How skip sizes are measured
A skip's size is its volume in cubic metres. One cubic metre is a cube 1 m long, 1 m wide and 1 m high. To make that easier to picture, the table below compares each size with a standard 240-litre household wheelie bin (0.24 m³) and a 6×4 box trailer loaded level with its sides (roughly 1 m³). These are rough comparisons. Bin shapes vary between operators, so we don't quote exact dimensions.
| Size | About | About | Typical Armidale job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m³ | ≈ 8 wheelie bins | ≈ 2 trailer loads | An end-of-lease clean-out, a shed, or a small load of heavy waste. |
| 3 m³ | ≈ 13 wheelie bins | ≈ 3 trailer loads | A share-house clear-out or a weekend garden tidy-up. |
| 4 m³ | ≈ 17 wheelie bins | ≈ 4 trailer loads | A bathroom or laundry renovation, or carpet from a few rooms. |
| 6 m³ | ≈ 25 wheelie bins | ≈ 6 trailer loads | A kitchen renovation or a big autumn garden clean-up. |
| 8 m³ | ≈ 33 wheelie bins | ≈ 8 trailer loads | Moving house, downsizing or clearing a deceased estate. |
| 9 m³ | ≈ 38 wheelie bins | ≈ 9 trailer loads | A large renovation in a heritage or Federation home. |
| 12 m³ | ≈ 50 wheelie bins | ≈ 12 trailer loads | Building sites, shed or woolshed clean-ups, or a large property clean-up. Needs good access. |
Wheelie bin figure = size ÷ 0.24 m³, rounded. Not every operator stocks every size.
Choosing the right size
Around Armidale, 2–3 m³ covers a shed or student-rental clean-out, 4 m³ a bathroom, 6 m³ a kitchen or a big autumn leaf clean-up, and 8 m³ or more a whole house. Green waste from big deciduous trees is bulky but light, so a green-only bin fills by volume.
Heavy waste needs a smaller bin
Soil, sand, concrete, bricks, tiles and rock are much heavier than household junk for the same volume. Operators usually limit heavy waste to smaller bins (often 2–4 m³) and may charge for extra weight or ask you not to fill past a line. If you're digging out a garden bed or breaking up a slab, choose "Soil, concrete or bricks" in the form so the quote is based on the right bin.
Some operators offer skip bags of about 1 m³ for tight sites. Heavy waste (soil, granite, concrete) usually needs a smaller bin because of weight limits.
Space and access for the truck
Check for overhanging trees, wires and narrow driveways in older streets. On acreage, check that tracks are firm after rain. If the only space is the road, read the Armidale permit guide.
Not sure? Ask for help
If you can't decide, pick "Not sure, help me choose" in the quote form and describe the job in a sentence. The local operator who quotes you can suggest a size. If you think you're between two sizes, the bigger one is often cheaper than a second bin later, but check the price of both. See also what can and can't go in a skip.
Where this information comes from
Council rules, hours and fees change. Check with the council or facility before you rely on them.