Skips are an essential part of waste management for many households and businesses. Whether you’re doing a renovation, clearing out a backyard or just getting rid of general rubbish, skips can help you get the job done quickly and easily.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using skips. As skips come in a variety of sizes, it is important to understand how to correctly fill them in order to maximise their capacity and ensure safety. Here are the top 15 tips for correctly filling different skip sizes in the UK.
1. Choose the Right Size of Skip for the Job
When it comes to choosing the right size of skip for your needs, it is important to consider the amount of waste you are disposing of, as well as the type of waste. Most skip hire companies offer a range of sizes, from mini skips to large skips, and it is important to choose the size that best suits your needs.
2. Make Sure the Skip is Kept Level
When filling a skip, it is important to make sure that the skip is level. This is important for safety reasons, as an unevenly filled skip can be unstable and hazardous. To ensure that the skip is level, you should start by filling the skip in one corner and then gradually filling the other sides until the skip is level.
3. Fill the Skip Evenly
When filling a skip, it is important to make sure that the skip is filled as evenly as possible. This ensures that the skip is stable and also helps to maximise its capacity of the skip. To ensure that the skip is filled evenly, you should start by filling the corners of the skip and then gradually fill the middle.
4. Don’t Overfill the Skip
It is important to make sure that the skip is not overfilled, as this can be dangerous and can lead to the skip being rejected by the skip hire company. To ensure that the skip is not overfilled, you should make sure that the waste is level with the top of the skip and never higher.
5. Place the Heaviest Items at the Bottom
When filling a skip, it is important to place the heaviest items at the bottom of the skip. This helps to ensure that the skip is stable and also helps to maximise its capacity of the skip.
6. Ensure Balance and Stability
When filling a skip, it is important to ensure that the items are balanced and stable. This means that no single item should be significantly heavier than the others. Additionally, the items should be placed in such a way that they won’t shift or fall over when the skip is moved. If the items are too heavy for one side of the skip, it is best to place them in the middle or at the bottom of the skip.
7. Divide the Waste
When filling a skip, it is important to separate the waste into different categories. This will help to ensure that the skip is filled properly and that the waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Common categories include general waste, recyclables, garden waste, and hazardous waste.
8. Know What Can and Can’t Be Placed in a Skip
It is important to be aware of what can and cannot be placed in a skip. Generally, skips can be used for most non-hazardous waste, such as general rubbish, garden waste, furniture, and electrical items. However, hazardous materials such as asbestos, tyres, liquids, chemicals, and solvents are not allowed in skips as they can cause serious environmental damage and must be disposed of separately.
Additionally, items such as paint cans and aerosols may not be accepted. It is best to check with the skip hire company to make sure that all items are appropriate for the skip.
9. Secure the Load
When the skip is full, it is important to secure the load. This can be done with a tarp or a net. Securing the load will help to ensure that the items don’t shift or fall out of the skip when it is being transported. It is also a good idea to spread the weight of the load evenly across the skip, as this will help to prevent it from tipping over.
10. Sort Materials
When filling a skip, it is important to sort materials into different categories and place these categories in different parts of the skip. This will ensure that the materials do not mix together and that they can be disposed of more easily. Common categories include metals, wood, paper and cardboard, plastics, hazardous materials and general waste.
11. Minimise Air Pockets
Filling skips correctly is essential to ensure maximum capacity and safety. To do this, it is important to minimise the amount of air pockets that are created. Air pockets can reduce the capacity of a skip and cause items to move around when the skip is transported. To reduce air pockets, it is important to fill the skip evenly and not overfill it. It is also important to break down any large items, such as boxes and furniture, to create a more even fill.
12. Be Careful of Weight
When filling a skip, it is important to be aware of the total weight of the materials. Skips have a maximum weight limit and if this is exceeded, the skip may not be able to be transported.
13. Use a Cover
Using a cover for the skip is important for both safety and hygiene. It can help to prevent any materials from spilling out of the skip and onto the ground. It can also help to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates in the skip and can help to reduce unpleasant odours.
14. Don’t Put Any Recyclable Materials in the Skip
Recyclable materials should be separated and disposed of separately in a recycling centre. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and ensure that these materials are reused rather than simply thrown away. The key to recycling correctly is to make sure that recyclable materials, such as plastic, paper, glass and metal, are separated from other waste and put into a designated recycling bin.
15. Follow Local Regulations
In some areas, there may be local regulations that need to be followed when filling a skip. It is important to check with the local council to make sure that all regulations are being followed. Additionally, some skip-hire companies may have their own rules and regulations that need to be followed. It is best to check with the company before filling the skip to ensure that all regulations are being followed.
Conclusion
Skips are a great way to get rid of large amounts of rubbish quickly and easily. However, it’s important to make sure you correctly fill your skip to ensure it can be collected safely and efficiently. With this helpful guide, you’ll be able to fill your skip with confidence! Remember, don’t overfill your skip – it’s a recipe for disaster. All the best, and happy skippin’!
Are you looking to hire an open skip that can meet your specific needs? If so, Enviro Skip Hire is the perfect solution for you. We offer a wide range of skip sizes to meet your rubbish removal needs, no matter what they may be. Our skips are designed to make your life easier, with easy access and large capacity so that you can quickly and easily dispose of your waste. We also offer a variety of other services, such as skip hires for large events, as well as for commercial and industrial purposes. We also provide skip hire for larger-scale projects, such as construction and demolition sites. Let us help you decide which skip is best suited for your needs. Contact us today to get started!
