RoRo Container Sizes
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) containers are ideal when you’ve got larger volumes of waste to deal with. They’re commonly used on construction sites, industrial premises, factories and larger commercial sites where a standard skip simply isn’t big enough.
RoRos come in a range of sizes, generally from around 15 to 40 cubic yards. The right size will depend on what you’re putting in it as well as the amount of waste you’re producing.
RoRo Size Guide
| Size | Capacity | Approx. Length | Approx. Width | Approx. Height | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 yard | 11.5 m³ | 5.8–6.1 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 0.9–1.2 m | Heavy and dense waste |
| 20 yard | 15.3 m³ | 5.8–6.1 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 1.2–1.3 m | Construction, metal and heavier waste |
| 25 yard | 19.1 m³ | 5.8–6.3 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 1.5–1.7 m | General commercial and industrial waste |
| 30 yard | 22.9 m³ | 5.8–6.3 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 1.8–2.1 m | Wood, manufacturing and bulky waste |
| 35 yard | 26.8 m³ | 5.8–6.3 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 2.1–2.4 m | Larger volumes of lighter waste |
| 40 yard | 30.6 m³ | 5.8–6.3 m | 2.2–2.4 m | 2.4–2.7 m | Bulky, high-volume waste |
Dimensions do vary slightly between different container manufacturers, so these measurements should be used as a guide rather than an exact specification.
20 Yard RoRo
A 20 yard RoRo holds around 15.3 cubic metres of waste and is typically about 6 metres long, 2.4 metres wide and 1.2–1.3 metres high.
The lower sides make it a good choice for heavier materials, including construction and demolition waste, metal, timber and heavier industrial waste.
It’s worth remembering that bigger isn’t always better with heavy waste. A large 40 yard container filled with dense material could become too heavy to transport long before it’s actually full. In these situations, a 20 yard RoRo will normally be the better option.
40 Yard RoRo
A 40 yard RoRo holds around 30.6 cubic metres and is typically 6–6.3 metres long, 2.4 metres wide and around 2.4–2.7 metres high.
It’s roughly twice the volume of a 20 yard RoRo and is particularly useful for lighter, bulky materials such as:
Cardboard and packaging
Plastics
Wood
Furniture
Bulky commercial waste
General light industrial waste
If you’re producing a lot of bulky waste, using a 40 yard RoRo can reduce the number of collections and exchanges required.
How Much Space Does a RoRo Need?
This is something that’s easily overlooked.
Although the container itself is only around 6 metres long, the vehicle needs considerably more room to deliver and collect it.
RoRos are transported on large hook-loader vehicles. The driver needs to reverse into position and then roll the container on or off the back of the vehicle.
As a general guide, you should allow:
Around 6–6.3 metres for the container itself
Approximately 16 metres of clear space for delivery and collection
Around 5.5 metres of overhead clearance
Enough width and turning room for a large rigid vehicle
Firm, reasonably level ground
Before Ordering a RoRo
Have a quick look at the proposed container location and the route the vehicle will need to take.
Things that can cause problems include narrow entrances, tight corners, parked vehicles, low branches, overhead cables, canopies and soft or uneven ground.
The surface also needs to be suitable for a heavy vehicle. Bear in mind that both the vehicle and container will be considerably heavier when the RoRo is collected.
If access looks tight, speak to us before ordering. We can check the site requirements and advise on the best option.
Which Size Do I Need?
For heavy or dense waste, we’d normally recommend one of the lower-sided containers, such as a 15 or 20 yard RoRo.
For lighter, bulky waste, a 30, 35 or 40 yard RoRo will usually make better use of the available space and reduce the number of collections needed.
If you’re not sure, don’t worry about trying to work it out from cubic yards alone. Tell us what you’re disposing of, roughly how much you’re producing and how often, and we’ll help you choose the most suitable container.
Please note
Container sizes and dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the equipment available in your area.
If space or access is restricted, please speak to us before ordering and we’ll make sure the container and vehicle are suitable for your site.