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Skip Hire: The Do’s and Don’ts

Whether you’re embarking on a period of DIY, or run a commercial building company that requires regular waste disposal, hiring a skip makes a lot of sense. But making sure you get the best deal for you while avoiding potential pitfalls can be a daunting task. Here are a few important Do’s and Don’ts to remember…

DO

Get the Right Size:

It goes without saying that ordering a skip too large for your needs will mean you will be paying over the odds. However, getting one that’s too small can also damage the wallet. Once full, you will end up having to shell out on another skip, potentially doubling your costs and incurring further charges during the removal of the full unit and delivery of the new one. Many companies will also charge extra for, or ask you to remove, any excess that overflows from the edges of the skip.

It’s useful to bear in mind that the waste management industry still measures skips in yards, with 6 to 8 yard domestic skips the most commonly seen in residential areas. 1 yard is 0.92 metres, so an 8 cubic yard skip is 7.36m3.

Check your Paperwork:

If you plan on leaving your skip on a public road, a permit will have to be obtained from the local council. Application for this permit is usually a case of supplying the council with your address and a start date for the work you’re planning/delivery date for the skip. This should cost around £10-£20 and, if granted, a skip licence will be valid for 7 days, after which time renewal will be required. Failure to obtain a skip permit will incur a fine as well as a retrospective application for the licence, and in some cases will necessitate removal of the skip with full payments for the work covered by you.

For skips placed on private land, permits are not required, although respect to limitations when using public highways to load and unload should be paid.

Go Green:

Many skip hire companies now have their own waste management facilities, allowing recycling of many items you place in your skip. Some will have a commitment to recycling a certain percentage, so check the green credentials of each company you approach and consider your findings in your final decision.

DON’T

Dump Hazardous or Unpermitted Materials

Common items that are not allowed in any skip include aerosols, asbestos, chemicals, electrical goods, fluorescent tubes, freezers, fridges, gas bottles/canisters, light bulbs, paint, solvents, TVs, tyres, vehicle batteries and more. Depending on the facilities available to the skip hire company you choose, there may be further limitations. Always check before your skip arrives.

Choose the First Company you Come Across:

Asking around for a few different quotes will help you to find the skip hire deal that suits your specific needs, as well as increasing the chances of spotting a cowboy – those rogue traders that extort money from the vulnerable for inadequate or non-existent services. One way to avoid this is to check a company’s credentials with the environmental agency, which should be able to tell you if they are a licenced waste carrier or not.

Check for testimonials or customer references for each company to give you an idea about both quality and legitimacy.

Woodford Recycling:

The experts at Woodford Recycling provide a wide range of attractive skip hire services, all at highly competitive prices. From domestic and commercial skip hire to recycling, waste management and even specialist asbestos disposal, we do it all.

So don’t hesitate to get in touch today for more information or advice about your skip hire needs.

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