How High Can you Fill a Skip? | JustHire

Filling a skip

Knowing how to fill a skip correctly can save you time and money. In this guide, we address key questions you may have about filling a skip and provide a walkthrough on how to fill a skip effectively and efficiently.

How High Can You Fill a Skip?

All skips have a limit to how high or full they can be filled, indicated by the walls of the skip. The waste you put into the skip should not exceed these walls. If you overfill a skip, the skip company may refuse to collect it as it can be dangerous.

Remember to keep the skip at a level load, not piling over the skip walls. If you're unsure what that means for your skip, call the skip company; they can provide you with all the information you need. If you have overfilled the skip, simply remove some of the unwanted materials so that it is a level load.

How Heavy Can You Fill a Skip?

Skips are measured in cubic yards. One cubic yard can contain up to one thousand kilograms of waste. Therefore, a 2-yard skip will have a maximum weight of two thousand kilograms of waste. This logic can be applied up to an 8-yard skip with a maximum of eight thousand kilograms.

However, for skips larger than 8 yards, such as a 10-yard skip, this logic does not apply due to weight restrictions. When you combine the weight of the skip, the waste, and the skip lorry, it cannot exceed legal weight limits. Remember, 10-yard skips up to 16-yard skips are for light waste only and cannot contain any hardcore such as brick, aggregate, or soil. For any heavy materials, you will need to hire a 2-yard up to a maximum 8-yard skip.

What Can and Cannot Be Put in a Skip?

This can be found here.

How to Fill a Skip Efficiently and Maximise Your Skip Space

Skips can be expensive to hire, so make sure you fill them efficiently to make the most of your time and money. When filling a mixed waste skip, you may have a variety of waste types such as hardcore, wood, plastic, household waste, and garden waste.

Filling the skip in a particular way will make use of all the space in the skip. This walkthrough will take you step-by-step on how to fill your mixed waste skip in the most efficient way possible.

1. Hire the Correct Size Skip

Estimate how much waste you will have before ordering a skip. Most skip companies offer skips from 2 yards up to 16 yards.

By estimating the amount of waste before ordering a skip, you can choose the exact size that suits your needs, avoiding the cost of a too-large skip or the inconvenience of needing a replacement skip if the one you hired was too small.

2. Hire the Correct Type of Skip

Also, think about the type of skip you are going to order. You can order skips with drop doors, which are large doors at the end of the skip that can be lowered for easy access when filling. These drop-door skips are especially helpful with heavy waste like hardcore or soil.

3. Position the Skip Well

Position the skip where it will be easy to fill. You will want enough room to lift items into the skip and use any hoists or equipment if needed. Consider the distance you may have to carry the waste; you don't want to carry heavy, bulky items over a large distance.

You also need to think about the space required for the size skip you have ordered. Measure the space to ensure the skip will fit. Choose a location that the skip lorry can access for delivery and collection. Skip lorries require 3-4 meters of height clearance and at least 3 meters of width clearance.

4. Use Equipment to Help Fill the Skip

Use equipment like wheelbarrows to make filling the skip easier, saving you energy and time. You may want to construct a ramp into the skip using planks of wood; make sure they are sturdy and well-placed.

5. Give Yourself Enough Time to Fill the Skip

Most companies will give you up to 14 days to fill the skip. Make sure you have given yourself enough time, as you don’t want to be charged for extra days or a new skip altogether.

6. Organise Your Waste into Piles:

  • Pile one: Lightweight waste: garden waste, plastic, cardboard

  • Pile two: Heavy waste: builders’ rubble, bricks, hardcore

  • Pile three: Flat, long waste: planks of wood, drainpipes, posts

  • Pile four: Bulky items: tables, chairs, cupboards (break these down into smaller pieces, like removing table legs)

7. Flat Items Along the Sides, Lightweight Waste in the Middle, then Heavy Waste on Top

Here is a method to fill the skip in the most space-efficient way possible:

  • Place long items along the sides to make the most of the space.

  • Place lightweight waste such as garden waste in the middle of the skip, as it can be compressed when heavier items are placed on top.

  • Put heavy waste on top of the lightweight items, such as rubble or brick, to compress the light waste.

  • Repeat with another layer of lightweight waste followed by a layer of heavy waste. This maximises the space in the skip and prevents lightweight items from being blown away by the wind.

8. Wait for 24 Hours

If you followed the method above, wait 24 hours after you have filled the skip. The lightweight waste in the middle will compress overnight, giving you even more space in the skip by morning.

9. Level Load the Skip

Ensure you do not overfill the skip. Overfilling is when items overflow the brim of the skip. If a skip is filled correctly, you should be able to place a wooden plank on the brim on one side, and it should run undisturbed and flat across to the brim on the other side. If you overfill a skip, the skip company can refuse to collect it and charge you for a wasted journey, which can be up to £100.

Following these nine steps will make filling your skip both time and cost-effective. It will allow you to fit all your waste into a mixed skip with minimal fuss and save money by not having to order another.

 

Summary - How to Fill a Skip?

How to fill a skip

  • Do not overfill the skip.

  • Do not put heavy waste in any skip size over 8 yards.

  • Fill the skip efficiently.

Author: James Duncan

Date: 22/06/22

 

Author: Spencer Murphy

Date: 6/22/2022

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Can a Skip be Lifted over a Wall or Fence?

Can a Skip be Lifted over a Wall or Fence?

The answer is: it depends. Several factors determine whether a skip can be lifted over a wall or fence. In this article, we will explore these factors to help you understand if it is possible in your situation. In most cases, it is best to contact the skip hire service directly and inform them of your need to have the skip lifted over a wall or obstacle. They will be able to assess and let you know if it is feasible.   Factors to Consider When Lifting a Skip Over a Wall1. What Is the Size of the Fence or Wall?The maximum height a skip can be safely lifted over is generally 4 feet. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend that the height should not exceed 3 feet.2. What Size Skip Are You Looking to Order?Smaller skips, such as 2-yard or 4-yard skips, are easier to lift over obstacles than larger skips like 12-yard or 14-yard options. This will be considered by the skip hire company, so if lifting the skip is necessary, opting for a smaller size may be more suitable.3. What Skip Lorries Are Available?The ability to lift a skip over a wall or fence can depend on the type of lorries available to the skip hire company. Some lorries are not equipped to lift skips over obstacles, so availability may be a limiting factor.4. Skip Lorry Driver ExperienceThe experience of the skip lorry driver is crucial. Some drivers have more expertise than others in handling lifts over walls or fences. Ask the skip hire company ahead of time if they have an experienced driver available. This increases your chances of a successful delivery.5. Getting the Lorry Square to the Wall or FenceFor a skip to be successfully lifted over a wall or fence, the rear of the lorry needs to be positioned squarely with the obstacle. If the lorry cannot get square to the wall or fence, it may not be possible to lift the skip over it.6. The Risk of Damaging PropertyRequesting a skip to be lifted over a wall or fence carries the risk of damaging the structure. Most skip hire companies will not accept liability for any damage caused. Consider carefully whether the skip truly needs to be positioned over a wall or if there are other alternatives.Alternatives to Lifting a Skip Over a Fence or WallInstead of lifting a skip over a wall or fence, consider these alternatives:Place the Skip on a Road: Placing a skip on a public road requires a skip permit, which the skip hire company can usually arrange for an additional cost.Position the Skip Elsewhere on Your Property: A driveway can be an ideal location for a skip, as it is easily accessible and does not require permits, potentially reducing costs.Opt for a Wait and Load Service: This service involves delivering the skip, loading the waste within 30 minutes, and then collecting it immediately. The skip can be temporarily placed on a public road without a permit during this time.
What Size Skip do I Need?

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What Can You Put in a Skip? An Expert Guide | JustHire

What Can You Put in a Skip? An Expert Guide | JustHire

You might be surprised at just how much you can put in a skip. From general household waste to building waste, there are many things that can be disposed of in a skip. However, there are also some hazardous items that can't be placed in a skip. If you fill your hired skip with any of these items, you could be charged heavily, or the skip hire company may refuse to collect the skip.Follow our guide to dispose of all your waste without a hitch.What Can You Put in a Skip?Things that can be put in a skip include anything that is non-hazardous waste, such as:Construction Waste: Timber, rubble, tiles, ceramics and bricks.Inert Waste: Aggregates and soil.General Waste: Items that go in black bin bags as part of your weekly black bin collection.Domestic Waste: Food waste and packaging, clothes. Green Garden Waste: Grass clippings, weeds, leaves, branches and shrubbery.Paper & Cardboard: Packaging or promotional cards.Plastic: Plastic bottles, detergent bottles, etc.Glass: Glass bottles, green house glass and glass panels can be put into a skip.Commercial or Trade Waste: Large amounts of mixed wasteMetal: Drink cans, foil, bedframes.Wood: Old wood flooring, scrap wood from DIY.If you have any of the waste items above that need disposing of, a skip could be a great option.What Can You Put in a Skip SummaryConstruction WasteInert WasteGeneral WasteDomestic WasteGarden WasteCardboardPlasticGlassCommercial or Trade WasteMetalsWoodFollow the list above, and your waste disposal should run smoothly. However, always check with the waste management company, as they may have their own regulations regarding their services.Can I be charged for any Items are there any exceptions?Plasterboard is a type of construction waste that can be charged extra, and you may even need to hire a plasterboard skip. One type of garden waste that may not be allowed in a skip is tree roots. Some skip hire companies may allow mattresses to be placed in the skip at an extra charge but always check with the skip hire service first. What Cannot be put into Skips?Unfortunately, certain items cannot be placed in a skip. Items that cannot be put into a skip are any hazardous waste, which could cause harm.Skips are open-topped and can be accessed by anyone and anything. If a skip is placed on a public road, it cannot contain hazardous materials that could be accessed by the public. It is also important not to put items in the skip that the skip company cannot dispose of. These special items must be disposed of in a particular way by specialist recycling plants.If you put these items in a skip, the skip company will either refuse to collect the skip or charge you a large fine.Items that cannot be put in skips Include:Electrical Appliances / Electrical Equipment: Televisions, computer monitors, washing machines, fridges, microwaves, etc. Any item that you would plug into wall would be deemed an electrical appliance and cannot be put in a skip. Due to the WEEE directive, all electrical equipment needs to be taken to a registered recycling centre.Tyres: Old car or bike tyres are not allowed in a skip. Take them to your local garage. Upholstered Seating and Furniture: Sofas, armchairs, futons, bean bags, foot stools and cushions cannot be put in a skip. As of January 1, 2023, the Environmental Agency has stated that any upholstered seating must be disposed of as hazardous waste due to containing POPs (persistent organic pollutants). Asbestos: Used in construction work for many years, asbestos must never be placed in a skip and requires specialist disposal.Harmful Chemicals: Includes anything that could be harmful to people and the environment, such as solvents and glue.Fluorescent Tubes / Fluorescent Bulbs : Contain mercury and cannot be put in a skip.Medical Waste: Includes biological waste or bodily fluids.Batteries: Contain harmful battery acid and therefore batteries cannot be put in a skip and must be taken to a recycling centre.Paint Cans & Paint Tins / Paint Solvents: Filled paint tins cannot be put in a skip and need to be disposed of at a recycling centre or local tip.Oil/Petrol/Diesel: Extremely flammable and should never be put in a skip.Gas Cylinders & Used Cylinders: Must be taken to recycling centres or back to the business from which they were purchased.Animal Waste: Including deceased animals, fur, feathers, and excrement must not be put in a skip and must be disposed of in a specialised manner.What Can't be put into a Skip SummaryElectrical appliances / Electrical equipment TyresUpholstered seating (including sofas)AsbestosHarmful chemicalsFluorescent tubes Medical waste / Clinical Waste BatteriesFilled paint tinsOil/petrol/dieselGas cylindersAnimal wasteHiring a skip can be expensive, so make sure you do not put any of the materials listed above into a skip. If you do, the skip hire company will contact you and either refuse collection or charge you more.What You Can and Cannot put in a Skip Summary We hope this guide was helpful in understanding what can and cannot be disposed of in a skip. If you are unsure if something can go in the skip, the general rule of thumb is to contact the skip hire company first to see their prohibited items. Each skip hire service may have different rules.Now, if someone asks you, "What can you put in a skip?" you can confidently answer.Still confused about what you can put in a skip?Please contact us by emailing contact@justhire.com. One of our friendly customer service representatives will be more than happy to help.