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 Launceston job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m³ | ≈ 8 wheelie bins | ≈ 2 trailer loads | A shed or garage clean-out, or a small load of soil, rock or broken concrete. |
| 3 m³ | ≈ 13 wheelie bins | ≈ 3 trailer loads | A backyard clean-up or a room or two of old furniture. |
| 4 m³ | ≈ 17 wheelie bins | ≈ 4 trailer loads | A bathroom or laundry renovation, or old carpet and underlay. |
| 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 weatherboard or Federation home. |
| 12 m³ | ≈ 50 wheelie bins | ≈ 12 trailer loads | Building sites, extensions or a big 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 Launceston, a 2–3 m³ skip handles most shed, garage and small yard clean-ups, 4 m³ a bathroom, 6 m³ a kitchen or a big autumn garden job, and 8–12 m³ a house clear-out or extension. Older weatherboard homes often turn up more than expected once linings come off, so if you're between sizes, ask the operator about both.
Pile everything up first if you can. A rough pile 2 m long, 1 m wide and 1 m high is about 2 m³.
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 or smaller bins for steep or narrow sites. Heavy waste (soil, rock, concrete) usually needs a smaller bin because of weight limits.
Space and access for the truck
Launceston's hills matter. Skip trucks need room to reverse and lift, and a bin on a steep driveway needs to sit level. Check for low power lines and overhanging trees. If the only space is the road, read the Launceston skip permit guide first, because council needs 10 working days.
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.