skip-hire-de-roberts-hero-

Guide to Hiring a Skip

ByD&E Roberts

Whether you’re renovating your home, decluttering, or managing a construction project, dealing with waste efficiently is essential.

Hiring a skip is a convenient and environmentally responsible way to dispose of large quantities of waste. This guide will walk you through the process of hiring a skip, ensuring you make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget. 

1. Evaluate Your Waste Before you hire a skip, assess the type and amount of waste you need to dispose of. Skips are suitable for various materials, including household items, garden waste, construction debris, and more. Be aware that certain items, such as hazardous waste, electrical appliances, and batteries, require special disposal methods and cannot be placed in a skip. 

2. Choose the Right Size Skip Skip sizes vary, so it’s crucial to select one that accommodates your waste without overloading it. Common skip sizes include mini skips, midi skips, maxi/builders’ skips and larger 12-yard skips for bulky waste. If you’re unsure about the size you need, consult with the skip-hire company for advice. 

3. Check Permit Requirements In some areas, placing a skip on a public road or pavement requires a permit. Contact your local council to inquire about permit regulations. Skip-hire companies can often arrange permits on your behalf, but this may come at an additional cost. 

4. Understand Skip Placement Decide on a suitable location for the skip. Ideally, it should be placed on private property, like your driveway, to avoid the need for a permit. Ensure there’s enough space for the skip lorry to deliver and collect the skip without causing damage. 

5. Prepare for Skip Delivery Clear the area where the skip will be placed and make sure it’s easily accessible. Remove obstacles, like parked cars, to allow the skip lorry to manoeuvre safely. If your property has limited access, inform the skip hire company in advance, as they might need to send a smaller skip lorry. 

6. Fill the Skip Correctly Load the skip evenly and avoid overfilling it. Overloaded skips pose safety hazards and may incur additional charges. Distribute the waste evenly to ensure it’s packed efficiently. 

  • Do: Place heavy or bulky items at the bottom. 
  • Don’t: Put hazardous materials, electrical items, or liquids in the skip. 

7. Schedule Skip Collection Once your skip is full, contact the skip hire company to schedule collection. They’ll pick up the skip and transport your waste to a licensed recycling facility, where it will be sorted and processed responsibly. 

8. Track Recycling Practices Opt for skip-hire companies with transparent recycling policies. Reputable companies recycle a significant portion of the waste they collect, reducing the environmental impact. Ask about their recycling rates and practices to ensure your waste is handled responsibly. 

9. Leave a Review After your experience, leave a review for the skip hire company. Honest feedback helps others make informed decisions and encourages businesses to maintain high standards of service. 

Give us a call

With over 40 years of experience in recycling, waste management and skip hire in Surrey, we have the team and fleet to handle the very smallest to the most demanding of waste removal projects.

Give us a call on 01372 378 764 or select a skip on our Skip Hire page. We cover all of Surrey.