Booking a skip can be massively beneficial for a multitude of reasons. It not only eliminates the need for you to dispose of your unwanted belongings or renovation materials physically, but it also provides a convenient and stress-free clean-up for big clear-out jobs, remedial works, and more. This convenience can be a huge relief, especially during the hectic times of a renovation or construction project.
However, skip hire is not a straightforward process of just hiring a skip and filling it. To ensure a successful skip hire, it’s crucial that you understand the process and are well-prepared to meet your specific needs. This understanding will not only inform you but also prepare you for any potential challenges or requirements that may arise during the process.
Licence
All skips on public roads or footpaths need to have a licence. If the skip is going on your private property, this isn’t required, but if you need to keep a skip on a road or public land, it needs a licence.
In some cases, the skip hire company does this for you; others can assist you with the process of applying for permission to have a skip placed near your party without getting a fine from your local council.
Size Matters
Skips come in all shapes and sizes, and you need to be clear about the sizing and whether it’s suitable for your home project. Significant renovations and building work, such as gutting out a property, might require a larger skip (or more frequent collections), but getting the right size can make your life much easier. Skips are sized in yards and come in the following sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14, with 2 obviously being a mini skip for smaller jobs and 14 being perfect for larger loads and more commercial projects.
Know The Exclusions
Skip hire companies will limit the amount of waste you can put in a skip (typically, it needs to be level and not overflow upon collection) and the materials you can put in it. Common skip waste exclusions involve electronics, paint chemicals, medical waste, batteries and other hazardous wastes and oils. Always check with your skip provider for exclusions and limitations.
It’s your responsibility as the hirer to ensure that any excluded materials are not put into the skip and that they are not contaminated. Failure to do so can result in fines or refusals to collect, which can significantly impact your project timeline and budget. Always be mindful of the waste limitations and exclusions to avoid these potential issues.
Timings
How long you can keep the skip and the charges associated with skip hire can enable you to determine how long it is best to keep it and how quickly you need to fill it so you’re not missing deadlines or collections. Some companies can offer same-day delivery and collection if you need it for quick jobs. Others require the skip to be collected within 14 days, or you might need to book in advance as same or next-day delivery isn’t available. Always be clear on the timing for your skip hire, as you know what to expect for delivery and collection.