When planning a home renovation, garden clearance or small building project, hiring a skip is often the most efficient way to deal with the amount of waste this can produce. Among the various sizes of skip available, midi skips are one of the most popular choices for domestic and light commercial use. But how big is a midi skip, and is it the right option for your project?

So what is a midi skip?

A midi skip is a medium-sized skip that is designed to hold a moderate volume of waste. It sits between the smaller mini skip (2 yards) and the larger builder’s skip (6 or 8 cubic yards). Because of this middle ground, we often hire out midi skips for projects that generate too much waste for a mini skip but do not require the size and cost of a builder’s skip, here at EcoFAB Skip Hire. Businesses and domestic properties alike find this very helpful.

How big is a midi skip?

Midi skips typically come in 4-yard and 5-yard sizes. While exact measurements vary slightly depending on the provider, the following figures offer a useful guide:

4-yard midi skip

• Capacity: Around 30-40 bin bags of waste
• Dimensions: Approx. 1.2m high x 1.8m long x 1.3m wide

5-yard midi skip

• Capacity: Around 40-50 bin bags of waste
• Dimensions: Approx. 1.2m high x 2.0m long x 1.5m wide

For most small to medium-sized home projects, a midi skip is the size.

What can you fit in a midi skip?

To put the size into perspective, a midi skip can comfortably accommodate:

• Waste from a medium-sized kitchen or bathroom refit
• Garden clearances involving soil, branches, shrubs and general green waste
• Small to medium quantities of DIY rubble, wood, plasterboard and packaging
• General household clutter from spring cleaning or moving house

However, it is important to remember that skips must not be overloaded. Waste should remain level with the sides of the container to ensure safe transport.

What is the weight capacity of a midi skip?

The weight a midi skip can hold depends on the material being disposed of. In general, a 4-5 yard skip can take around 4-5 tonnes of waste, although limits may vary between hire companies.

Midi skips can handle heavy waste such as soil, bricks, rubble, and concrete, but if your project involves very large amounts of hardcore or dense material, you may need to consider whether a builder’s skip or multiple midi skips would be more practical.

Where can a midi skip be placed?

One of the advantages of midi skips is their compact size. They are small enough to fit comfortably on most driveways, and can be easier to site in residential areas where space is limited. This is useful if you want to avoid the need for a skip permit. 

As with other skip sizes, if the midi skip must be placed on a public road, you will generally require a permit from your local council, which the skip hire company can often arrange on your behalf.

Common queries about midi skips

How much does a midi skip hold in bin bags?

Typically between 30 and 40 standard black bin bags.

How long can I hire a midi skip for?

Most hire companies offer standard hire periods of 1-2 weeks, with options to extend for an additional fee.

What cannot go in a midi skip?

Hazardous materials such as asbestos, solvents, tyres, batteries, electrical appliances, and certain types of plasterboard are usually prohibited. Always check with your skip provider for a full list.

Is a midi skip suitable for soil or rubble?

Yes, but be aware of weight limits. If you are disposing of only heavy waste, the skip may reach its weight capacity before it is physically full.

Is a midi skip right for your project?

Choosing the correct skip size depends on the scale of your project and the type of waste you are dealing with. A midi skip is often the right choice if:

• You are refurbishing a single room, such as a kitchen or bathroom
• You are clearing out a garage, loft or garden shed
• You need to dispose of bulky but not excessive quantities of waste
• You want a skip that is large enough to be cost-effective, but still compact enough for a domestic driveway

For larger home renovations, full house clearances or building works, a builder’s skip (6 or 8 yards) may be more appropriate. For very small clearances, a mini skip may suffice.

Conclusion

A midi skip is a versatile and practical waste disposal option for many household and light commercial projects. If you are undertaking a medium-sized project, such as a bathroom renovation, garden clearance, or garage tidy-up, a midi skip can offer the right balance of space, convenience and value.

Here at EcoFAB, we are the team you can count on for professional, reliable and trusted skip hire, including for midi skips. Why not get in touch today to find out more?