Dumpster vs. Skip: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
A "dumpster" is a large trash container commonly used in the U.S., while a "skip" is the British term for a similar waste container.
Difference Between Dumpster and Skip
The term "dumpster" is widely recognized and utilized in American English to refer to a large, typically metal, container used for holding trash, particularly for commercial or construction waste. The origin of the word traces back to the Dempster Brothers Inc., who introduced a waste disposal system named "Dempster-Dumpster." Over time, the brand name evolved into the generalized term "dumpster" that Americans use today to denote such containers.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Conversely, the term "skip" is the British counterpart to the American "dumpster." In the UK and other Commonwealth nations, when people refer to large containers designed for holding substantial amounts of waste, particularly at construction sites, they're talking about skips. These skips are usually open-topped and can be found in various sizes to accommodate different quantities of waste.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
At their core, both "dumpster" and "skip" serve the same fundamental purpose: to store large quantities of waste in one place until it's time for disposal. However, while their function remains consistent, the terminology is regionally specific. If you're in the U.S. and request a skip, you might receive puzzled looks. Conversely, asking for a dumpster in the UK could result in similar confusion.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In summary, while "dumpster" and "skip" both denote large containers designed for waste collection and disposal, their usage is geographically determined. The former is prevalent in American English, while the latter is predominant in British English and certain Commonwealth countries.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Dumpster vs. Skip Comparison Chart
Origin
Derived from "Dempster-Dumpster," an American brand.
British term for waste container.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Usage
Commonly used in American English.
Commonly used in British English and the Commonwealth.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Typical Context
Often associated with commercial or construction waste.
Commonly found at construction sites in the UK.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Appearance
Usually rectangular and may have a lid.
Typically open-topped, comes in various sizes.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
Dumpster vs. Skip Definitions
◉Dumpster
A large metal container for waste.
The alley behind the restaurant had a green dumpster filled with cardboard boxes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Skip
A large open container for waste, especially in the UK.
The construction site had two skips to collect rubble and debris.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dumpster
A trademarked term that became generic for waste containers.
Just like Kleenex for tissues, Dumpster originated from a brand name.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Skip
A receptacle for holding and transporting construction waste.
They ordered a skip to get rid of the old bathroom fixtures.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dumpster
A movable waste container usually emptied by special trucks.
Once a week, the garbage truck comes around to empty the dumpsters in our neighborhood.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Skip
An open-topped waste container, often found at building sites.
The skip was almost full, so they called for its removal.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dumpster
A commercial waste bin, especially for construction debris.
After the demolition, they ordered a 30-yard dumpster to manage the waste.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dumpster
A receptacle for holding considerable trash amounts.
The apartment complex had three dumpsters to accommodate the residents' trash.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Dumpster
A container for receiving, transporting, and dumping waste materials.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To bounce over or be deflected from a surface; skim or ricochet
threw the stone so it skipped over the water.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Dumpster
A large, usually metal trash receptacle designed to be hoisted up by a garbage truck in order to be emptied.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To pass from point to point, omitting or disregarding what intervenes
skipped through the list hurriedly.
skipping over the dull passages in the novel.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To pass over without mentioning; omit
skipped the minor details of the story.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
A leaping or jumping movement, especially a gait in which hops and steps alternate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
A control mechanism on an audio or video player that interrupts the playing of a recording and advances or reverses to the beginning of the nearest chapter, track, or other division.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
A container for receiving, transporting, and dumping waste materials.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(intransitive) To move by hopping on alternate feet.
She will skip from one end of the sidewalk to the other.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(intransitive) To skim, ricochet or bounce over a surface.
The rock will skip across the pond.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(transitive) To throw (something), making it skim, ricochet, or bounce over a surface.
I bet I can skip this rock to the other side of the pond.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(transitive) To disregard, miss or omit part of a continuation (some item or stage).
My heart will skip a beat.
I will read most of the book, but skip the first chapter because the video covered it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
Not to attend (some event, especially a class or a meeting).
Yeah, I really should go to the quarterly meeting but I think I'm going to skip it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To leave, especially in a sudden and covert manner.
to skip the country
a customer who skipped town without paying her hotel bill
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To pass by a stitch as if it were not there, continuing with the next stitch.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
The act of passing over an interval from one thing to another; an omission of a part.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(music) A passage from one sound to another by more than a degree at once.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
A large open-topped container for waste, designed to be lifted onto the back of a truck to remove it along with its contents. see also skep.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(mining) A transportation container in a mine, usually for ore or mullock.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
Short for skipper, the master or captain of a ship, or other person in authority.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(specially) The captain of a sports team. Also, a form of address by the team to the captain.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(curling) The player who calls the shots and traditionally throws the last two rocks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
(bowls) The captain of a bowls team, who directs the team's tactics and rolls the side's last wood, so as to be able to retrieve a difficult situation if necessary.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
The scoutmaster of a troop of scouts (youth organization) and their form of address to him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
An iron bucket, which slides between guides, for hoisting mineral and rock.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
The act of passing over an interval from one thing to another; an omission of a part.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To leap lightly; to move in leaps and hounds; - commonly implying a sportive spirit.
The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day,Had he thy reason, would he skip and play?
So she drew her mother away skipping, dancing, and frisking fantastically.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
Fig.: To leave matters unnoticed, as in reading, speaking, or writing; to pass by, or overlook, portions of a thing; - often followed by over.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
To pass over or by without notice; to omit; to miss; as, to skip a line in reading; to skip a lesson.
They who have a mind to see the issue may skip these two chapters.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
bypass;
He skipped a row in the text and so the sentence was incomprehensible
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Skip
A bin used for disposing of large quantities of rubbish.
After cleaning the attic, they filled an entire skip with old junk.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Skip
A British term for a large trash or rubbish bin.
The old furniture was too bulky, so they threw it in a skip.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Dumpster vs. Skip Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dumpster in American English?
A dumpster is a large trash container commonly used for holding waste, especially in commercial or construction contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Why is it called a "dumpster" in the U.S.?
The term "dumpster" originated from the Dempster Brothers Inc., who introduced a waste disposal system named "Dempster-Dumpster."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can "dumpster" and "skip" be used interchangeably?
While they have the same function, their usage is region-specific; "dumpster" is American, while "skip" is British.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Do "dumpster" and "skip" serve the same function?
Yes, both are used to store large quantities of waste, especially at construction sites.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "skip" an American term?
No, "skip" is the British term for what Americans call a "dumpster."
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Where might you see a skip?
Skips are commonly found at construction sites, home renovations, or anywhere significant waste disposal is required, especially in the UK.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Dumpster" a brand name?
Originally, "Dumpster" was a brand name introduced by Dempster Brothers Inc., but it has since become a generic term in American English.
William
Sep 26, 2023
Where did the term "skip" originate?
"Skip" is a British term for a large container used for holding waste.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Are there size differences between dumpsters and skips?
Both dumpsters and skips come in various sizes, but specific dimensions can vary based on the manufacturer and region.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How often are dumpsters or skips emptied?
The frequency varies based on the amount of waste produced and local disposal services. Typically, they're emptied when full or on a scheduled basis
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
