How Many Bin Bags Fit in a Skip?
When you’re planning a cleanup or renovation, working out how many bin bags will fit into your skip can save you time, money and hassle. The short answer? It depends on the size of your skip and your bin bags, but I’ve crunched the numbers to give you a practical guide.
Skip Bin Sizes vs. Bin Bag Capacity
In Australia, skip bins are measured in cubic metres (m³), while bin bags are typically measured in litres (L). Since 1 cubic metre equals 1,000 litres, you can work out roughly how many bags will fit in your skip.
Most Aussie households use bin bags ranging from 27L for kitchen bins up to 80L for larger household waste. The most common skip bin sizes you’ll find from hire companies range from 2m³ to 12m³.
The Numbers Breakdown
If you’re using standard 80L heavy-duty bin bags, here’s how many would theoretically fit in different skip sizes:
- 2m³ skip: About 25 bags of 80L each
- 4m³ skip: About 50 bags
- 6m³ skip: About 75 bags
- 8m³ skip: About 100 bags
- 10m³ skip: About 125 bags
For smaller kitchen-sized bags (around 27L), the numbers increase significantly:
- 2m³ skip: Approximately 74 bags
- 4m³ skip: Approximately 148 bags
- 6m³ skip: Approximately 222 bags
Real-World Considerations
Before you rush to fill your skip with hundreds of bags, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, these calculations assume perfect packing, which rarely happens in the real world. Your actual capacity will be less.
Skips in Australia are often described in terms of trailer loads rather than bin bags. For example, a 2m³ skip is equivalent to about 2 standard trailer loads or 8 wheelie bins. This might be a more practical way to visualise capacity for your cleanup.
The type of waste matters too. Bulky items create air pockets. Heavy materials like soil and concrete might reach the skip’s weight limit before you fill its volume.
A Bit from My Experience
I’ve worked in the waste management industry for over 20 years, and I’ve seen the shocked look on people’s faces when they realise they’ve ordered a skip that’s too small. One customer in Colemale ordered a 2m³ skip for a large kitchen renovation, thinking it would be plenty. Three hours later, he was on the phone asking for a larger size! The rule of thumb I always share: whatever size you think you need, go one size up.
