The construction industry generates 62% of the UK’s waste. In 2022 alone, England produced 63 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste.
If you’re managing a large-scale project, you’ve probably realised standard skips don’t cut it. You need something bigger, more efficient, and capable of handling serious volume.
That’s where Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) skips come in. But what is a roll on roll off skip, and when do you actually need one?
What Is a RoRo Skip?
A RoRo skip is a large waste container designed for high-volume projects. The name comes from how it works: the container rolls on and off a specialist lorry using hydraulic systems and heavy-duty wheels.
Unlike standard skips that get lifted by chains, RoRo containers simply roll into position. This makes delivery and collection faster and more efficient.
Capacity matters. RoRo skips range from 20 yards to 40 cubic yards. A single 24-yard RoRo can hold approximately 350-380 black bags or up to 15 tonnes of waste. Compare that to a standard 8-yard skip or larger 12-yard skip, and you’ll see the difference immediately.
Where you’d need three separate standard skip hires for a major project, one RoRo container handles the same volume with a single delivery and collection cycle.
When to Hire a RoRo Truck: Project Types That Benefit Most
Not every project requires a RoRo skip. Understanding when to hire a RoRo truck (rather than standard skip hire) makes the difference between efficient waste management and unnecessary expense. Here’s when hiring one makes sense:
Large Construction and Demolition Projects
If you’re generating significant volumes of bricks, concrete, hardcore, or mixed construction waste, a RoRo skip provides the capacity to keep up with demand. You spend less time organising collections and more time getting on with the job.
Multi-Storey Clear-Outs
Commercial building refurbishments or complete strip-outs produce waste fast. A RoRo skip sits on site and handles the continuous flow without constant interruptions for exchanges.
Ongoing Manufacturing Waste
Industrial operations with consistent waste output benefit from having a permanent RoRo container on site. It simplifies your waste management process and reduces the administrative burden of scheduling multiple collections.
When Standard Skips Become Inefficient
If you’re booking your third or fourth standard skip for the same project, you’ve crossed the threshold. Multiple smaller skips mean multiple deliveries, multiple collections, and multiplied costs.
One RoRo container consolidates everything.
The Cost-Effectiveness Question
RoRo skips have a higher initial hire cost than standard skips. But the economics shift when you factor in volume and frequency.
Fewer collections mean fewer trips. Fewer trips mean lower transport costs and reduced carbon emissions. For high-volume waste projects, this efficiency translates into genuine savings.
There’s another financial consideration: landfill tax. As of April 2025, the standard rate sits at £126.15 per tonne, up from £91.35 in 2019. Efficient waste management through properly sized containers becomes more financially critical every year.
Environmental Benefits You Can Measure
Fewer deliveries and collections mean less time on the road for waste management trucks. Less road time means lower emissions.
RoRo skips reduce your business’s overall carbon footprint simply through consolidation. Instead of five trips for five standard skips, you’re looking at two trips for one RoRo container: one delivery, one collection.
The global construction and demolition waste management market is projected to reach over $300 billion by 2030. As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, efficient waste management moves from nice-to-have to essential.
What You Can Put in a RoRo Skip
RoRo skips handle most construction and demolition waste:
- Bricks and concrete
- Hardcore and rubble
- Timber and wood
- Metal and scrap
- Mixed construction waste
- Soil and aggregates
Important: Hazardous materials, asbestos, chemicals, and certain types of contaminated waste require specialist disposal. Always check with your waste management provider about specific materials.
RoRo vs Skip Hire: Making the Right Choice
When comparing RoRo vs skip hire services, the decision comes down to volume and project duration.
For small domestic projects or short-term work, standard skips make sense. For instance, you can hire a skip in Southampton for garden waste. For large commercial builds, demolitions, or ongoing industrial operations, RoRo skips deliver better value and efficiency. We offer a wide range of skip sizes, and you can contact our team if you have any questions before booking.
The waste management landscape is changing. With 13% of construction materials diverted straight to waste without being used, the industry needs better practices. Proper waste management starts with choosing the right container for your project scale.
Get the Right Skip for Your Project
We provide RoRo skip hire across the UK with straightforward pricing and reliable service. Whether you’re planning a major demolition or managing ongoing commercial waste, we’ll help you find the right solution. We’re also available for regular skips in Reading, Oxford, and other parts of the UK.
Need advice on skip sizing or have questions about what you can dispose of? Get in touch. We’ll talk through your project requirements and recommend the most efficient option.
Book your RoRo skip hire or enquire about your specific waste management needs today.
