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 Townsville job |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 m³ | ≈ 8 wheelie bins | ≈ 2 trailer loads | An under-house or shed clean-out, or a small load of soil or broken concrete. |
| 3 m³ | ≈ 13 wheelie bins | ≈ 3 trailer loads | A backyard clean-up or a room or two of old furniture. |
| 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 or a big storm or yard clean-up. |
| 8 m³ | ≈ 33 wheelie bins | ≈ 8 trailer loads | Moving house, a Defence posting move or a deceased estate. |
| 9 m³ | ≈ 38 wheelie bins | ≈ 9 trailer loads | A large highset renovation or extension. |
| 12 m³ | ≈ 50 wheelie bins | ≈ 12 trailer loads | New builds in Burdell, Mount Low or Bushland Beach, or a big clean-up. Needs good access. |
Wheelie bin figure = size ÷ 0.24 m³, rounded. Not every operator stocks every size.
Choosing the right size
Around Townsville, a 2–3 m³ skip handles most shed, garage and under-house clean-ups, 4 m³ a bathroom, 6 m³ a kitchen or big storm or yard job, and 8–12 m³ a house clear-out or a new build. Palm fronds are bulky, so a green-only bin fills faster than you'd think.
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 jobs. Heavy waste (soil, concrete, besser blocks) 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, carport roofs, overhanging trees and soft ground in the wet season. A driveway is the easiest spot. If the only space is the road, read the Townsville skip permit 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.