Skip hire is a popular waste management solution in the UK. It involves hiring a large container, called a skip, to dispose of waste material. Skips are available in various sizes, ranging from two to 40 cubic yards, and are commonly used for domestic and commercial waste disposal.
If you’re considering skip hire, there are several things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of skip hire, including what it is, how it works, the different types of skips, and the benefits of using a skip.
What Is Skip Hire?
Skip hire is the process of hiring a large container, called a skip, to dispose of waste material. Skips are usually available in various sizes and can be used for domestic and commercial waste disposal. The skips are usually delivered to your location, and once you fill them up with waste materials, they are collected and disposed of by the skip hire company.
How Does Skip Hire Work?
Skip hire is a simple process. Once you’ve identified the amount of waste material you need to dispose of, you can contact a skip hire company and request a quote. The company will usually ask you to provide information about the type of waste material you have, the location where you want the skip delivered, and the duration you need to keep the skip.
Once you’ve agreed on the hire terms, the skip hire company will deliver the skip to your location, and you can start filling it up with your waste material. Once you’ve filled the skip, the skip hire company will collect it and responsibly dispose of the waste material.
Different Types of Skips
Several types of skips are available for hire, and the type you choose will depend on the amount and type of waste material you need to dispose of. The most common types of skips include:
- Mini Skip: This is the smallest skip available, measuring approximately two cubic yards. It’s suitable for small amounts of household and garden waste.
- Midi Skip: This is slightly larger than the mini skip, measuring approximately four cubic yards. It’s suitable for small renovation projects and garden clearances.
- Builder’s Skip: This is the most common skip used in the UK, measuring approximately eight cubic yards. It’s suitable for larger renovation projects and construction waste.
- Maxi Skip: This larger skip is approximately 12 to 16 cubic yards. It’s suitable for large amounts of construction waste and bulky household waste.
- Roll-on Roll-off Skip: This is the largest skip available, measuring approximately 20 to 40 cubic yards. It’s suitable for large amounts of commercial waste and construction waste.
Benefits of Skip Hire
There are several benefits to using skip hire:
- Convenient: Skip hire is a convenient way to dispose of waste material. Once the skip is delivered to your location, you can fill it up at your own pace, and the skip hire company will collect it once you’re done.
- Environmentally Friendly: Skip hire companies are required to dispose of waste material in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. This means your waste will be disposed of to minimise its environmental impact.
- Cost-Effective: Skip hire can be a cost-effective way to dispose of large amounts of waste material. The cost of skip hire is usually based on the size of the skip, the duration of time you need to keep it, and the type of waste material you need to dispose of.
Legal Requirements for Skip Hire
As a responsible citizen, you must dispose of waste material properly and ethically. Skip hire companies offer a convenient solution for disposing of waste material, but they must also comply with certain legal requirements. We will discuss the legal requirements for skip hire in the UK.
Obtaining a Permit
If you plan to have a skip placed on the road or public highway, then it is likely that you will need a permit from your Local Authority. You must obtain a permit to ensure that the skip does not cause obstructions or safety hazards for pedestrians, motorists, or cyclists. The permit will specify the skip’s location, size, and duration, and these conditions must be adhered to for the duration of the hire period. The good news is that most reputable skip hire companies will organise the permit for you, so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Duty of Care
Skip hire companies must take all necessary precautions to prevent pollution and environmental harm. They must also ensure that waste is segregated and disposed of per the law.
Waste Carriers License
Skip hire companies must have waste carriers’ licenses to transport and dispose of waste material. This license requires the skip hire company to keep records of the waste they transport, including its type, quantity, and destination.
Safely Storing Your Waste with Skip Hire
When hiring a skip, it is important to ensure the waste is stored safely and securely. This means that the skip should be placed on a level surface and not overloaded beyond its capacity. Overloading can lead to spillages and accidents, harming the environment and posing a risk to public safety. It is also important to ensure the skip is covered when not in use to prevent windblown litter and deter unauthorised access.
Recycling Your Waste
Skip hire companies have a responsibility to recycle as much waste as possible. This means they should separate waste into different categories, such as wood, metal, plastic, and paper, and dispose of each category accordingly. Recycling reduces the amount of waste in landfills, conserves natural resources, and helps reduce carbon emissions.
Disposing of Hazardous Waste
Skip hire companies must also dispose of hazardous waste in a safe and appropriate manner. Hazardous waste includes asbestos, batteries, chemicals, and electrical equipment. These materials can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly. Skip hire companies must ensure that hazardous waste is transported and disposed of in accordance with the relevant legislation, which includes using licensed waste carriers and disposal facilities.
Tips for Using Skip Hire
If you’re considering skip hire, there are several tips you should keep in mind:
- Identify the type and amount of waste material you must dispose of before hiring a skip.
- Choose the right size skip to avoid overloading or underloading the skip.
- Place the skip in a safe and accessible location.
- Avoid placing hazardous waste material in the skip, such as asbestos or chemicals.
- Ensure the skip hire company has the necessary permits and licenses to operate.
Conclusion
Skip hire is a popular waste management solution in the UK. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to dispose of large amounts of waste material. If you’re considering skip hire, it’s important to choose the right size skip, place it in a safe location, and ensure that the skip hire company has the necessary permits and licenses to operate.
Enviro Skip Hire is your go-to waste management, skip hire and aggregates service for quick and convenient waste disposal in Congleton. We want to make the process of hiring a skip easier for all our customers, from business use to personal hire. We can help you with permits, a fast, reliable service with skips available in all sizes. If you need skip hire services in Congleton, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us now and let us know how we can help!