Skip Hire – Cleaning up the garden can be one of the most rewarding home projects you can undertake. However, after the job is completed, you discover a big pile of waste material staring at you. It adds up faster than you think from branches, soil, old turf, hedge clippings and broken pots. The easiest and cheapest way to get rid of it all at once is to hire a skip, and the booking of a skip is not as complicated as most people think. This guide takes you through all of the information.
What Type of Waste Are You Dealing With
Prior to booking anything, take a correct look at what you have collected. Garden waste is normally considered to be non-hazardous and can be disposed of easily and legally. This includes grass cuttings, leaves, branches, hedge trimmings, soil and all green wastes. If you are emptying a shed, broken garden furniture or old furniture, you might also be dealing with mixed waste.
If you know exactly what you have before you call a skip company you will be able to select the appropriate type of skip and avoid any unpleasant surprises or additional costs as soon as the skip arrives.
Finding Local Skips for Hire
After you’ve identified your waste, you need to locate the appropriate provider. Local skip hire companies will be familiar with local council regulations and permit requirements and will always be the first place to start your search for a local skips for hire. They will be familiar with the roads and any access limitations which a national provider would not be aware of and any rules in place within the neighbourhood.
Local companies also tend to have a more personal level of service and are more likely to have flexible collection times and shorter delivery times. You will also be more likely to receive a fair price, without any hidden fees.
Choosing the Right Skip Size
Sizes are measured in cubic yards and is one of the most common errors people make when selecting a skip. If it’s too small, you have to go back to book a new one and you’ll have some leftover waste. If it’s too large, you are wasting space you aren’t using.
A midi skip is typically sufficient for a regular garden clean-out or seasonal clean-out. A 6 to 8 yard builder’s skip is more suitable for larger projects like removing old decking, hedge trimming or landscaping a large part of the garden.
Do You Need a Permit
Many people don’t think to ask this until they’re at the last minute. If you must be put on a public road, pavement or land not privately owned, a permit from your local council will be required. It is usually the skip hire company that will be able to apply for this permit on your behalf, but there will be a fee for this.
If the skip fits on your driveway or in the limits of your private land there is no need for a permit whatsoever. If you are considering having your driveway measured, it is worthwhile to do so before booking to determine if this is one of the options available. When booking a skip, check the permit status with your provider as to whether a permit is required or not – if it is not and a skip is placed on a public road, your provider could be fined as well as you.
How to Actually Book Your Skip
It’s easy and fast to book a skip these days. Most companies allow online booking within minutes, and often bookings are accepted via the phone if you prefer to discuss your options. You will be asked for your address, type of waste to be collected, delivery date and details about where the skip will be left.
Don’t assume that you have to book weeks in advance as many providers in the UK can deliver the same day or even next day in some areas. Always enquire about the hire period when booking. Typical rental period ranges from 7 to 14 days, but each company will have their own expectations. Then look at whether there will be any penalties for requesting an extension in the case of a collection, since some firms may charge more for them and others will include some flexibility into their pricing.
What You Cannot Put in a Garden Skip
There are a number of items which cannot be put into your garden waste skip even if you have booked one in particular for garden waste. All contaminated soil, asbestos, paint, chemicals, batteries, tyres and electrical appliances must not be placed in skips. The majority of companies will give you a comprehensive list of items that are prohibited when you book or when you are handed over the skip.
It’s best to make it a point to read through this list thoroughly before loading it. Banned items put in the skip may result in further disposal fees and/or collection refusal. I
Tips to Make the Most of Your Skip
There are some simple things you can do to ensure that your skip is collected efficiently and there are no problems with the collection. Keep the skip as near to your working area as you can, to minimise the distance you are moving heavy materials. Pack heavy material such as soil and rubble at the bottom and lighter green waste and branches on top.
Do not over fill a skip with the fill line on the sides. This is not a recommendation – drivers can not legally use an over filled skip on public roads. Filling the skip too full may mean that the skipper has to take items out of the skip before it can be collected, thus causing delays and frustration.
Conclusion
When hiring a skip, it is easy to understand the process for hiring a skip for garden waste removal. The first thing is to identify the waste, then to find a reputable waste disposal company in the area, select the right sized skip and arrange any permits in advance for delivery. However, if you are prepared, the entire application is smooth and your garden won’t suffer any unnecessary stress. The best skip hire will be glad to reply to your inquiries and ensure you have everything you require from beginning to end.
