Can I hire a skip in winter?
Years of experience working in the waste disposal
Winter brings its own challenges for home improvement and construction work, and many people wonder: Can I hire a skip in winter? The short answer is yes — but there are a number of extra considerations compared to warmer months. If you’re thinking about skip hire over the colder season in Houghton-Le-Spring, this article will guide you through what to expect, how to plan, and how using skips Houghton-Le-Spring smartly in winter can still be effective and hassle-free.
Why Winter Skip Hire Is Possible
Skip hire services like Ward Bros continue to operate through winter. In fact, Ward Bros offer skip hire in Houghton-le-Spring even in cold weather, and their winter service helps ensure that your waste removal projects don’t have to pause just because temperatures drop or weather worsens.
There are reasons some people hesitate: frost, snow, ice, reduced daylight, risk of frozen ground or slippery surfaces. But firms experienced in winter hire know how to mitigate these issues. Proper planning and communication with the skip company can keep everything on track.
Key Considerations When Hiring a Skip in Winter
First, access becomes especially important. If driveways or paths are icy, or snow has blocked entryways, it might be harder for the skip to be delivered or placed where needed. Making sure you clear snow or ice ahead of delivery helps. If ground is frozen, very soft, or uneven, there’s risk of damage or the vehicle getting stuck.
Second, timing and daylight are more limited. You might want your skip delivered early in the day so there’s enough light to load it safely. Similarly, collection may need to happen before dusk to avoid hazards.
Weather can also affect safety during loading: umbrellas, tarps, and wet surfaces can make everything slippery. It’s wise to avoid overfilling when it’s raining or snowing because rain adds weight and wet waste may shift during transit.
What Services Ward Bros Provide in Winter
Ward Bros Skip Hire in Houghton-Le-Spring maintain their domestic and commercial skips over winter, offering flexible hire durations and reliable delivery/collection times even in adverse weather. On their Houghton-le-Spring skip hire page they emphasise that they provide fast delivery and collection in that area throughout the year.
You can also check their skip sizes page to choose the right size for winter projects: smaller skips might be easier to manoeuvre in icy conditions, while larger ones reduce the number of collections needed. Overuse or overfilling must be avoided. Ward Bros’ skip sizes page helps customers select appropriately.
Another service to look into is whether Ward Bros can help with placement permissions, delivering skips to sites that may require a permit (especially if placed on a public road). Winter weather can slow administrative processes, so arranging these well in advance is helpful. Their “Areas we cover” including Houghton-Le-Spring confirm that the logistics are well understood in that locale.
Challenges You Might Face & How to Overcome Them
Here are some of the typical winter difficulties with skip hire and tips to manage them:
- Frozen ground or icy surfaces: Clear snow / ice, grit slippery areas. Make sure the site is safe and accessible for delivery vehicles.
- Slippery loading: Wear good footwear, use gloves, consider a tarp for wet material to avoid moisture adding too much weight.
- Weather delays: Bad weather may delay delivery or collection. Plan with a buffer, so you’re not stuck when you need the skip to be removed or replaced.
- Permitting & road permissions: If your skip needs to be on a road or pavement, ensure permits are arranged ahead of time since council offices might have limited hours.
When Winter Skip Hire Makes Sense
Winter skip hire is especially useful for projects that need clearing out prior to spring: garden clearances, roof repairs, pre-renovation clean-ups, demolition debris from winter storms. Also, since some contractors’ schedules are quieter, you may get faster delivery and better availability.
If you’re using skips Houghton-Le-Spring in winter, think about projects that need waste removal across a few weeks — the flexible hire periods Ward Bros offer are helpful here. Their winter service (via their Houghton-Le-Spring branch) allows for such flexibility.
Safety, Costs & Practical Tips
Hiring a skip in winter can incur some additional costs: extra time if the vehicle has to manoeuvre over snow, or if additional labour is needed to help with loading. Make sure you discuss any extra charges with Ward Bros ahead of booking.
Insurance and liability are also more critical: if snow causes slip hazards, make sure your supply or contract covers safety, that the skip is placed in a low-risk spot, and that warnings or signage are used if needed.
Practical tip: cover the skip if snow is falling, or ensure materials that could be disturbed by wind/water are secured. Also, do not overload — wet or frozen waste is heavier and can exceed weight limits more easily.
Summary: Can I hire a skip in winter?
So, Can I hire a skip in winter? Yes — provided you plan ahead, discuss conditions with a reliable company, and take steps to ensure safety and access. If you’re located in Houghton-Le-Spring and need skips, Ward Bros are well-equipped to support you through winter projects with dependable service, flexible hire durations, and a robust range of skip sizes.
If you notice heavy frost or icy conditions, or snow has blocked your driveway, don’t postpone — just factor those in. Communication with the skip company ahead of time ensures you choose the right skip, the right size, and the right delivery / collection timing.
Contact Us
If you’re considering hiring a skip in winter, or want more information about skips Houghton-Le-Spring, contact us today. Call us on 0191 666 0167, mention the Houghton-Le-Spring location, or visit our skip hire page to see available skip sizes and options. We’re committed to delivering and collecting your skip safely and reliably, even when the weather turns cold.
