40 Yard RoRo Skip Hire: The Largest Roll-on Roll-off Container

The 40-yard RoRo is used where volume is high and density is low. Distribution and fulfilment centres use it for cardboard, plastic film and polystyrene. Large retailers and shopping centres hire it for refits. Manufacturers use it for bulky production waste and packaging. On large construction and refurbishment projects, it takes insulation, foam, packaging and soft-strip waste, often as part of a construction site clearance.

For organisations managing waste across multiple sites, our multi-site skip hire service coordinates containers through a single point of contact.

A 40-yard RoRo is purely a volume container. Soil, rubble, concrete and other dense waste are not accepted, and even light materials that are wet or tightly compacted can add significant weight. The supplier sets the allowance, which varies and is confirmed at booking.

With sides typically around 2.4 metres high, loading over the side by hand is not practical. Most users load by machine, from a raised loading dock, or through a rear door where the container has one. Spread the load evenly and keep it below the top so it can be sheeted for transport.

A 40-yard container needs the most space of any size in the range. The hook-loader requires a long, straight approach – typically around 25–30 metres including the vehicle – on firm, level ground, and the tall container needs generous overhead clearance during lifting. Gates, overhead cables, canopies and trees should all be checked. The supplier confirms site suitability before delivery.

A 40-yard RoRo is placed on private land in almost all cases, so a council permit is rarely needed. Road placement would require council approval – the highway authority in England, the local council in Scotland or the local authority in Wales.

Hire terms vary by supplier, and 40-yard containers are often hired on an ongoing basis with exchanges on request or on a regular schedule. Every collection is covered by a waste transfer note, and the waste goes to an authorised facility. Through WastePrime we can coordinate exchanges and collections centrally for single or multiple sites.

The 40-yard is the largest standard RoRo, so there is no larger single container. The next size down is the 35-yard RoRo, which is slightly lower and easier to load.

If a 40-yard RoRo is not available locally, we will usually suggest a 35-yard container, or two smaller containers or more frequent exchanges where volumes are very high. If your waste is denser than expected, a 20-yard RoRo is the more suitable choice. Read more on our RoRo skip hire page.