There are many reasons for hiring a skip, and it’s essential to know everything about a skip hire before you begin. Perhaps you’ve just got the keys to a doer-upper, you need to clear your home after a flood, or you’re about to tackle an overgrown garden.

Whatever the reason, if you haven’t used a skip before, you’re probably unsure of the ins and outs of hiring one. To help you avoid some rookie mistakes, here’s all you need to know about .

If you don’t know, a skip hire or skip bin is a large open-topped waste container. People use this container to load onto a special lorry called a skip loader. Primarily, it comes from the word skep, which refers to a basket.

1 -Do You Need A Permit For A Skip Hire?

The first thing you need to know when hiring a skip is that you may need a permit from your local council. If you don’t have space in your driveway or garden, it must go on the road, requiring a permit.

Moreover, although there’s a cost, the hire company will usually arrange it for you. That said, it can take a few days to sort out. So, if you need a skip, it’s always best to plan.

It’s also worth noting that a council may refuse a permit if they think a skip will block access. Furthermore, you may need a smaller skip or a different waste removal service. More on this in a moment.

2 – Know Your Skip Hire Sizes

Confusingly, skip sizes are in yards, so it can be difficult to determine exactly how big each option is. It’s handy to consider the sizes of bin bags to make them easier to visualize.

The smallest option is a two-yard skip, which can hold between 20 and 30 bin bags. A slightly bigger four-yard skip holds between 30 and 40 bin bags. These sizes are typically big enough for smaller garden clearances and . At the other end of the scale, an 18-yard skip can hold a whopping 200 bin bags (or thereabouts).

3 – Don’t Feel Tripped Up By Costs And Time-Scales

The first thing you should know about skip charges is that the bigger the skip, the more it’ll cost you. For a two-yard skip, you’re looking at between £60 and £120, while a 12-yard size costs £220 and an 18-yard skip from £270.

You should also know that companies typically charge skips by the week. So, if you feel disorganized and don’t load your skip hire on time, you will need to pay more. However, if you feel organized and want to cut costs, it might be worth checking if local companies charge cheaper daily charges.

4 – Avoid Multiple Skips

While you want to keep costs down, avoid hiring multiple skips where possible. Going up a size may cost you an extra £40 for the week. But if you don’t upsize, you might find you fill one skip up and still have some waste left. And that means you’ll need to hire a second skip.

Furthermore, if you have a large project on the go and don’t think an 18-yard skip will cut it, a , known as a Ro-Ro, might be a better option. However, this can cause logistical issues. So, another alternative is to hire a grab lorry. Ideally, this will scoop up your waste and take it away.

5 – Understand The Difference Between Services

You’re probably aware that different types of skip hire services are available. In particular, it’s worth understanding the difference between standard skip hire and wait-and-load services. While standard hire services leave a skip with you for a week or more, wait-and-load services don’t.

Moreover, the lorry waits for you to load the skip hire. Typically, companies include the first 15 to 30 minutes in the cost, but you’ll rack up charges after this time. This service benefits you by clearing waste out of the way quickly and avoiding needing a permit. However, you’ll incur hefty fees if loading takes too long.

6 – Beware: You Can’t Just Dump Anything

Although skips can take mixed waste materials, there are some things you can’t put in a skip. Additionally, you can’t dump hazardous waste, including asbestos, gas cylinders, and fluorescent tubes. Neither can fridges, half-full paint cans, batteries, or tires. Of course, you must also ensure that no one flies-tips hazardous items into your skip. So, if it’s going in the road, you might want to hire one with a lockable lid.

7 – Is A Skip Hire The Best Option?

OK, before booking a skip hire, it’s worth weighing up all your other options. If you’re only likely to have a small amount of waste, could you take it to the local recycling center yourself? Or can the council collect it? For a small fee, they’ll usually take household items such as old mattresses and appliances.

Alternatively, ordering a HIPPOBAG is a handy way to dispose of a small amount of waste. Plus, you’ll receive six months to fill it out. Ideal for slow DIYers. If you’re clearing a house that contains perfectly usable furniture, could you upcycle it or donate it to charity? Many charities offer free collections, saving you money.

A final alternative is using a man with a van. Furthermore, this is a good choice for removing small loads of waste when there’s no space for a skip. Now, you know all the essential pointers when ready to hire a skip hire.