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 Tamworth job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m³ | ≈ 8 wheelie bins | ≈ 2 trailer loads | A weekend tidy-up, a shed or tack room, or a small load of heavy waste. |
| 3 m³ | ≈ 13 wheelie bins | ≈ 3 trailer loads | A backyard clean-up or clearing a room or two. |
| 4 m³ | ≈ 17 wheelie bins | ≈ 4 trailer loads | A bathroom or laundry renovation, or new flooring through a cottage. |
| 6 m³ | ≈ 25 wheelie bins | ≈ 6 trailer loads | A kitchen renovation or a big yard clean-up. |
| 8 m³ | ≈ 33 wheelie bins | ≈ 8 trailer loads | Moving house or clearing a deceased estate. |
| 9 m³ | ≈ 38 wheelie bins | ≈ 9 trailer loads | A large renovation or extension in an older home. |
| 12 m³ | ≈ 50 wheelie bins | ≈ 12 trailer loads | Building sites, stables or shed demolition, or a big rural clean-up. Needs good access. |
Wheelie bin figure = size ÷ 0.24 m³, rounded. Not every operator stocks every size.
Choosing the right size
Around Tamworth, 2–3 m³ covers a shed or garage, 4 m³ a bathroom, 6 m³ a kitchen and 8 m³ or more a whole house. Acreage clean-ups around Kootingal, Moore Creek or Attunga often involve old fencing and iron, which is bulky, so size up.
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 Tamworth operators offer trailer-style skips that can go on tighter sites. Heavy waste (soil, concrete, bricks) usually needs a smaller bin because of weight limits.
Space and access for the truck
Skip trucks need firm, level ground and clearance from wires and trees. On acreage, check tracks after rain. If the only space is the road, read the Tamworth 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.