Moving out of your home to a new place is always challenging. After living in your current home for a time, you will need to start packing your belongings to bring everything into your new home. However, this also means making provision for the items you will not bring along, which typically go into the rubbish. When this happens, you will need a skip.
A skip is a large, open-topped container that can store and transport waste materials. It is typically used for construction and demolition projects, as it can hold large volumes of rubbish. Skips can be hired from various companies, and you can choose the size and type of skip most appropriate for your move. However, the tricky part is knowing what size you will need because you may not anticipate how much rubbish you will generate when clearing your home. To help you with this, we will guide you in this article.
The Different Sizes of Skips
Skips are categorised into several distinct sizes, and choosing one will depend on the amount of rubbish you need to get rid of. These include:
Mini Skips
Mini skips are at two to four yards, and while they may be the smallest skips, they are enough to hold at least 20 to 25 bin bags’ worth of rubbish. Mini skips are perfect for small home improvement projects, such as redecorating a single room or removing a few small furniture items.
Small Skips
Small skips are an upgrade of mini skips, and they are at four to five yards. This type of skip is one of the most popular sizes, and they are perfect for roughly the same projects as mini skips but with a bit more rubbish to dispose of. Small skips typically hold around 30 to 45 bin bags’ worth of rubbish.
6-Yard Skip
A six-yard skip is up from the small skip and is a popular choice of size. This skip can hold up to 50 bin bags of rubbish and is perfect for larger home improvement projects such as replacing windows or building an extension.
8-Yard Skip
An eight-yard skip is one of the most popular skip sizes and will hold up to 65 bin bags of rubbish. This size is perfect for larger projects such as a complete house renovation or a garden clearance.
12-Yard Skip
For large-scale disposal projects, such as a major home renovation, a 12-yard skip is perfect. It can hold up to 90 bin bags of rubbish and is ideal for bulky items such as furniture, garden waste, and appliances. These skips also allow for other rubbish, such as metal, wood, and plastics, to be disposed of safely and responsibly.
14-Yard Skip
14-yard skips are the biggest available for domestic use. They are perfect for large-scale projects like home renovations or garden clearances. These skips can hold up to 120 bin bags of rubbish and are ideal for bulky items, such as furniture, appliances, and garden waste. They are also suitable for other types of rubbish, such as metal, wood, and plastics.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skips
The purpose of skips may be straightforward, but many people, particularly first-time users, have many questions regarding them. For this reason, we will answer some of them, including:
What Can I Put in a Skip?
Most skips are suitable for general rubbish, such as household items and garden waste. However, you should check with your skip hire company to confirm what you can and cannot put in the skip. Generally, hazardous materials, such as paint and chemicals, are not allowed. If you need to, you can look for a skip hire that can handle hazardous waste.
What Are Skips Made Of?
Skips are usually made of steel. This is to make them strong, durable, and able to withstand the weight of the rubbish inside. The metal can also be galvanised to protect it from rust and corrosion.
Do I Need a Permit for a Skip?
Sometimes, you may need to get a skip permit when you hire a skip. This is usually required if you are placing the skip on a public road or pavement, as it can cause an obstruction. Your skip hire company will be able to advise you on this and provide the necessary paperwork if needed. You will also need to inform the local council because they will approve the skip’s location before the job starts.
Are There Other Types of Skips?
Skips are generally categorised into two distinct categories: open and closed. Open skips are the most common type and are suitable for general waste. On the other hand, closed skips are typically used for recyclable materials and hazardous waste.
Where Will the Skip Be Placed?
During the job, the skip will be placed around your property, at the roadside or in a driveway. Depending on your requirements, the skip hire company may be able to provide a skip that can be placed in a specific location.
How Do I Know What Size Skip I Need?
The size of the skip you need will depend on the amount and type of rubbish you dispose of—generally, the larger the skip, the more rubbish it can hold. The skip hire company will be able to advise you on the best size skip to suit your requirements.
What Are the Weight Limits for Skips?
The weight limit for skips will vary depending on the type of skip being used and the size of the vehicle used to transport it. Generally, the weight limit for skips is between 1.5 and 4 tonnes. You must ensure that the skip is not overloaded and that the weight of the skip does not exceed the weight limit.
How Much Does a Skip Hire Cost?
The cost of a skip hire will depend on several factors, such as the skip size, your location, and the duration of the hire. In general, skip hire can cost anywhere from £100 to £400. You should shop around and compare prices to get the best price for skip hire. If possible, you can also ask for discounts and special offers.
What to Expect When Hiring a Skip
Hiring a skip is pretty straightforward, and it can be done nowadays by either a phone call or the click of a mouse. When you find a suitable skip hire provider, you must ask as many questions as you can to ensure that you get the best possible service. Questions can include what kind of skip you need, what size, what type of rubbish can be disposed of, and how long you need it. Once you have discussed all of the relevant details, a contract should be signed. At this point, you may also need to inform the local council for legal reasons. The skip will then be delivered to your location, and you can start disposing of your rubbish.
During the day of the job, the skip hire company will provide you with a skip and a driver. The driver will deliver the skip, and they can advise you where to safely place it. When the skip is full, the driver will collect it, and the rubbish will be taken to the appropriate disposal site. The skip hire company may also provide a waste transfer note, a legal requirement for disposal.
Conclusion
Skip hire is a valuable service for any homeowner who needs to dispose of a large amount of rubbish. Skips are available in different sizes, so it is only a matter of estimating the scale of your disposal and choosing the appropriate size. This way, you can ensure your rubbish is disposed of safely and responsibly without causing extensive damage to the environment.
If you are looking for a reliable skip hire service, Enviro Skip Hire is the company for you! We offer skips in different sizes for better rubbish management and disposal at affordable prices. Call us today at 01270 820 426 to get a quote!
