What Size Asbestos Skip Do You Need? A Guide to Choosing the Right Container
Choosing the right asbestos skip size can help keep your project organised, reduce unnecessary collections and ensure you have sufficient space for the waste being removed.
Whether you're replacing an agricultural roof, undertaking commercial refurbishment or managing a construction project, the correct container will depend on the quantity of asbestos waste, the type of material and the space available on site.
At Smart Environmental, we provide enclosed asbestos skips for roofing contractors, agricultural customers, construction companies and commercial projects across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
This guide explains how to estimate your requirements and what to consider when choosing an asbestos skip.
What Sizes Do Asbestos Skips Come In?
Smart Environmental provides a range of enclosed asbestos skip sizes, allowing us to accommodate different project requirements.
Our available container options include approximately:
- 8–10-yard enclosed asbestos skips.
- 14–16-yard enclosed asbestos skips.
- 40-yard enclosed asbestos skips.
Availability and the exact capacity of individual containers should be confirmed when booking.
For an overview of our service, visit our Asbestos Skip Hire page.
When Might You Need a Smaller Asbestos Skip?
An 8–10-yard enclosed asbestos skip may be suitable for projects generating relatively small quantities of asbestos waste.
Examples could include smaller roofing projects, limited refurbishment work or the removal of an agreed quantity of asbestos-containing building materials.
A smaller container may also be useful where the available placement area is restricted.
However, the container still requires suitable access for the delivery and collection vehicle.
A smaller skip isn't automatically suitable simply because the project itself is small. The actual quantity and characteristics of the waste must be considered.
When Might You Need a Medium-Sized Asbestos Skip?
Our 14–16-yard enclosed asbestos skips may be suitable for projects generating moderate quantities of asbestos waste.
These containers can be useful for roofing contractors, agricultural building projects and commercial refurbishment work.
For example, a roofing contractor replacing an asbestos cement roof may need more capacity than a smaller container can provide.
The appropriate size will depend on the amount of material being removed and the agreed loading arrangements.
If you're unsure whether a medium-sized container will provide enough capacity, discuss the estimated waste quantity with us before booking.
When Might You Need a 40-Yard Asbestos Skip?
A 40-yard enclosed asbestos skip provides substantial capacity for projects generating larger volumes of suitable asbestos waste.
It may be appropriate for larger roofing projects, agricultural building work or commercial projects where a significant quantity of waste is expected.
However, choosing our largest container isn't always the most practical option.
You also need to consider the weight of the waste, the available space and whether the site can accommodate the delivery vehicle.
A larger container may reduce the need for multiple collections where the waste is suitable, but the agreed loading limits must still be followed.
How Do You Estimate the Amount of Asbestos Waste?
You don't necessarily need an exact waste weight before contacting us, but a reasonable estimate can help us identify a suitable container.
The information needed will depend on the type of project.
Roofing Projects
If you're replacing an asbestos-containing roof, the approximate roof area is a useful starting point.
For example, you may already know the roof measurements from the roofing contractor's quotation or site survey.
Tell us the approximate area and the type of roofing material being removed.
We can then discuss your likely container requirements.
Building Refurbishment
For refurbishment projects, identify the asbestos-containing materials scheduled for removal and their approximate quantities.
An asbestos survey or removal specification may contain useful information about the location and extent of the materials.
Agricultural Buildings
For agricultural roofing or cladding projects, the building dimensions and approximate area of material being removed can help establish the expected waste quantity.
If several buildings are involved, let us know whether the work will take place together or in separate stages.
Demolition Projects
For demolition work, the asbestos survey and removal plan should help identify the materials that need to be removed before demolition proceeds.
The waste arrangements should be planned around the asbestos removal programme rather than simply the overall size of the building.
For more information about asbestos surveys, see the HSE's Asbestos Surveys guidance.
Why Does Waste Volume Matter?
Skip capacity is measured by volume, usually in cubic yards.
This describes the amount of space available inside the container.
However, the volume of waste produced by a project may differ from the original space occupied by the material.
The shape and dimensions of the materials can affect how efficiently the container's space is used.
For example, large building components may occupy more space than expected because they cannot be arranged to use every part of the container.
This is why the approximate quantity and nature of the waste should be discussed before choosing a size.
Why Does Waste Weight Matter?
Volume isn't the only consideration when choosing an asbestos skip.
Every container and collection vehicle has loading limits that must be followed.
A skip can reach its permitted weight before its full volume has been used.
The maximum quantity that can be carried will depend on the container, vehicle and collection arrangements.
Do not assume that a 40-yard container can carry more waste weight simply because it has greater volume.
We'll confirm the appropriate loading arrangements when discussing your hire.
How Much Space Do You Need for an Asbestos Skip?
Before arranging delivery, consider both the container and the vehicle required to deliver and collect it.
An enclosed asbestos skip needs a suitable placement area that remains accessible throughout the hire.
Check the Entrance
Ensure the delivery vehicle can enter and leave the site safely.
Narrow gateways, parked vehicles and restricted access routes can create difficulties.
Consider the Ground Conditions
The proposed placement area should be stable and suitable for the container and delivery vehicle.
Check Overhead Clearance
Look for low branches, overhead cables, structures and other obstructions.
Allow Room for Collection
The vehicle will need sufficient space to collect the container safely.
Make sure the skip won't become blocked by stored materials, parked vehicles or ongoing construction work.
Confirm the Actual Dimensions
Container dimensions can vary.
If space is restricted, contact us for the dimensions of the specific skip being supplied rather than relying on generic measurements.
For general information about managing vehicle movements on construction sites, refer to the HSE's Construction Site Transport Guidance.
Should You Choose One Large Skip or Arrange Multiple Collections?
This depends on the project schedule and the quantity of waste.
One Larger Container
A larger container may be useful where a substantial quantity of suitable waste will be generated over a short period and sufficient space is available.
Smaller Containers With Collections
A smaller container with planned collections may be more practical where site space is limited or removal work will take place over several stages.
Planned Skip Exchanges
For ongoing projects, arranging an exchange can help ensure another container is available when required.
Tell us how your project is scheduled so we can discuss a suitable collection arrangement.
What Happens if You Choose a Skip That's Too Small?
If your skip reaches its agreed capacity before the work is finished, you'll need to arrange collection or an exchange before loading more waste.
This may interrupt the removal programme if another container isn't available when required.
Estimating the quantity of waste before booking can help reduce this risk.
For larger projects, discuss your expected waste quantities and timescales with us so collection arrangements can be planned in advance.
Can You Overfill an Asbestos Skip?
No.
An asbestos skip must remain within its agreed loading and weight limits.
Overloading can create risks during collection and transport and may prevent the container from being collected safely.
The waste must also be handled and contained in accordance with the arrangements established for the removal work.
If the container is approaching its permitted capacity, contact us to arrange collection or an exchange rather than continuing to load it.
What Information Do We Need to Recommend a Skip Size?
When requesting a quotation, it helps to provide:
- The type of asbestos-containing material.
- The approximate quantity or area being removed.
- The location of the project.
- The available space and access arrangements.
- The planned start date.
- The expected duration of the work.
- Whether you'll need one collection or ongoing exchanges.
If you have a roofing specification, survey information or approximate measurements, these may also help us discuss your requirements.
For further information about the hire process, read our Complete Guide to Asbestos Skip Hire.
If you're unsure whether a particular material can be accepted, see What Can You Put in an Asbestos Skip?
Enclosed Asbestos Skip Hire Across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Smart Environmental supplies enclosed asbestos skips for roofing, agricultural, construction and commercial projects.
Our service areas include Nottingham, Mansfield, Derby, Chesterfield, Newark and surrounding areas.
We can discuss the container size, delivery arrangements and collection requirements for your project.
Visit our Asbestos Skip Hire page for further information.
Need Help Choosing an Asbestos Skip Size?
If you're unsure which container you need, contact Smart Environmental with the approximate quantity of waste and details of your project.
We'll discuss your requirements and help identify a suitable enclosed asbestos skip.
Call 01623 272 919 for a quotation.