
When should I hire a skip?
Hiring a skip may seem obvious when you have a lot of waste to dispose of. However, although skip hire is the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of your waste, several factors must be considered.
How skip hire works
In short, skip hire is not just about the physical skip you hire but the service that comes with it.
You can begin preparing for your skip long before you need it. This involves determining the appropriate size of the skip you require, applying for a skip permit from your local council (or we can do it for you if needed), and identifying any potential issues that might arise. Your skip company will deliver and collect your skip and sort your waste afterwards to maximise the waste that can be recycled or otherwise kept out of landfill. Collectively, these offer a set of benefits that no other method of waste disposal can offer.
Convenience
You fill the skip, and What Skip takes care of everything else. This eliminates the hassle of trips to the tip or coordinating multiple collections.
Versatility
Skips can be used for various waste types. There is no need to order specific skips for different projects; all the waste can go in the same skip. Even if you have several projects on the go at once, they can all use the same skip.
Environmental responsibility
Because we process and sort all waste, you can rest assured that it is handled appropriately. This means items that can be reused or recycled are managed appropriately, and anything that must be disposed of is dealt with ethically, minimising the environmental impact.
Examples of when skip hire is the best option
Many assume that the volume of waste is the key factor determining when skip hire is right. However, we offer a range of skip sizes, with the smallest mini-skip holding the equivalent of just twenty bin bags. Hiring a skip can be cost-effective, even for relatively small jobs.
Garden clearances
Garden waste often occupies a large volume despite being relatively light. That makes it difficult to get rid of, and a small skip can save you seemingly endless trips to your refuse centre and from finding soil and twigs in your car for months afterwards!
Home renovation and DIY
Work at home typically generates a range of waste. This might include wood from old cupboards and shelving, rubble, brickwork from walls, and some fixtures and fittings from that dated bathroom. Hiring a skip means it can all go in the same place.
Home clear-outs and decluttering
Whether you are embarking on a major cleanout or just want a fresh look, sometimes the number of things you want to get rid of can seem overwhelming. You can try to manage the waste by using recycling websites, taking items to charity shops, or even arranging special collections. However, using a skip is a simple way to manage it all effectively, knowing that everything will be sorted at the other end.
When not to use a skip
Knowing when to use a skip is just as important as knowing when not to use a skip. Although skips are convenient and can take lots of waste, they cannot take everything. There are some situations where you will need to arrange for specialist collection and disposal because the waste you are generating is prohibited.
- The wood used for external construction before 2007, including fencing, sheds, cladding, and even external doors, may have been treated with chemicals that can make it hazardous.
- Hazardous chemicals and anything containing them cannot go in a skip. Items commonly covered include televisions, battery-operated devices, and paint. However, they can usually be taken directly to your local recycling centre for free.
- Upholstered furniture. Some furniture has been manufactured using chemicals that can cause pollution, and these cannot go into a skip. Unless your furniture has a manufacturer’s label stating it does not contain persistent organic pollutants, you cannot put it in a skip.
When to ask about skip hire
We understand it can be difficult to know exactly what you will be putting into a skip, but if you expect a lot of your waste to be dense, heavy materials like soil and rubble, you should always check first. These can go in a skip; however, when there is a lot, the skip can become too heavy to lift and transport safely. We are always happy to advise on weight and limits and arrange for multiple skips to ensure your skip does not create a danger.
Ready to book? Give us a call
Once you know you need a skip, just contact us. We can arrange your booking in a few minutes. We are one of the nation’s leading skip hire companies registered with the Environment Agency. We can help you manage your waste from mini skips to commercial skips.
FAQs
When should I book a skip?
The sooner you can make a booking, the better. However, as one of the largest skip-hire companies, we have a huge stock of skips and can often help on short notice. Just beware that you will need a skip hire permit from the council if you need to leave your skip on a public road, and they probably will not be able to respond as quickly as we do!
How long can I keep a skip?
Typical hire periods are one to two weeks and are often tied to the length of the skip permit. But our hire periods can be flexible and adjusted to meet your needs. Whether you just want a skip for a day or need it long-term, we can help.
Why I cannot load my skip with soil?
This will depend on the size of your skip. Dense waste like soil and rubble can become too heavy to lift and transport safely if you fill your skip with it. Likewise, we are not allowed to carry overfilled skips because of the risk of waste falling in transit. We are always happy to advise you on what size skip would suit your needs.

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