris. You can easily find 12 yard skip hire near me services online, but always ensure the provider is licensed and offers proper waste handling procedures.


Factors to Consider Before You Decide

When deciding between the two sizes, consider the following factors:


a. Type of Waste:

 If your project involves heavy debris such as rubble or soil, the 8 yard is typically the maximum size recommended. For lighter but bulkier items like furniture, cardboard, or plastic waste, the 12 yard is better suited.


b. Available Space:

 Think about where the skip will be placed. If you’re in a residential area or tight site, the 8 yard’s compact footprint is advantageous. Larger yard skips require more clearance and may need additional permits for roadside placement.


c. Budget:

 Larger skips do cost more to hire, so it's worth comparing pricing for both sizes. However, hiring one larger skip could be more economical than needing two smaller ones.


d. Project Duration:

 If your project is expected to generate ongoing waste over several days or weeks, a 12 yard might offer greater convenience. For quick, short-term projects, the 8 yard is often sufficient.


Understanding the benefits and limitations of different yard skips can help ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of delays, unexpected costs, or the need to arrange additional hires.


At Skip Hire Harrogate, we pride ourselves on being a trusted provider of reliable, affordable skip hire solutions. Here’s why customers across Yorkshire and beyond choose us:


  • Wide Range of Skip Sizes: From small 4 yards to large roll-on roll-off containers, we’ve got the right size for every project.
  • Prompt Delivery and Collection: We understand project timelines. That’s why we deliver and collect skips on time, every time.
  • Licensed Waste Disposal: All waste is processed responsibly at registered facilities, helping you meet your environmental responsibilities.
  • Expert Advice: Not sure which skip to choose? Our friendly team is on hand to provide professional, no-obligation guidance.
  • Competitive Rates: We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.


Just out on X: 8 yard or 12 yard skip? How to pick the right one for your project!

Skip Hire Harrogate

01423449162

1 Roberts Crescent,

Harrogate,

HG1 2AZ,

United Kingdom

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