Common Mistakes to avoid when hiring a skip

Hiring a skip is a convenient way to dispose of waste from home renovations, garden clean ups and construction projects. Many people make common mistakes that can lead to extra costs, delays and other issues. To help you avoid these mistakes, here are some key things to watch out for when hiring a skip.

1. Choosing the wrong size - One of the biggest mistakes is selecting the wrong size skip. If you choose a skip that is to small, you may need to hire an additional one which would increase costs. On the other hand, hiring a skip that’s to large means you will be paying for unused space. To avoid this you can pile all the waste up, this will help estimate what size you will require. The majority of skip hire companies will have approximate sizes on their website that you can use as a guide.

   
   

2. Overfilling the Skip - Not only can overfilling a skip be a safety hazard it can also result in additional charges. Skip hire companies have strict level fill guidelines, this is for the safety of drivers and other road users. Exceeding these limits could mean your skip is not collected until the excess waste is removed and a wasted journey charge may be applied. You must always stay within the fill guideline.

   
   

3. Disposing of Prohibited items - Not all items can go into a skip. Some items are hazardous so are typically not allowed. This can include items such as asbestos, batteries, electrical items and chemicals. If these are in the skip at the time of collection there may be extra disposal fees, although some companies may allow you to collect items from them to avoid the additional charges. Always check with your skip provider for a list of prohibited items before filling your skip to ensure that you don't get a unwanted surprise.

   
   

4. Not considering where the skip will go - Where you place the skips is crucial. For ease of loading it needs to be close enough to the waste, but also that it is possible for the lorry to drop the skip in the preferred location. If its going onto your own private property this is generally ok, however if this is going on to someone else’s property the skip provider may need permission for the land owner. For the skip to go onto a public road you may require a permit from the local council, this is usually arranged by the skip company. Additionally the majority of skip companies require a clearance of 9ft width to ensure there is enough room for delivery and collection.

   
   

5. Underestimating how long it will take - Many people underestimate how long they’ll need the skip for. If your project takes longer than expected, you may have to pay additional charges to extend the hire period. To avoid this, plan your timeline carefully and discuss time limited with your skip company in advance. The other alternative may also be piling the waste up to load into the skip on arrival.

   
   

6. Ignoring recycling and waste disposal policies - Some companies don’t recycle waste, which can lead to environmental harm. It is important to ensure that companies collecting waste have valid waste carriers licence and a suitable waste transfer station to dispose of your waste. Hiring a skip from an unlicensed waste carrier can lead to legal trouble and potential fines. If your waste is illegally dumped by an unlicensed company you could be held liable and fined for fly-tipping. You can check for waste carriers licence online yourself at Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers

   
   

Avoiding all of the above mistakes can save you money, time and stress. Always research local companies to you, check waste carriers and communicate with your skip hire company to ensure a smooth process. Proper waste disposal is not just about environmental responsibility and legal compliance. By working with a licenced, reputable provider you can ensure your waste is handled correctly and avoid contributing to illegal dumping or pollution.