Skip Hire: Do's and Don'ts

When hiring a skip there a few key things to do and not to do. In this article we will cover all the do's and don'ts when it comes to skip hire. 

Skip Hire: Do's

Do: Choose the Right size

It is important to select the correct size when hiring a skip. Choosing the right size skip will make sure you have the right size for the job. Skip sizes range from the smallest 2-yard up to the largest skip a 16-yard. If you pick a skip that is too big you may not be able to fit it on your driveway or you may be paying extra for skip space your not using. Choose a skip that is too small and it wont hold all your waste, you will end up ordering another skip, again costing you more money.

Check out our skip size guide to help you choose the correct skip for you.

Do: Choose the Right Type of Skip

Make sure when you order a skip it is the right one for the waste materials you are trying to dispose. If you are trying to get rid of builders waste such as bricks and rubble ask for a hardcore skip. If you have lots of garden trimmings ask for a green waste skip. If you have just soil ask for a inert waste skip. The important thing is to specify to the skip company the waste going in the skip, if you don't and you have ordered the incorrect type of skip you can be charged extra. To be safe it's best to hire a mixed waste skip. 

Do: Get a Skip Permit

If you intend on placing the skip on a public highway you need to get a skip hire permit from the skip provider. Skip companies will apply to your local council for skip permits. These can tale up to 7 days to come through and can be rejected by the council. All skip permits will come with extra costs. 

If you do not want to wait for the permit to come though or do not want to pay for the permit why not try a wait and load service. 

Do: Think about Safety

When hiring a skip with about your safety and the safety of others. This would include the safety when loading the skip. You should take care when loading heavy waste materials into the skips or use equipment such as a wheelbarrow to help. It is also important to take the safety of others in to account. If you are putting any sharps objects such as glass or scrap metal in the skip it may be better to hire an enclosed skip to prevent any materials injuring passers by.

Do: Position the Skip Correctly

Skip positioning is very important. You need to position the skip in an area with enough access for the skip lorry to delivery and collect. A general rule of thumb would be to allow 3 metres clearance for the skip lorry. It is also important to position the skip somewhere it will be easy to fill, giving enough space to lift any large bulky items into the skip.

Skip Hire: Don'ts

Don't: Put Hazardous waste in the skip

Do not put any hazardous or prohibited items in a hired skip. Hazardous waste includes: 

• Electrical appliances

• Tyres

• Upholstered Seating (including Sofas)

• Asbestos

• Harmful Chemicals 

• Fluorescent Tubes

• Medical Waste

• Batteries

• Filled Paint Tins

• Oil/Petrol/Diesel

• Gas Bottles

If you place any of these items in a skip you will be charged a substantial fee or the skip hire company will refused collection of the skip. 

Don't: Over Fill the Skip

If you have filled the skip with all your unwanted waste make sure it is level loaded. If the waste is piled high over the lip of the skip or the skip contents are overflowing the skip hire company will refuse collection. Keep all the waste in the borders of the skip. 

Don't: Burn Waste Inside the Skip

This can be extremely dangerous to yourself and others, it is also against fire regulations and therefore can lead to you being reported to the environment agency. If that does not put you off, you will also damage the skip and will be left the cost of buying a new one. 

Don't: Choose the Cheapest

Skip prices differ substantially and this can be down to a multitude of factors. When looking for skip hire do some research and find a reputable company, don't base your purchase solely on the price. Remember the classic adage "Buy cheap, buy Twice". Look at reviews and se what other customers have thought of the service.