What is a 6 yard skip?
A 6 yard skip holds six cubic yards of waste (about 4.6 m³). It is typically about 8.5 to 10 ft (2.6 to 3 m) long, 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) wide and 4 ft (1.2 m) high, so it needs roughly the footprint of one car plus room for the lorry to lower it. Some suppliers call it a small builders skip.
How much does a 6 yard skip cost?
2026 UK cost guides put a 6 yard skip at about £150 to £300, including delivery, collection and disposal for a standard hire period. London and the South East cost more (one 2026 guide puts them 20 to 40% above the national average), and a council permit is extra if the skip goes on the road.
| Published cost guide | 6 yard skip price |
|---|---|
| Quote comparison site (September 2026) | £120–£300 |
| Trade cost guide (June 2026) | £150–£280, excluding VAT |
| Builder cost guide (2026) | £200–£320 |
Prices vary by area, supplier, hire length and waste type. Heavy loads such as soil can cost more. Check whether a quote includes VAT and how long the hire period is. See skip hire prices for every size.
Can you fill a 6 yard skip with soil and rubble?
Yes. Most skip firms say this is the largest size you can fill with dense material. As a rule of thumb a cubic yard of soil or rubble weighs about a tonne or more, and a standard skip lorry can typically lift about 8 tonnes, skip included. Above this size the weight limit is reached before the skip is full: some firms allow heavy waste in an 8 yard skip only within the weight limit, and a 12 yard is for light waste only.
What a 6 yard skip suits
- Kitchen or bathroom refits with tiles and rubble
- Small extensions, conversions and building work
- Garden landscaping with soil, turf and paving
- Clearing several rooms, including furniture
- Mixed loads of heavy and bulky waste
Space and access
Check the approach for overhanging branches, gateposts, low cables and parked cars. If the lorry cannot get close enough to place the skip, many suppliers charge for the wasted journey, so confirm access with them when you enquire.
Permits
No permit is needed on your own driveway or private land. On a public road or verge a council permit is required, normally arranged by the skip company. See our skip permit guide.
The fill line
Load the skip level with its sides and no higher. An overloaded skip cannot be legally carried, and the driver can refuse to collect it until the excess is removed. Some items cannot go in any skip at all, so check what can and cannot go in a skip before you start loading.
Other sizes
For a smaller heavy load, a 4 yard skip costs less. For bulky, lighter waste, an 8 yard skip gives you a third more room. Not sure? See our guide to skip sizes.
Finding a 6 yard skip near you
Search by your site postcode to see local suppliers who deliver 6 yard skips to your area, with their from prices and the checks we have made on their waste registration. You contact the supplier directly and agree the price, hire period and any permit costs with them. There is no booking fee.