Not sure which size skip bin you need? You’re not alone. It’s the question we get asked most, whether it’s from someone hiring a bin for the first time or a builder who needs one on site by the end of the week. Picking the wrong size can mean paying for a second bin or paying for space you never use, so we put this guide together to help you get it right the first time.
Skip Bin Sizes at a Glance
We hire skip bins from 4m³ all the way up to 25m³. Here’s every size we have, with the measurements and what each one is usually used for. Click on any size to see more about that bin.
| Bin Size | Length × Width × Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4m³ | 4 × 1.5 × 0.7 m | Small clean-ups, garden waste, minor renovations |
| 6m³ | 4.5 × 1.8 × 0.75 m | Medium home projects, renovation waste |
| 8m³ | 4 × 2.1 × 1 m | Larger household clean-outs, light building debris |
| 10m³ | 4 × 2.4 × 1 m | Large demolition jobs, industrial waste |
| 12m³ | 5 × 2.2 × 1.1 m | Large demolition jobs, industrial waste |
| 14m³ | 5 × 2.4 × 1.2 m | Large demolition jobs, industrial waste |
| 16m³ | 5.6 × 2.4 × 1.2 m | Large demolition jobs, industrial waste |
| 20m³ | 6 × 2.4 × 1.5 m | Large demolition jobs, industrial waste |
| 25m³ | 6 × 2.4 × 1.8 m | The biggest demolition and industrial jobs |
What Does a Cubic Metre Actually Look Like?
It’s hard to picture a cubic metre, so here’s an easy way to think about it. A standard wheelie bin holds about 240 litres, which means one cubic metre is roughly four full wheelie bins. A 4m³ skip is around 16 wheelie bins of rubbish, and a 10m³ skip is around 40.
Keep in mind that the volume is only part of the story. Bulky items like couches, mattresses and cabinets don’t pack down neatly, so they take up more room than you’d expect. If you’re getting rid of a lot of furniture or timber offcuts, it’s often worth going up one size.
Which Size Skip Bin Do I Need?
Every job is different, but these are the sizes our customers most often choose for common projects. If your job sits somewhere in between, give us a call and describe what you’re clearing out and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Garden Clean-Ups and Small Jobs
For garden waste, a tidy-up of the garage or a small bathroom refresh, a 4m³ bin is usually plenty. It’s also a good choice if you’re short on space, as it’s our smallest skip and fits more easily on a driveway.
Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations
Renovations are where most people get caught out. Tiles, a vanity, a toilet bowl and old cabinetry add up quickly, especially once the plasterboard and packaging come out too. A 6m³ or 8m³ bin suits most home renovations and larger household clear-outs.
Whole-House Clear-Outs
If you’re cleaning out an entire house, moving, or dealing with an estate, there’s a good chance you’ll have more than you think. An 8m³ is a good starting point, and a 10m³ gives you some breathing room if there’s furniture involved.
Demolition and Large Building Jobs
For demolition, rebuilds and big site work, you’ll want to look at our 10m³ and larger bins. We go all the way up to 25m³ for the biggest jobs.
Skip Bins for Construction, Demolition and Industrial Sites
Builders, demolition crews and commercial sites go through waste quickly, so the bigger bins are where most of our construction work sits. The 12m³, 14m³, 16m³, 20m³ and 25m³ bins are all used regularly for construction bin hire, demolition debris and industrial waste across Melbourne.
If your site is going to produce waste over a longer period, it often makes sense to have bins swapped out as they fill rather than booking one oversized bin. Tell us how the job is going to run and we’ll work out a plan that suits your schedule. We can also help if you need more than just a bin, with demolition, site clean ups and rubbish removal all handled by the same team.
What About Heavy Waste Like Soil, Concrete and Bricks?
Heavy materials need to be handled a bit differently, because weight adds up much faster than volume. We accept heavy mixes such as soil, concrete and bricks in our bins up to 12m³, which means our 4m³, 6m³, 8m³, 10m³ and 12m³ sizes. If you’re planning to throw out a lot of heavy material, let us know when you book so we can make sure you’re getting the right bin for the job.
What Can’t Go in a Skip Bin?
Most household, garden, renovation and building waste is fine. Asbestos, chemicals, paint, gas bottles, batteries and tyres can’t go in a general skip bin. If you have asbestos on site, please don’t mix it in with your other rubbish. Our asbestos removal team can help you deal with it safely.
Where Will the Bin Go?
The best bin in the world isn’t much use if the truck can’t get to your property. Before you book, have a look at where you’d like the bin to sit and think about how the truck will get in and out.
Driveway or Front Yard
If the bin is going on your own property, you generally won’t need a permit. Measure the space you have and compare it with the length and width in the table above, and don’t forget to allow room for the truck to drop the bin and pick it up again. Overhead power lines and low branches can also get in the way, so keep an eye out for them.
Road, Footpath or Nature Strip
If the bin has to go on the road, footpath or nature strip, your local council’s permit rules apply. We’re registered with all the councils and can help you arrange a permit if you need one, so just ask when you book.
Skip Bin Hire Across Melbourne’s North
Our yard is in Campbellfield, so we’re close to most of Melbourne’s northern suburbs. If you’re in Broadmeadows, Tullamarine, Westmeadows, Epping, Thomastown or Greensborough, we’re just down the road. We also deliver further out, including Clayton and Mount Waverley. You can see the full list on our service locations page, or call us if your suburb isn’t listed.
FAQs
Skip Bin Size Questions, Answered
Think about how big the project is and what you’re throwing out. Garden waste and small clean-ups suit a 4m³ bin, most home renovations suit a 6m³ or 8m³, and demolition and big site work suit a 10m³ or larger. If you’re unsure, call us and describe the job and we’ll recommend a size.
Our smallest skip bin is the 4m³, which is around 4 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. It’s a popular choice for smaller projects and for properties with limited space.
Our biggest bin is the 25m³, which measures 6 metres long, 2.4 metres wide and 1.8 metres high. It’s used for the largest demolition and industrial jobs.
It depends on the job and the space you have. One larger bin is often more convenient if you have the room for it, but two smaller bins can work better when access is tight or the waste is produced at different stages of a project. Give us a call and we’ll help you work out what makes sense.
Yes, heavy mixes like soil, concrete and bricks are accepted in our bins up to 12m³. Let us know when you book so we can suggest the right size.
Our bins come with 4 days of hire included. If you need it for longer, extensions are available, just ask.
We can often deliver on the same day if you book by 11am, and we deliver on Saturdays too. Call us or send a booking request and we’ll confirm a time that suits you.
Not if the bin sits on your own property. If it needs to go on the road, footpath or nature strip, council permit rules apply, and we can help you arrange one.
Asbestos, chemicals, paint, gas bottles, batteries and tyres can’t go in a general skip bin. Our asbestos removal team can look after asbestos for you.
Get Your Free Quote for Skip Bin Hire
We hope this guide has helped you work out which size bin is right for your project. With more than 20 years of experience, the team at Ultra Bin Hire & Demolition can help you choose the right bin and have it delivered when you need it, whether it’s a small garden clean-up or a large demolition site.
To get your free quote, give us a call today on (03) 9041 9559 or 0406 442 200, or book online and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm. Looking for more tips? Have a read of our guide to hiring a skip bin.
