If you’re considering hiring a skip, chances are you have some questions. Skip hire can be a convenient and efficient way to manage waste for home renovations, garden clear-outs, or construction projects. To help, we’ve compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions about skip hire.
What Size Skip Do I Need?
Skips come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right one depends on your project.
Common sizes include:
- Mini Skips (2-3 cubic yards): Ideal for small household or garden jobs.
- Midi Skips (4-5 cubic yards): Perfect for bathroom or kitchen refits.
- Builders’ Skips (6-8 cubic yards): Suitable for construction waste or larger clear-outs.
- Roll-on Roll-off Skips (20-40 cubic yards): Best for commercial projects and large amounts of waste.
If you’re not sure, but have a rough idea then its often better to size up to avoid overfilling.
What Can I Put in a Skip?
Skips are designed for general waste. You can put any non hazardous material in there such as bricks, hard core, rubble, soil (that isn’t contaminated), domestic waste such as packaging, furniture, furnishings, fixtures and non-electrical fittings, wood, metal and plastic.
Including…
- Household waste (e.g., furniture, clothes, toys)
- Construction debris (e.g., bricks, wood, metal)
- Garden waste (e.g., soil, branches)
For legal reasons, there are materials that we are unable to take away in a skip. These include: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (including fridges, microwaves, hairdryers, radios, TVs, computers, kettles and toasters), gas bottles, chemicals and solvents, batteries, clinical waste (such as syringes, soiled dressings, medicine bottles), liquids (such as oil), plasterboard, tyres and asbestos.
If you want to learn what you can and can’t put in your skip click here. Though, keep in mind that restrictions may vary depending on the skip size you go for.
How Long Can I Keep the Skip?
Most companies offer standard hire periods ranging from 7 to 14 days. Extensions can often be arranged for an additional fee if you need more time. It’s a good idea to confirm these terms when booking.
At cartwrights our Hire days include weekends and bank holidays. You can keep your skip between 1 and 14 days unless otherwise agreed. If your skip is on the road, you will need to check the length of time covered by your permit.
Do I need a permit?
If your skip will be placed on private property, such as a driveway, you might not need a permit. However, skips on public roads require a permit. Some councils require you to apply directly for your permit, others require your skip hire provider to apply for the permit on your behalf. If you have any questions on this, get in touch.
What Happens If I Overfill the Skip?
The main thing to keep in mind is that skips should not be filled beyond their sides, as overfilling is unsafe and often prohibited. Most companies will refuse collection of an overfilled skip, requiring you to remove excess waste before it’s taken away. To avoid this, choose a slightly larger skip if you anticipate generating more waste.
How Are Skips Collected and Disposed Of?
Once full, the skip is collected by your hire company and transported to a waste management facility. Here, the contents are sorted, and recyclable materials are separated from general waste. Most reputable skip hire companies strive to recycle as much waste as possible to minimise landfill impact.
At Cartwrights, we recover 100% of the waste brought to our site. We reuse and recycle as much as possible and the remaining waste is recovered as ready-to-use fuel. None of the waste in your skip will go to landfill.
Are There Alternatives to Skip Hire?
If skip hire isn’t suitable, consider these alternatives:
- Man-and-Van Services: Ideal for smaller loads or items like appliances.
- Skip Bags: Some companies provide large, reusable bags for smaller projects.
Final Thoughts
Skip hire is a straightforward solution for managing waste, but understanding the process ensures you get the most out of it. By choosing the right skip size, adhering to guidelines, and planning ahead, you can make waste disposal hassle-free. If you still have questions, contact your local skip hire company—they’ll be happy to help!
