Every size we hire — from a 2m³ mini skip for a weekend clean-up to a 30m³ industrial bin. Dimensions, capacity, weight limits and placement rules in one place.
Dimensions are typical Australian hook-lift and Marrel bins. Actual size varies slightly by supplier.
| Size | Name | L × W × H | Wheelies | Trailers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2m³ | Mini Skip | 1.8 × 1.6 × 1.0m | ~8 | 1-2 |
| 3m³ | Small Skip | 2.5 × 1.6 × 1.0m | ~12 | 2-3 |
| 4m³ | Medium Skip | 3.0 × 1.6 × 1.0m | ~16 | 3-4 |
| 5m³ | Medium+ | 3.3 × 1.6 × 1.0m | ~20 | 4-5 |
| 6m³ | Large Skip | 3.7 × 1.6 × 1.3m | ~24 | 5-6 |
| 8m³ | Large Marrel | 3.7 × 1.6 × 1.65m | ~32 | 7-8 |
| 9m³ | Extra Large | 4.2 × 1.6 × 1.6m | ~36 | 8-9 |
| 10m³ | Builder | 4.1 × 1.6 × 1.9m | ~40 | 9-10 |
| 12m³ | Jumbo | 4.2 × 1.7 × 1.8m | ~48 | 10-12 |
| 15m³ | XL Hook | 4.2 × 2.0 × 2.0m | ~60 | 13-15 |
| 20m³ | Mega | 6.0 × 2.4 × 1.4m | ~80 | 17-20 |
| 25m³ | Industrial | 6.0 × 2.4 × 1.8m | ~100 | 22-25 |
| 30m³ | Extreme | 6.5 × 2.4 × 2.1m | ~120 | 27-30 |
One 240L wheelie bin ≈ 0.24m³. See the weight limits section below for per-waste-type rules.
Before you book, check the truck can actually get to the drop-off spot. These are the minimums our suppliers need.
| Bin size | Truck type | Overhead | Driveway width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-4m³ Mini / Medium | Marrel | 4m | 2.5m |
| 5-9m³ Large / XL | Marrel | 5m | 2.8m |
| 10-15m³ Jumbo | Hook-lift | 5.5m | 3m |
| 20-30m³ Industrial | Hook-lift | 6m | 3.5m+ |
These are estimates. Our suppliers use the same Marrel truck for 2-9m³ bins and hook-lift trucks for 10m³+, so clearance depends on the specific truck and bin combo. Every site is different — if you're unsure whether your driveway or street access will work, get in touch and we'll check with the supplier before you book.
Heavy waste (soil, concrete, bricks) hits the weight limit long before it fills the bin. Knowing the limit up front saves you from overweight fees.
Not every waste type has a tonnage cap — it depends on what's going in the bin.
Has a weight limit
General waste and green waste are capped at around 150kg per m³.
No weight limit
Mixed waste, soil & dirt and cleanfill are priced by volume — no tonnage cap. But you still can't fill above the rim, and the driver will refuse pickup if you do.
Exact limits and what counts as each waste type are in your booking confirmation — it varies slightly by supplier.
Break down bulky items
Flat-pack furniture, cut mattresses and collapse cardboard where possible.
Heavy items first
Load heavy waste at the bottom, light items on top.
Don't overfill
Waste must sit level with the rim. Anything above is illegal to transport and the driver will refuse pickup.
Keep restricted items out
Asbestos, paint, chemicals, batteries, tyres, mattresses and e-waste need separate disposal or an addon.
The questions we get asked most often by first-time skip bin hirers.
The 4m³ medium skip is by far the most common choice for residential jobs. It covers a bathroom or kitchen renovation, a moving-day cleanout, or a major garden tidy without being too large to fit on most suburban driveways.
Rule of thumb: a 6m³ bin holds the contents of a small 2-bedroom unit. A 9m³ bin holds the contents of a 3-4 bedroom house. If you're on the fence, size up — hiring two bins costs more than one bigger one.
A standard Australian residential wheelie bin holds 240 litres, which is 0.24m³. So 1m³ of skip capacity is roughly 4 wheelie bins. We use this as a mental comparison — actual fit depends on how much you break items down and air-gap you leave.
Not if the bin sits entirely on your property (driveway, yard, private car space). You do need a permit if any part of the bin sits on the nature strip, footpath or road. Permit fees and lead times vary by council — Sydney and Melbourne councils usually charge $80-$250 with 3-10 business days' notice.
The driver will refuse to transport an overfilled bin — waste must sit level with the top rim. If you underestimate, the cheapest option is usually to leave the overflow aside and book a second mini skip, or swap the existing bin for a larger one (extra cost but often less than two bins).
Tell us your suburb and preferred size — we'll find you the lowest price from a trusted local supplier.
Get a free quote