What Size Skip Bin Do I Need?

Choosing the right skip bin size is the single biggest factor in getting good value from your hire. Book too small and you could end up paying for a second bin or an extra pickup. Book too large and you may be paying for space you never fill.

This guide breaks our skip bin range down by project type and gives you a simple way to picture each size, including how many wheelbarrow loads it holds and how many standard household wheelie bins it is equivalent to.

Quick Answer: Skip Bin Size by Project

If you are trying to decide which skip bin you need, the table below gives you a quick starting point based on the type of project you are working on.

Project	Recommended Size
Small garden clean up or single room declutter	2m³ to 3m³
Household clean up or green waste	3m³ to 4m³
Bathroom renovation or landscaping	4m³ to 6m³
Kitchen renovation or home extension	6m³ to 8m³
Major renovation or demolition	8m³ to 10m³
Large construction or commercial clean up	10m³ to 12m³ and above, using Hook Lift bins

If your project sits between two sizes, it is almost always cheaper in the long run to size up. A second bin, an extra pickup fee or a delayed job can cost more than the difference between two bin sizes.

Skip Bins Compared: Wheelbarrows and Wheelie Bins

Cubic metres can be difficult to picture, especially if you have never hired a skip bin before. To make the different sizes easier to understand, we have compared our Marrel skip bins with a standard builder's wheelbarrow and a 240L household wheelie bin.

These figures are approximate. The actual amount you can fit will depend on the type of waste, how it is loaded and how well the material packs down.

Bin Size	Wheelbarrow Loads	Wheelie Bins (240L)
2m³	Approximately 12	Approximately 8
3m³	Approximately 18	Approximately 12
4m³	Approximately 24	Approximately 16
6m³	Approximately 36	Approximately 24
8m³	Approximately 48	Approximately 32
9m³	Approximately 54	Approximately 36
10m³	Approximately 60	Approximately 40
12m³	Approximately 72	Approximately 48

It's Not Just About Volume: Think About Weight Too

Cubic metres only tell half the story when choosing a skip bin. Some materials are bulky but relatively light, while others are compact but extremely heavy.

Green waste, furniture and packaging can take up a lot of space without weighing very much. Soil, bricks, concrete and tiles can be much heavier while taking up considerably less space.

For example, a 4m³ bin full of soil can weigh far more than a 4m³ bin full of garden waste. Every skip bin has a weight limit regardless of how much physical space remains.

Bulky and Light Waste

For green waste, furniture and general household rubbish, you will usually fill the available space before reaching the weight limit. In these situations, choose your bin primarily based on the volume of waste you expect to generate.

Heavy and Dense Waste

For soil, concrete, bricks and tiles, you need to consider weight carefully. A 2m³ or 3m³ bin is often the practical limit for a full load of heavy material, even though a larger bin could physically hold the volume.

If you are mixing different types of waste, or you are not sure which category your project falls into, give us a call before you book. It is a quick way to make sure you choose the right bin and avoid an overweight surcharge.

Our Skip Bin Sizes at a Glance

Our Marrel skip bins are available in a range of sizes to suit everything from small household clean ups through to major renovation and construction projects.

Bin Size	Dimensions (L x W x H)	Best For
2m³ Marrel	1.8m x 1.5m x 0.9m	Small clean ups, garden waste and minor decluttering
3m³ Marrel	2.5m x 1.5m x 0.9m	Household clean ups, green waste and small renovations
4m³ Marrel	3.1m x 1.5m x 1m	Bathroom renovations, landscaping and larger clean ups
6m³ Marrel	3.7m x 1.5m x 1.3m	Home renovations, extensions and medium building projects
8m³ Marrel	3.7m x 1.5m x 1.6m	Major renovations, construction and bulky household waste
9m³ Marrel	4m x 1.6m x 1.5m	Larger commercial clean ups and substantial renovations
10m³ Marrel	4.7m x 1.8m x 1.5m	Large construction jobs, demolitions and commercial waste
12m³ Marrel	5.2m x 1.7m x 1.6m	Major commercial projects and high volume waste removal

For larger commercial, industrial or demolition projects, our Hook Lift range extends from 6m³ up to 35m³. See the full breakdown, including dimensions and photos, on our Bin Sizes page.

Still Not Sure Which Skip Bin Size to Book?

Every project is different, and it is easy to underestimate how quickly waste can add up. If you would rather talk it through than guess, our team can recommend the right skip bin size based on what you are clearing out and where the bin needs to sit.

Give us a call on 03 9335 0688.