If you run a site or yard in Singapore that produces heavy waste, sooner or later you need a skip tank. This guide explains what a skip tank is, the sizes on offer, what you can put in one, and how the roll-on roll-off system works, so you can pick the right unit without guesswork.
What is a skip tank?
A skip tank is a heavy-duty open-top steel bin that loads onto and off a hook-lift truck. You will also hear it called a hook bin or a roll-on roll-off (RoRo) container. The three names all describe the same thing.
The difference from an ordinary fixed skip is the loading method. A skip tank rolls straight onto the truck bed on rollers, hooked and winched up by the truck itself. That means a full bin can be swapped for an empty one in a single visit, with no crane and very little downtime. On busy Singapore construction sites, that speed is the whole point.
Skip tank sizes in Singapore
Skip tanks come in a few standard sizes. The right one depends less on how much waste you have and more on how heavy it is. Dense waste goes in shorter bins so the load stays within safe weight limits; lighter, bulkier waste suits taller units where you need volume.
|
Type |
Approx size (L x W x H) |
Best for |
|
4ft skip bin |
~4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 m |
Heavy inert waste: concrete, rubble, soil |
|
6ft skip bin |
~4.8 x 2.4 x 1.8 m |
General and bulkier construction waste |
|
Open-top skip tank (RoRo) |
Larger, higher volume |
High-volume debris and bulk material |
Exact dimensions vary by manufacturer, so confirm the figures before you order. As a rule of thumb, use a 4ft bin for concrete and rubble, and step up to a 6ft or open-top unit for lighter, bulkier material.
What can go in a skip tank?
Skip tanks are built for the waste a normal bin cannot handle:
- Construction and demolition debris: concrete, rubble, brick and tiles.
- Scrap metal and recyclable offcuts.
- Soil, aggregate and loose bulk material.
- Heavy industrial and yard waste.
Hazardous waste, chemicals and certain regulated materials have separate handling rules under Singapore’s waste regulations, so check before loading anything questionable.
How the roll-on roll-off system works
The appeal of a skip tank is the speed of the swap. The cycle is simple:
- The hook-lift truck rolls an empty bin onto your site.
- You fill it from the top with debris, scrap or bulk material.
- The truck hooks the bin and winches it back on board.
- It hauls the full bin away and, if needed, drops an empty one in its place.
No crane, no manual transfer, minimal disruption to the work going on around it.
Skip tank vs other waste containers
|
Feature |
Skip tank / hook bin |
Fixed skip |
Wheelie bin |
|
Loading |
Rolls on and off a hook-lift truck |
Lifted by chains or arms |
Wheeled by hand |
|
Capacity |
Medium to large |
Small to medium |
Small |
|
Best for |
Heavy site and bulk waste |
General waste |
Everyday refuse |
For open-top shipping units rather than waste bins, see our special containers, which cover open top, flat rack and more.
Buying or hiring a skip tank in Singapore
As a container supplier in Singapore, INFINEX supplies skip tanks and hook bins for both sale and lease. Tell us the size and quantity, and whether you want to buy or hire, and we will match the right unit for your site. Browse the full container range, or ask about customised container solutions if you need a lidded or enclosed version.
Frequently asked questions
What is a skip tank?
A skip tank is a heavy-duty open-top steel bin, also called a hook bin or roll-on roll-off container, that loads onto a hook-lift truck. It is used to collect and move construction waste, scrap and bulk material off site.
What is the difference between a skip tank and a hook bin?
They are the same thing. Skip tank, hook bin and roll-on roll-off container all describe an open-top bin that rolls on and off a hook-lift truck.
What sizes do skip tanks come in?
Common sizes in Singapore are the 4ft and 6ft skip bins, plus larger open-top RoRo units. Shorter bins suit heavy inert waste; taller ones suit bulkier, lighter material.
What can I put in a skip tank?
Construction and demolition debris, concrete, rubble, scrap metal, soil and general bulk waste. Hazardous waste has separate handling rules, so check before loading.
Can I buy or hire a skip tank in Singapore?
Yes. INFINEX supplies skip tanks and hook bins for both sale and lease. Send your size and quantity through our contact page for a quotation.