Skip Hire Guide

If you have never hired a skip before, the entire process might look a bit scary. Hiring a skip by someone who has done it before is fairly easy simply because they know the tricks, the terminology and above all they know what they need. But for a newbie all these things can look like science fiction and without proper guidance it can cost a lot of money and time. With this short guide we want to help you understand the process and get the job done.

Who offers skip services?

The skip industry is very small. It consists of a few operators scattered around the country that usually charge you a lot of money only so they can subcontract the job to the locals. Sometimes the skip jobs are offered on an auction where the local companies bid against each other in order to get the job.

How to find a good skip company?

The first answer to this would be the net. Try the good old Google and check some of the skip companies registered in your local area. Make sure you avoid the lead generators unless you are planning to spend a fortune.

You can also visit your local council’s website as very often you can find a list of waste contractors that offer their services in your area. Certain councils would also check whether the waste contractors have license to move waste which makes it easier for you to find the right company.

If none of this works for you then maybe you can take a walk around the neighborhood and check what companies others have decided to hire. Since there is a law which states that all skips on public places must include the name and contact of the company you can explore your options. Simply write down the name and give them a call. If you see a company that predominates the area, that is even better. It means that they are good so you might consider that option.

How to confirm that the company is legit?

Contact the Environment Agency and check their license, or just ask them to give their license number and check it on the Environment Agency website. Don’t forget to check the expiration date and ask for the insurance plan they use.

Items you are not allowed to put in the skip.

• Any liquid
• Gasoline
• Paint or cans of paint
• Gas
• Fluorescent tubes
• Asbestos
• Electric equipment and similar appliances
• Batteries
• Tires
• Plasterboard
• Dangerous materials
• TV sets
• Computer screens
• Cooling units
• Toxic materials
• Medical waste

Don’t forget that you are not allowed to overfill the skip so make sure you get the right size or you risk having to pay a fortune for the excess you have.

What size of skip should I get?

The size will depend on your needs. The skips come in different sizes starting from very small to huge. Always think of the amount of waste you have and the space you have available to place the skip. Usually the biggest skips pay off more, but you will have to make sure you have enough waste to fill it up. Before ordering the skip check with your local council about the acceptable size as certain councils don’t allow big skips to be placed on public areas.

How long does it take before the skip is collected?

Skips are usually collected one or two weeks from the delivery date. If you want to remove it sooner, or later, contact the company. Don’t forget that if the skip is placed on the street you will have to pay for the permit and the parking so the longer you leave it the more you will have to pay.

What if the skip lorry is not able to get to the skip?

Most skip lorries are between 8.5 and 9.5 feet wide. If the entrance is not wide enough, then you will have to place the skip on the road where the lorry can pick it up easily. For this you will need to get a skip permit as the skip will be placed on public area.

How much does the skip cost?

The prices depend on the size, the waste and your location. Usually for an 8 yard builders skip you can expect to pay around £220, and that is without the cost for the skip permit or parking.

What if I need help to load the skip?

The skip companies provide the skip, but not the manpower. If you need help then you can try using some clearance company or ask some friends to help around.

What is skip permit / license?

If you want to place a skip on the road you will need to obtain a license / permit. If the location covers a controlled parking zone you will also have to take care of the parking suspension. These things cost money and it usually takes some time before they are issued.

What happens with my waste?

This usually depends on the company you use. Most companies take the waste for processing in third parties facilities, although some have their own facilities. In addition some companies recycle whereas others just dispose the waste.  Ask the company and they will give you more details.