
Is skip hire worth it?
We are biased when it comes to skips. We know they are a hassle-free way to manage waste disposal. But we know they are not perfect for every situation.
Skips have many benefits, but it is worth understanding the alternatives to make an informed choice and use the best option.
The benefits of skip hire
Convenient
Using a skip hire service is the easiest way to get rid of lots of waste. You hire a skip, fill it with rubbish, and then someone comes and takes it all away.
This is a basic explanation, but hiring a skip involves less effort than other options.
Cost-effective
In most cases, skip hire is the most cost-effective way to dispose of waste. For a single fee, your waste disposal needs are met.
Alternatives may have a lower headline price, but any saving is more than lost in the cost of your time and energy doing things that would be included in the skip hire.
Environmentally friendly
Using a skip is great for the environment. The contents are sorted and, whenever possible, reused or recycled. Even when waste has no further value, it usually goes to a waste-to-energy plant, not a landfill.
About 90% of skip waste typically sees a new life, making it a responsible waste disposal method.
The downsides of skip hire
Skip hire costs
You do have to pay for skip rental. However, with good planning, you can minimise the cost. And when you consider the real price of alternatives, including your time, you will probably find a What Skip hire is your best option.
Placing and permits
When you hire a skip, you need to find an appropriate place for it, which may involve clearing a space on your property. If you plan to place the skip on the public road, you must obtain a permit from your local council. These permits usually cost between £30 and £50 before you can have your skip delivered.
Waste restrictions
Not everything can go in a skip. Some restrictions are obvious, like chemicals or hazardous waste. Some, however, you might find surprising and restrictive. For example, items like plasterboard and older wood cannot go in.
The alternatives
Going to the tip
Every area has a tip, now often called a recycling centre. Councils provide these for residents, but they typically restrict the type and volume of waste that can be taken.
This means that if your project requires multiple trips for waste removal, you might spend a lot of time booking, queuing, and sorting your waste.
Man-and-van services
These services eliminate the need to dispose of waste yourself and can often be booked on short notice. However, they are not cost-effective for larger volumes and generally have poorer sorting and recycling capabilities.
There are also, sadly, some disreputable operators who avoid fees by fly-tipping. In addition to being anti-social, you could even risk fines or prosecution if the waste is traced to you.
Council waste collection
Councils will offer special collections for larger items. These are convenient since they are collected from your doorstep, but they tend to charge per item, making it expensive if you have a significant amount of waste.
When is skip hire worth it?
Two factors tend to make skip hire worth it: volume and complexity. These factors increase the time and effort you need to dispose of the waste. Some specific examples include:
Home renovations
These produce larger volumes and different types of waste. For example, you might have brick and rubble, wood from cupboards, and metal from piping. A skip would save you multiple dirty trips to a refuse centre and time sorting your waste.
House and garden clearance
Both tend to produce a large volume of mixed waste. While special collections for furniture can be arranged, the cost quickly mounts. A skip allows you to mix your refuse. Putting in an old wardrobe with green garden waste and some soil is fine.
Events and site waste management
Many use skips to dispose of waste generated at events or for ongoing waste requirements. Because hire is flexible, skips can be used until full, handling all waste, including general refuse, packaging, and food.
Maximising your skip value
If you still need to be convinced about skip hire, remember that you can take steps to minimise the cost.
- Choose carefully: getting the right skip size keeps your costs low.
- Plan ahead: if you can minimise your hire period, you minimise the price, too.
- Pack efficiently: think of your skip like a game of Tetris. By using the space effectively, you maximise the value you get.
FAQs
What can and cannot go in a skip?
Common sense is a good guide. Things like garden and household waste, construction debris, and wooden furniture are allowed. Hazardous waste like chemicals and batteries or medical waste is not allowed. However, there are some surprising prohibited items like treated wood or plasterboard, and there may be local restrictions, so always check.
Will I need a skip permit?
If you place it on public land, even partially, you will need a permit. Obtaining one is generally easy, but it may include conditions, and failure to have a permit can result in fines and delays.
How long can I have a skip?
We offer a range of flexible hire periods, as long or as short as you need. However, you will be limited to the permit dates if you need a skip permit.
What happens to waste after collection
We will sort your waste at licensed local facilities, maximising reuse and recycling to ensure that your waste is disposed of legally and ethically.
Hire a skip for your project
There are many ways to manage waste. A skip is the most convenient and cost-effective option if you are likely to produce significant amounts, especially different types of waste from building or garden work.
We can help you choose the right skip for any project, whether a small mini-skip or a commercial-sized skip for major works. Just give us a call or request a quote on our website to find out how much easier a skip is.

Contact us
To book a skip or other services, or just to have a chat about your requirements, please get in touch.