Here’s how to plan your skip hire around an attic conversion project in Dublin.

How Much Waste Does an Attic Conversion Generate?

Attic conversion waste comes in two distinct phases — the clear-out phase and the construction phase — and they generate very different types of waste.

Phase 1: The attic clear-out

Before any conversion work can begin, the attic needs to be emptied and often stripped back to the rafters. This generates:

• Existing insulation — rolls of mineral wool (Rockwool, Isover or similar), loose-fill insulation, or old fibreglass
• Years of stored items — boxes, old furniture, seasonal decorations, accumulated household clutter
• Old boarding or attic flooring if previously fitted

Phase 2: Construction waste

The conversion itself generates:

• Plasterboard off-cuts from wall and ceiling lining
• Timber off-cuts from stud work, flooring and structural elements
• New insulation packaging and off-cuts
• Velux window packaging and old roofing material if replaced
• Old or replaced roof tiles if any structural roofing work is involved
• General builder’s debris — bags, wrapping, fixings packaging

Recommended Skip Sizes for Attic Conversions

For most standard Dublin attic conversions — a Velux-style conversion with new stairs, insulation, plasterboard and flooring — a 6-yard standard skip at €349 is the right size. If the attic has been used for heavy storage over many years, consider upgrading to a 14-yard.

Can I Put Old Insulation in a Skip?

This is one of the most common questions we get about attic conversion waste — and the answer is yes, with some nuances.

Modern mineral wool insulation (Rockwool, Isover, fibreglass)

Standard mineral wool insulation rolls and batts — the pink, yellow or grey fibrous rolls most commonly found in Dublin attics — are accepted in Greyhound skips. They’re bulky and light, so they take up significant skip space relative to their weight. Bag them where possible to keep them manageable.

Loose-fill insulation

Loose vermiculite, cellulose or mineral fill can go in the skip but should be bagged before disposal — loose material creates dust and can contaminate other waste streams in the MRF.

Spray foam insulation

Cured spray foam that has been cut or removed can generally go in the skip as general construction waste. Uncured or liquid spray foam is a different matter — contact us if you’re unsure.

The Plasterboard Issue

Attic conversions use a lot of plasterboard — and plasterboard has special disposal rules in Ireland. Under Irish waste regulations, plasterboard (gypsum board) must be segregated from other skip waste and disposed of separately. This is because plasterboard in landfill produces hydrogen sulphide gas as it degrades.

In practice, this means:

• Let us know at booking that your skip will contain plasterboard
• We can advise on the best approach — in some cases a separate small skip or dedicated plasterboard collection is the most cost-effective option
• Your contractor should be aware of this requirement and factor it into their waste plan

Planning Your Attic Conversion Skip Hire

1. Phase your skip hire. Book a small skip for the initial clear-out, then a second skip for the construction phase. This keeps waste streams cleaner and avoids one oversized skip sitting for weeks.
2. Coordinate with your contractor. Your conversion contractor should have a plan for construction waste. Confirm who is responsible for skip hire — you or them — before work begins.
3. Check driveway access. Conversion work means builders’ vehicles coming and going. Make sure your skip placement doesn’t block your driveway or hinder materials delivery.
4. Book in advance. Summer is peak season for attic conversions in Dublin. Book your skip at least a week ahead, particularly for weekend delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions