What is a roll-on roll-off skip?
A roll-on roll-off container, usually shortened to RoRo, is a large open container that a hook-lift lorry winches on and off its bed. The usual sizes are 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards (about 15.3, 22.9 and 30.6 m³). They are typically about 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 8 ft (2.4 m) wide, from about 6 ft (1.8 m) high for a 20 yard to about 9 ft (2.7 m) for a 40 yard.
How much does a roll-on roll-off skip cost?
2026 UK cost guides put a 20 yard RoRo at about £300 to £600, a 30 yard at about £320 to £650 and a 40 yard at about £400 to £800. Heavy or mixed commercial loads can cost much more: one guide gives £600 to £1,500 for 20 to 40 yard containers. On a long job, ask for the price per exchange as well as the first delivery.
| Published cost guide | RoRo price |
|---|---|
| Quote comparison site (September 2026) | 20 yard £300–£600; 30 yard £320–£650; 40 yard £400–£800 |
| Home improvement cost guide (April 2026) | 20 yard: £350–£600, typical £475 |
| Trade cost guide (June 2026) | 20 to 40 yard: £600–£1,500, excluding VAT |
Prices vary by area, supplier, waste type and weight. Check whether a quote includes VAT and what weight limit applies.
Heavy waste in a RoRo
Weight still limits what goes in. A 20 yard RoRo is the usual choice for soil, rubble and concrete, while 30 and 40 yard containers are for light, bulky waste such as timber, packaging and strip-out material. Suppliers set their own weight limits, so confirm the limit and how they price when you enquire.
What a RoRo suits
- Construction and demolition sites
- Commercial and industrial waste
- Large strip-outs and refurbishments
- Ongoing site waste with regular exchanges
Space and access
A RoRo needs firm, level ground and a long, clear approach for the lorry to reverse and winch the container on or off. They go on sites and private land rather than the road. Check overhead clearance for cables and trees.
Exchanges on busy sites
On an ongoing project, most RoRo suppliers offer exchanges: they bring an empty container and take the full one away in the same visit. Ask about exchange pricing and turnaround when you enquire.
The fill line
Load the container level with its sides and no higher. An overloaded container 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.
Smaller sizes
If the site is tight or the volume smaller, a 12 yard skip or 8 yard skip may suit better. For skips or RoRo on a long job, see commercial skip hire.
Finding a roll-on roll-off supplier near you
Search by your site postcode to see local suppliers who deliver roll-on roll-off containers 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.