20 Oct 2021

What Waste Material Can Be Used With A Grab Lorry?

Knowing what materials can be added to grab hire lorries

If you are working on a large construction or demolition project, one of your first considerations should be a grab hire lorry from DP Skip Hire. This is the best way to deal with all of the waste generated.

For our latest post, we will share all the materials one of our grab lorries can handle.

Our grab hire lorries are adaptable!

Here is a breakdown of all the materials that you can you grabber lorries to collect –

Recyclable muck and muck away – Recyclable muck can also be accepted, including mixed soil, concrete and stone. These materials need to be separated carefully and you cannot add materials that are considered muck away.

Turf or tarmac is not easily accepted and you will need to check with your grab hire provider (such as Bash Skip Hire) first.

Inert landfill materials such as clay, stone and chalk will be accepted seperately but they can’t be mixed with inert landfill muck. Inert landfills cannot contain green waste, tarmac or any kind of turf.

Separating them carefully is crucial so the material can be processed properly. If your waste consists of just tarmac, you should consider a seperate collection for this material.

Demolition concrete – One of the most common uses of our grabber lorries is taking away demolished building materials. In some cases, builders will look at reusing some materials, but heavy materials will still need to be taken away.

Clean concrete and rubble can be taken away, including concrete blocks, paving slabs, broken concrete and rubble (such as bricks). It is fine to include a small amount of tarmac but there cannot be any soil, wood or other kinds of waste plus mixed reinforcement bars.

General recyclable waste – Recyclable waste can be given to your grabber lorry collector as long as it’s carefully separated. If you have undertaken a major project that entails digging up and getting rid of lots of earth and soil – this can be recycled. Topsoil and hardcore also fall into this category.

Soil and organic material will need to be clean and non-hazardous as if it is contaminated it could be too volatile to mix with recyclable waste.

Landfill waste – Regular waste created during construction projects needs a separate collection truck. This includes rubbish accumulated by workers and generally on-site. One example could be rubbish from previous tenants when an old building is being demolished.

Have a word with Bash Skips in advance if you have hazardous waste just to check it can be accepted.

Get in touch for more information

DP Skips are specialist suppliers of grab hire and skip hire lorries, working with a wide range of sectors.

If you have any questions about grab hire trucks, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

20 Oct 2021

Is Grab Hire Better Than Skip Hire?

Grab Hire Vs. Skip Hire: Which Is Right For You?

Both skip hire and grab lorry hire are popular methods for removing waste, particularly on construction sites or over the course of larger projects. But which method of waste removal is right for you?

Skip Hire Vs. Grab Hire

In this blog post, we’ll explore both the benefits of skip hire and grab hire. We’ll also take a look which kinds of projects benefit more from each to give you a better idea of what you need. If you’re looking to save time and money over the course of your home renovation or construction project, you’re going to want to read this to help you decide on the best choice for you, so read on!

What are the benefits of grab hire?

A grab lorry is a self-loading vehicle. It is made up of a cab attached to a load bed. Atop of the load bed sits an hydraulic arm and bucket. Grab lorries literally grab waste from ground level and move it onto the load bed. When all of the waste has been collected and loaded onto the lorry, the waste is then transported to a waste management facility.

The benefits of utilising grab hire are:

Grab lorries have a bigger capacity

Grab lorries have a bigger capacity than skips, which means they can quickly and efficiently lift away large amounts of waste. This is particularly helpful in the course of projects that will yield large amounts of waste, as the alternative would be to hire more than one skip for the job.

Grab lorries can lift very heavy items

Skips are a fantastic way to get rid of lighter bulky items that are easy to lift and throw in. Drop door skips are also good for walking in wheelbarrows of soil, for example, that would be hard to lift manually. However, some items are just too large and cumbersome to be lifted safely by hand. In these cases, grab hire is a fantastic option as the hydraulic arm has the power to pick up and dispose of large items (such as trees or slabs) with ease.

Grab lorries are agile

One of the biggest difficulties with hiring a skip is figuring out where to put it. If you have no where to locate a skip on or near your property, then a grab lorry has the agility to pick up waste with ease.

For example, our grab lorries can easily lift waste over fences or hedges providing it can get within a 4m range of parking. This can save huge amounts of time and effort hauling waste from one place to another in order to dispose of it. With grab hire, you simply leave it in a pile and let the lorry do the rest when it comes to collect.

Grab lorries don’t need a permit

When you hire a skip and plan to situate it on a public highway (such as a road) you need to apply for a permit from your local council. This isn’t a lengthy process, however there is an additional cost to this and you are required to give anywhere between 2 and 7 working days notice of your intent to place a skip in the area.

These are both factors to consider when choosing between skip hire and grab hire. Hiring a grab does not require a permit and no notice is required from the council, therefore if you have large amounts of waste to dispose of it may be a more cost-effective and quicker alternative to skip hire.

What are the benefits of skip hire?

Skips are containers in which waste materials can be deposited. They vary in size from 2 yard mini skips for smaller waste requirements to large 40 yard RoRo skips suitable for commercial and construction projects.

They’re a safe place to store waste

Whether you’re conducting a home clearance or landscaping project, large amounts of waste lying around are not only inconvenient but unsafe too. Skip hire allows you to keep waste confined to one safe space out of the way of members of the public or members of your family.

They’re convenient

Having a skip that is at your disposal throughout the duration of your project offers a convenient solution to waste management. Rather than heaping waste up in unsightly piles prior to disposal, skips can be used over a number of days (or even weeks) as a way of collecting waste prior to it being taken away and disposed of.

They’re cost-effective

Hiring a skip is a cost-effective waste management solution as they are available in a variety of sizes. For example, at DP Skip hire we have a number of skip hire sizes available ranging from 2-yard mini skips to lockable enclosed skips and large 40 yard RoRo skips. This gives you the flexibility to choose and pay for a skip that is ideally sized for your needs, so you don’t pay anymore than you have to.

Grab Hire Or Skip Hire?

 

Ultimately, when it comes to grab hire or skip hire the choice depends on your requirements. For some, the swift and easy convenience of grab hire makes perfect sense. For others, especially for long term or domestic projects, skip hire is a much more convenient option.

If you would like help and advice as to whether grab hire or skip hire would be the better option for you, please contact us. We offer both of these services in Leicestershire & surrounding areas. What’s more our team always go above and beyond to exceed expectations when it comes to waste management solutions and would be happy to support with your needs.

 

20 Oct 2021

Grab Hire vs Skip Hire – which is best?

Grab Hire vs Skip Hire

If you’re thinking of taking on some renovations or starting a clear out, then you’ll need to decide on a waste disposal solution for removing the resulting waste from your home.

Planning proper waste management is an important component of any job, and choosing the right solution will make disposing of your waste appropriately a straightforward experience.

When it comes to waste disposal for domestic, or small commercial projects, skip hire might be the obvious solution, however, here at DP Skip Hire we offer a second waste removal solution that is well worth considering too- grab hire!

Grab Hire From Bash Skip Hire

Grab lorries are specialist trucks, which are used to pick up, or grab, waste and clear it away. Grab lorries feature a hydraulic arm equipped with a bucket attachment, which can scoop up waste from even hard to reach areas, and load it into the back of the lorry so that the waste can be taken to a waste management or recycling facility to be processed.

Our grab hire services are suitable for the removal of a wide range of waste materials including soil, rubble, hardcore, bricks, garden waste, and general non-hazardous waste, and our grab lorries can reach up to 8 meters, so they’re perfect for removing waste from fenced or walled areas.

Grab Hire VS Skip Hire

Skip hire is a fantastic option for the removal of waste, however, if you have particularly large items you wish to dispose of, or lack the appropriate space required for a skip, then grab hire can be an excellent option too.

Our grab lorries can park in front of your property for a short period of time, without the requirement of a permit, and are extremely agile, allowing them to collect waste from difficult to reach areas. A grab lorry is also an excellent way to drop off materials too, so our grab lorries can be used to bring materials to your site, and then to take away waste- two birds with one stone!

Find out more about our grab hire services here, alternatively, if you’re thinking of hiring a skip you can do so through our online booking form.

If you’re in a pinch we can even offer next day delivery! For more information, or if you have any other questions about skip hire, please contact us and speak to our team. The DP Skip Hire offices operate 7 days a week for your convenience, and we’re only a phone call away!

20 Oct 2021

Our Guide To Skip Hire Safety

Our Guide To Skip Hire Safety

Skip hire is, by and large, a very safe and effective way to dispose of household or commercial waste. When you hire a skip from us, our team will deliver the skip directly to your specified location and, when you’re done, we’ll come and pick it up for you too. So there’s no heavy lifting on your part and the risk of injury when using a skip is minimal.

However, health and safety is always a priority for us. Our team is committed to keeping everyone safe, which is why we have put together this comprehensive guide to skip hire safety.

Skip Hire Safety Guide

There are a few things to consider when it comes to skip hire safety. Many of these, skip hire companies like ours will take care of for you. But there are also some health and safety guidelines to take into consideration as you prepare to receive and use your skip too.

Skip Hire

Before Delivery Of Your Skip

Permits & Placement

Firstly, if your skip is to be placed on the road outside your home, a permit or licence will need to be purchased from the local council. Skip permits are required by law for any skip that will be situated on public land. Once a skip permit has been applied for and issued, the skip can be delivered to the specified area.

Further to this, if the skip is to be placed in the road then certain measures need to be taken in order to protect road users and pedestrians. When a skip is on a road the following conditions should be met:

  • The end of the skip that faces traffic must be yellow;
  • At least 4 traffic cones should guard that skip;
  • At night, electric lamps must be attached to each corner of the skip and between each cone

When you hire a skip from Skip Hire, we will take care of these elements for you. When you book online with us, simply tell us which council you need a permit from and we will administer the application process. Similarly, when we deliver your skip, we will ensure that all of the above regulations are met. All we ask of you, the customer, is that these remain in place throughout the duration of hire to ensure everyone in the vicinity of the skip remains safe.

Preparing The Area

Prior to the arrival of your skip it is wise to prepare the area where you want it to go. Make sure the area is clear and flat, with no potential obstructions. Similarly, ensure that the placement of the skip is easily accessible for you and anyone else who will be using it.

On Delivery Of Your Skip

When the driver arrives with your skip, tell them where you would like your skip to be positioned. Please make sure that, when the skip is being unloaded, pets and children are kept inside and out of the way to avoid any accidents.

When the skip has been unloaded in the specified area, this is where it will need to stay for the duration. Skips are very heavy and difficult to move, so we ask that you never try to move a skip yourself, or even with the help of others. Doing so could cause injury to you, other people and even the surrounding area.

If your skip is to be placed on a public highway, be sure not to tamper with any cones or lighting that are placed on or around the skip. Similarly, please be vigilant throughout hire to ensure the safety measures are not compromised.

Using Your Skip

Loaded Skip On Driveway

Loading The Skip

To efficiently load your skip, start with flat items before adding in any other bulky items. Then, add smaller items into the gaps. This will help you to make the most of the space and ensure nothing falls out. If you need to move very heavy items, be sure to lift them safely either through the use of specialist equipment or by enlisting the help of another person. For garden waste, like soil, or rubble, you may find it better to hire a drop door skip where waste can be walked in on a wheelbarrow for ease of loading.

It’s important to remember that you mustn’t overload your skip. Take note of the fill level indicated and be sure not to exceed this. We cannot remove a skip that has been overloaded, and in some cases we may have to charge extra because of this.

Types Of Waste

Certain types of waste, such as hazardous materials, cannot be disposed of in a skip. This includes items such as fridges, televisions, food waste, asbestos and batteries. Take extra care to be sure that everything in your skip falls into our approved list of items to ensure that your waste is disposed of correctly and safely.

On Collection Of Your Skip

Finally, when you have finished with your skip and it is due for collection, ensure that the area around it is clear. Again, be sure that the skip is not loaded above the fill line. And, when the driver arrives to collect your skip keep pets and children a safe distance away to avoid any accidents.

Hire A Skip Online Today

At Bash Skip Hire, we make hiring a skip easy and safe for both domestic and commercial customers. If you would like to hire a skip, you can use our handy online booking form to do so. Simply tell us what size of skip you require, when you would like it to be delivered and collected, the type of waste you need to dispose of, and we’ll take care of all the rest. We are well placed to offer skip hire services to customers in Leicestershire & surrounding areas.

Should you have any questions about skip hire, such as where a skip can be placed on your property, what you can put in a skip or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact us. We operate 7 days a week for your convenience and our friendly team would be happy to help.

20 Oct 2021

How Skip Hire Works?

How Skip Hire Works?

Everyone is familiar with the concept of a skip and what it does. However, we understand that many of our customers come to us, with no experience of hiring a skip before. As there are some important things to note before organising a skip hire, we felt it was important to discuss how skip hire works.

That way, ahead of your next project or clear out you’ll be fully prepared, knowing exactly what to expect. In our latest blog, we’ll outline how to go through the hiring process and what you should do.

Do Your Research

Skip companies like ours spend time putting together informative pages on each of our products and services. This is to help you with your hiring decision. There are a number of things that you’ll need to consider as hiring a skip blindly can be a risky and costly exercise. Things to look out for and consider include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Which size is right for my project and space?
  • What kind of waste will I be expecting to dispose of?
  • Do I need an extra secure skip for high-risk items?
  • Do I need a drop-down heavy-duty door for easier loading?

Considering all of these points will stand you in much better stead when it comes to booking your skip. It’s important to do your research so that you end up with the right result the first time. There’s nothing worse than spending too much on a skip that you didn’t fill, or not enough on a skip that can’t handle what you need it for.

To access this information on our website, you can browse our range of skip hire options. For more general advice on what can and can’t be disposed of, you can read helpful articles in our blog. Most of our prices can also be found on our website, but it’s important to note that these are based on a two week hire period. If you’re interested in a longer hire period, it’s important that you contact our team directly.

Do You Need a Permit For a Skip?

Once you’ve picked out which skip is best suited for your desired use, your next thought should be where you’re planning on putting it. We say this because, in some circumstances, you may be expected to apply for a permit. Examples of this would be when wanting to place a skip on a public road or highway. If you do need a permit, don’t be concerned as we can often take care of this for you. In fact, most councils will only accept applications from skip companies like ourselves.

There are some more specific things to consider regarding permits that can be found in our ‘do I need a permit to hire a skip’ blog post. You may be expected to pay between £60 and £150 for a skip hire permit and so it’s important to factor this into what you’re willing to pay.

Book Your Skip Hire Online or Contact Our Team

If you’re ready to book your skip hire and feel confident in your decision, you can book immediately, simply contact us and request a quote. However, if you’re not quite ready to commit and have any further questions, contact us. Our team of experienced experts will be happy to assist you in finding the right skip for your project. Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth specification, terms of the agreement, or simply prefer to book over the phone, we’re here for you.

Our full range of skip hire and other services can be found online. Here at Bash Skips, we’re experts in waste management and strive to provide a professional, reliable, knowledgeable, efficient, friendly and affordable service. Whether you’re planning a DIY home renovation in your kitchen or you’re landscaping your garden, a skip can save you both time and money. By using Bash Skips you can also feel good knowing that you’re helping to protect the environment.

We only get one planet and we take responsibility as a waste company to protect it. That’s why we work hard to recycle as much waste as possible. At present 90% of all the waste that is bought into our depot is fully recycled and repurposed.

19 Oct 2021

Everything You Need To Know About Hiring A Skip In Winter

Everything You Need To Know About Hiring A Skip In Winter

Winter has most definitely arrived. Snow, sleet, and plenty of rain has covered the whole of in the winter.

With the directive to stay at home in place again, many of us are making the most of it by having a clear-out. Be that getting rid of boxes and packaging from Christmas or taking on a new DIY project to pass the time.

If you’ve been considering hiring a skip recently, you’ve probably wondered where you stand with the weather. But fear not, Bash Skip Hire are on hand to guide you through the do’s and don’ts of hiring a skip in winter!

Can You Hire A Skip In Winter?

We get this question a lot and the answer is: yes, of course! We offer skip hire in Leicester throughout the year, and not much slows us down.

Rest assured, you will be able to hire a skip from us this winter. Here are just a few things to keep in mind…

Where To Put The Skip

A driveway is a perfect location for a skip – especially in winter. Our drivers are a dab hand at delivering skips in all kinds of conditions. Trust us when we say a bit of rain or snow isn’t going to stop them!

If you are planning to put the skip on absorbent ground, such as soil or grass, then let us know in advance. Waterlogged or snowy ground can make picking up a skip a little more difficult. But we’re well equipped to do so. Just be sure to let us know where you plan to put the skip so we can make the necessary arrangements to deliver your skip efficiently and with minimal fuss!

The Great British Weather

If there’s one thing we can rely on in the UK, it’s rain…and lots of it! As you might imagine, a lot of rain can collect at the bottom of a skip and soak through the waste, too. This can result in the contents of the skip being heavier, which is something that needs to be taken into account when we pick it up. This is no problem, though. We’ll do all the heavy lifting for you and ensure we send an appropriate skip lorry to collect your skip.

A good way of preventing this is to cover the skip with a tarpaulin or a waterproof cover, such as the groundsheet from a tent. This will keep the contents of the skip as dry as possible and prevent any extra weight from soaked through items. Alternatively, if the forecast is showing torrential rain, it may be preferable to hire an enclosed skip instead.

Snow Problems

Snow in the UK tends to be quite short-lived. That being said, it can have an impact on traffic flow. We’ll always attempt to deliver and collect skips when it is safe to do so, and if we encounter any problems along the way we’ll be sure to keep you up to date and inform you of when we expect to be able to get to you.

If you have any concerns when it comes to the conditions around your proposed skip location, either prior to delivery or collection, just let us know. We’d be happy to rearrange delivery to a more convenient time should it be necessary to do so.

Skip Hire in Stoke on Trent from Bash Skip Hire

If you’re planning a winter clear out, then hire a skip with us online today. We offer skip hire in Leicestershire & surrounding areas and we have a wide range of skip sizes available to suit all kinds of projects and purposes. Get in touch today to get the ball rolling on your winter skip hire needs!

19 Oct 2021

How To Fill A Skip Efficiently

How To Fill A Skip Efficiently

Filling a skip effectively is a bit of an art form. While it might be tempting to go on the attack and chuck it all in, this isn’t an efficient way of using a skip. In fact, a bit of planning can go a long way in helping you to maximise the space in your skip and get a lot more bang for your buck!

How To Fill A Skip

Here at DP Skip Hire, skips are our thing. We live and breathe skips and we’ve seen our fair share of filling techniques. In this article, we’ll give you an insider look on the best ways to make the most of the space in your skip!

Skip Size Matters

Before you even get the ball rolling on skip hire, it’s wise to consider how big a skip you need. This is important because if it’s too small you might need to hire a second skip or have to make several trips to the tip. Rather than underestimate the amount of waste you’ll have, it’s best to overestimate to avoid this.

On each individual skip page here on our website, you’ll find their dimensions and approximate capacity measured in bin bags. Of course, this will vary depending on the size and weight of the items, but it’s a good way to decide on the right skip for you. Alternatively, check out our skip hire size guide video for more information on skip sizes.

Make A Plan

When you’ve got your skip and you’re ready to start loading, take a moment to assess the waste. Can it be sorted into different size categories? We’d suggest organising all of your flat items, similarly shaped items, bulky items and loose debris into separate piles, as this will help you to layer the waste and make the most of the space while safely filling the skip.

Reduce The Size Of Large Items

Once your waste is organised into distinct categories, take a look at your bulky items. Can their size be reduced so as to take up less space in the skip? Furniture, such as tables and chairs, can be easily broken up and when reduced down to their component parts are easily placed within the skip without taking up much room.

Put Flat Items In First

Before anything else goes in the skip, start with the flat items. Doors, fence panels, carpet, cardboard, timber, floorboards, tabletops, chair seats, plywood panels – the lot. If it can be smoothed out and flattened down, it’s perfect as the first layer in your skip!

Play Tetris

Once your flat base is in situ, it’s time to play Tetris! That means, taking all your tessellate and uniform shaped objects, and fitting them all together in layers. For example, bricks can be placed side by side with no gaps, as can tiles and paving stones. In some cases, you might have to think outside the box to get things to fit together, but that’s all part of the fun!

Add Your Large Items

Once you’ve laid out all your uniformly shaped objects, you should add any large pieces of waste that you haven’t been able to break down. It’s best to try and stick to the layering system you’ve started at this point, rather than try to stack everything on top of each other.

Let Loose

Finally, when your large items are in situ, you can add loose debris such as rubble, soil, sand or gravel. The reason why it’s best to leave these till last is that this type of waste will fill in all the little cracks and crevices in the skip, rather than taking up lots of space at the beginning. At this point, you could also pop in any lighter garden waste such as tree branches, leaves, or sticks.

Hire A Skip Today

So there you have it! How to fill a skip like a pro, straight from the mouth of the experts. In need of skip for your home clearout or DIY project? Here at DP Skip Hire, we have skips of all sizes available to hire in Leicester, Coventry and Surrounding Areas.

19 Oct 2021

What Size Skip Do I Need?

What Size Skip Do I Need?

With spring cleaning just around the corner, many people are looking for a way to avoid multiple runs to the tip. Here at Bash Skip Hire, you can book skip hire online today, to solve all of your problems. However, once you’re sure you want a skip, it’s time to make a decision on what size you need.

By ordering a skip that’s too big, you can feel like you’ve wasted your money. Alternatively, if you go too small, you may end up making extra visits to the tip or booking another, both of which will incur costs.

Here at DP Skips, we provide skip hire across Stoke-on-Trent in a variety of shapes and sizes to cater for your every need. Whether you’re clearing out commercial premises, working on site or simply need a little skip for some work at home, we’ve got you covered. Therefore, in this article, we’re going to explore each sized skip and what they’re best used for.

Which Skip Size Do I Need?

Our range of skip hire provides skips of all shapes and sizes across Leicestershire. From builders bulk bags for small clear ups to 40 yard RORO skips perfect for sites and commercial waste, we’ve got you covered. In order to save time and money, it’s important that you get your decision right the first time around. To help you do just that, we’ve put together the following guide based on our whole range:

Builders Bulk Bags

Builders Bulk Bags are an effective way to store and get rid of waste, without committing to the space that a skip takes up. If you’re working on a project that only requires a small clear up, our strong, reliable and heavy-duty bulk bags are perfect.

Builders bulk bags can be used for all sorts of non-hazardous waste such as garden waste, household waste, rubble and sand. In fact, their hardy reinforced stitching with sewn in handles prepares them for up to one tonne of weight.

Builders Bulk Bag Hire

Capacity: 1 Tonne

2-3 Yard Mini-Skip

As the smallest two skips in our range, these models are extremely convenient for those working on domestic or business projects. Most of our customers find these perfect for their garden clearouts or DIY projects as they’re the perfect size for most driveways.

Not only that, but they’re perfect for cutting out several trips to the tip. Our mini-skips give you the full benefits of a skip on smaller projects, without having to sacrifice the space to store one of a larger size.

2 Yard Mini Skip Hire

Capacity: 2 Yard: 25-35 plastic bags 3 Yard: 35-45 yard bags

4 Yard Midi Skip Hire

If you’re looking for something that can handle a more substantial project, but don’t want to make a huge jump in size, our 4 yard skips could be just right for you. Proving popular amongst customers looking to refit a kitchen, bathroom or clearout the garden, these skips are perfect for domestic projects.

Recognising that this skip may be the first to be used for more heavy waste, a heavy duty drop down door is provided. This is to allow for walk-in loading of heavier items. If you’re expecting your project to result in a mixture of waste that can’t be removed together, a skip with this kind of access is for you.

3 Yard Mini Skip Hire4 Yard Mini Skip With Drop Door Hire

Capacity: 30-40 bin bags

8 Yard Builders Skip (Enclosed or Drop Door)

Size has now doubled from the last skip, meaning that we’re no longer looking at small projects. Our 8 Yard Builders Skip is designed to provide a waste solution for medium to large projects in either domestic or commercial properties. This skip can handle most things that you could throw at it. For example, rubble, soil, inert materials, hardcore, construction, and household waste just to name a few.

This size comes with the option of two forms. For an easier loading experience, you could choose the drop door skip. As mentioned before, this is perfect for loading awkward loads or for providing wheelbarrow access.

Otherwise, you can opt for our enclosed, lockable option. If you’re worried about the security of your skip’s contents, this could be the perfect solution. Commonly used for long term contracts such as Trade Placement, this kind of skip will keep its contents secure throughout the duration of your hire.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that depending on where they’re stored, some of our skips could require good site access or a permit.

19 Oct 2021

How Much Does Skip Hire Cost In UK?

There are times when ferrying rubbish back and forth to the dump just becomes tiresome, and hiring a skip would be easier. In other situations – completely renovating a house, for example – having a skip delivered is a no-brainer.

The great thing about getting a skip is that, other than filling it, most of the hard work’s done for you. However, there are a few tricks of the trade you need to abide by if you’re to avoid hidden expenses and keep the cost of skip hire as low as possible.

Know the Size You Need

One of the most important things to do before you hire a skip is to work out the size you need. There are several sizes to consider. Mini skips are the cheapest, but be cautious about getting something too small.

Skip Sizes

  • Mini Skip
    At just four yards, this is the smallest skip and holds between 40 and 45 average household rubbish bags. It measures 1.29m long by 1.29m wide and is just shy of one metre in height. Costs very between £90 and £130 for a week’s hire with prices a little more in London.
  • Medium Skip
    The 8 yard skip is the most popular, and will hold between 80 and 90 rubbish bags. It measures 3.66m long by 1.68m wide, with a height of 1.22m. A one week hire will cost between £200 and £250, with prices up to £275 in London.
  • Large Skip
    This 12 yard skip holds a lot more – on average, between 125 and 135 average sized rubbish bags. It measures 3.7m long by 1.78m wide, with a height of 1.68m. Prices vary widely across the country, with London skip hire costs at £387. Outside of the capital, you can expect to pay between £250 and £340.

Avoid Restricted Items

If you don’t want to face additional fines and fees, avoid putting restricted items into your skip, even if you’re tempted to hide them amongst other things. Waste disposal sites will go through all the waste products and will soon flag up any items that aren’t supposed to be there.

Commonly banned items include electrical equipment, computer and television screens, asbestos, paint cans, plaster board, tyres, batteries and fridges and freezers. Companies may have their own additional restrictions too, so it’s best to make sure you know these before you agree to the hire.

Don’t Go Over the Weight Limit

Skips have weight limits so that collection lorries are able to safely lift and remove the skip from your property. It’s essential you don’t overload a skip for many reasons, including potential fines and the frustration of having to remove items to lighten the load.

In general, smaller skips, like the 8 yard varieties, can be completely filled with heavy items. However, larger skips may have limits. For example, a 12 yard skip might only take 60% light items and 40% heavy items. If you’re uncertain, talk to skip hire companies about the materials you’re throwing away so you can get the right advice.

Be Wary of Unlimited Time Skip Hire

Though it might seem like a good idea to hire a skip from a company that doesn’t have time limits, it actually costs a lot more. After all, firms only have so many skips to rent out. It’s best to choose a firm that offers one to two week hire. If you go over this, there’s often a small fee of a few pounds for each additional day but it can still work out cheaper than unlimited time hires.

Keep Costs Down with House Clearance 

Finally, there may be some situations where you actually don’t need a skip at all. House clearance specialists deal in removing junk from a home and selling it on; one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, after all.

Clearance firms will often take materials, furniture and other items away for free. It’s worth considering this as an option because you might not need to hire a skip at all and can still dispose of many unwanted materials and possessions.

Paying for Permits 

Unfortunately, if you’re not able to have your skip delivered on private land, such as a driveway, you’ll need it placing on the roadside and for this, you’ll have to apply for a permit. These vary in cost depending on the local council, but it’s vital to obtain one or risk being fined.

Like skip hire, permit costs vary wildly depending where in the country you live. For example, in Manchester, a permit on a residential street could cost just £15. However, a similar street in Glasgow might put you back £51, whilst in Surrey it might be as much as £70.