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 Geraldton job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m³ | ≈ 8 wheelie bins | ≈ 2 trailer loads | A shed or garage clean-out, or a small load of sand, limestone or broken pavers. |
| 3 m³ | ≈ 13 wheelie bins | ≈ 3 trailer loads | A backyard clean-up, old outdoor furniture or a room or two of junk. |
| 4 m³ | ≈ 17 wheelie bins | ≈ 4 trailer loads | A bathroom or laundry renovation, or old carpet and blinds from a rental. |
| 6 m³ | ≈ 25 wheelie bins | ≈ 6 trailer loads | A kitchen renovation, an old patio or a big yard clean-up. |
| 8 m³ | ≈ 33 wheelie bins | ≈ 8 trailer loads | Moving house, clearing a holiday home or a deceased estate. |
| 9 m³ | ≈ 38 wheelie bins | ≈ 9 trailer loads | A large renovation or extension with mixed building waste. |
| 12 m³ | ≈ 50 wheelie bins | ≈ 12 trailer loads | New builds in Waggrakine, Glenfield or Cape Burney, 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 Geraldton, a 2–3 m³ skip handles most shed, garage and small yard clean-ups, 4 m³ a bathroom, 6 m³ a kitchen or big garden job, and 8–12 m³ a house clear-out or a new build in Waggrakine or Glenfield. Beach houses often fill with light, bulky items, so volume matters more than weight. Rural clean-ups out towards Walkaway can need a larger bin, so describe the job in the form.
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 larger hook-lift bins for commercial and rural jobs. Heavy waste (sand, limestone, concrete) usually needs a smaller bin because of weight limits.
Space and access for the truck
Skip trucks need room to reverse and lift. Check for low power lines, overhanging trees and soft sand, which is common on coastal blocks. A driveway or firm hardstand is the easiest spot. If the only space is the verge, read the Geraldton verge licence guide first.
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.