FEL Bin vs Skip: Which Is Better (and Cheaper) for Your Business?

Rechenda Smith
3 days ago
2 min read

If your business produces a high volume of waste, you’re probably using skips. They’re familiar, easy to order, and widely used across construction, manufacturing and commercial sites.

But there’s a cheaper, more efficient alternative that many businesses overlook: the FEL bin (Front End Loader).

In many cases, an FEL bin can be around half the price of a skip for the same volume of waste.

Here’s how to decide which is right for your business.

What Is a Skip?

A skip is an open waste container hired on a short-term basis and collected once full.

Skips are commonly used for:

Construction and renovation projects
One-off clear-outs
Mixed and bulky waste

Downsides of skips:

Higher cost per collection
Open tops attract contamination, rainwater and fly-tipping
Poor site appearance
Not cost-effective for ongoing waste

Skips work well for temporary waste. They’re not designed for regular, high-volume commercial use.

What Is an FEL Bin?

An FEL bin (Front End Loader bin) is a large, lidded commercial waste container, typically 8–12 cubic yards, collected using a specialist vehicle.

FEL bins are ideal for:

Manufacturing sites
Warehouses and distribution centres
Hospitality venues
Businesses producing consistent, high-volume waste

Benefits of FEL bins:

Secure, lockable and weatherproof
Regular scheduled collections
Lower cost per cubic yard
Cleaner and safer waste storage

FEL Bin vs Skip: Cost Comparison

This is where the difference really shows.

An FEL bin is often around 50% cheaper than using skips for the same amount of waste.

Why FEL bins cost less:

Fewer vehicle movements
More efficient collections
No repeated skip hire fees
Lower transport and handling costs

Instead of paying per swap, you pay for planned, predictable collections.

FEL Bin vs Skip: Comparison Table

Feature	Skip	FEL Bin
Cost per lift	Higher	Lower
Best for regular waste	❌ No	✅ Yes
Security	❌ Open	✅ Lockable
Fly-tipping risk	High	Low
Site appearance	Poor	Professional
Waste volume capacity	Medium	High

When Is an FEL Bin Better Than a Skip?

An FEL bin is usually the better option if:

You’re ordering multiple skips each month
Waste production is ongoing
You want to reduce waste costs
You need a secure, tidy waste solution

If skips are being changed frequently, an FEL bin will almost always be more cost-effective.

Is a Skip Ever the Better Option?

Yes.

Skips still make sense for:

Short-term projects
Demolition or refurb work
Irregular or unpredictable waste

The right solution often involves matching the container to the waste, not defaulting to the same option every time.

Free Waste Audit: Find the Cheapest Option

At Marshalls, we assess your waste setup properly before recommending anything.

We look at:

Waste type and volume
Collection frequency
Available space
Recycling and compliance

Then we tell you whether an FEL bin, skip, or combination will give you the best value.

👉 Book a free waste audit by calling 07506 209891 or emailing info@marshallswaste.co.uk and find out if an FEL bin could cut your waste costs in half.