Things you need to know when hiring a skip

Years of experience working in the waste disposal

When hiring a skip you will most probably have a list of things that you need to know. Whether you’re carrying out building work or just clearing your living or working space of unwanted items, skip hire can be an incredibly useful service. As well as being able to choose the size of skip that suits your needs, you can relax in the knowledge that waste will be collected for you at the end. You don’t have to worry about disposing of rubbish yourself. 

Hiring domestic skips in Durham and Washington is an excellent move, but don’t go in blind. To make sure your skip hire experience is a success, it makes sense to find out as much as you can about the process. Here are six questions to ask yourself before you get in touch with Ward Bros. Skip Hire Services. 

What skip size do I need? 

This is one of the most important things to think about before hiring a skip for your project. It’s essential that you choose the right skip size for your requirements. A skip that’s too big will result in wasted money and space, whereas a skip that’s too small will simply lead to you hiring another. 

Both of these scenarios can seriously impact your budget whilst delaying your whole project. At Ward Bros, we can advise you on which skip size will best suit your needs. We provide mini skips, midi skips and maxi skips, as well as RORO Skips which are ideal for construction jobs.  

What can I put in a skip? 

Knowing what you can put in a skip can often be very confusing, but it’s definitely something you need to address before arranging skip hire in Washington or Durham. There are a huge number of items which are skip-friendly, including wood, rubble, plastic, cardboard, soil, polystyrene, bricks, metal, furniture, food packaging, and domestic waste, and garden waste. You can even put gas cookers into skips. 

 

However, there are some restricted items which skip hire companies won’t take away. These include electrical appliances, large batteries, asbestos, gas cylinders, fuel, paints, solvents, medical waste, and tyres. Some items aren’t allowed due to health and safety regulations, and you’ll need to find an alternative way of disposing of them. If you’re not sure if something can be put into a skip, just ask our team and we’ll be happy to advise you.  

Do I have space for a skip?

One question you might be asking yourself is if you have the space for a skip. Even though skips have become much more compact over the years, they’re still very bulky equipment that can take up a lot of room. If you’re unsure if one of our skips will fit on your property, why not give us a call? 

We can provide expert advice to help you establish if you have sufficient space for skip hire in Durham. If you don’t, you may be able to get a permit which allows you to put it on a public road or pavement. Keep in mind that you must have permission from your local council before we can deliver your skip. Our team can advise you on the process of obtaining a permit, ensuring your project isn’t delayed longer than necessary.

How high can I fill a skip?

Don’t be tempted to fill a skip above the height of its sides. The law states that you must only fill it level with the top of the skip. Therefore, the skip driver may refuse to collect a skip that’s overfilled. This can cause serious disruption to your project. 

Some people use wooden boards to extend the sides of the skip so they can add more waste. However, this isn’t allowed in any circumstances. Not only does it not comply with the law, but if it’s done with a very large skip, the skip may be overweight. This means we may not be able to take it away as it will be too heavy.  

To prevent any of the above problems, it’s best to make use of the space you have within the skip. Break down items into small pieces where possible. If you know you have lots of big items to dispose of, we recommend over-estimating the skip size you need. This will reduce the likelihood of you having to hire a second skip and incurring additional costs. 

How long do I need a skip for? 

Booking a skip for the right amount of time will help avoid disruption to your project. Many customers rent a skip for between seven and 10 days, however, this period can often be extended if required. Should you need a skip for longer than expected, let our team know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. We’ll collect your skip or exchange it when it’s full, enabling you to continue with your project. If your skip is on the road, you will need to find out what length of time your permit covers.  

Will the skip hire firm recycle my waste? 

 

This is an important question to ask, especially at a time when the problems caused by landfills are getting worse. The rubbish will always need to be disposed of, but there are some steps skip hire firms can take to help protect the environment. At Ward Bros, we use our own onsite recycling facilities to provide an efficient and reliable recycling service. 

Once we’ve collected your rubbish, we’ll take it to our waste transfer station. Many reusable materials will be recycled, preventing a lot of waste from ending up in a landfill. So, if you’re looking for environmentally friendly skips in Durham or Washington, look no further than Ward Bros. 

 

The answers to these questions should help you to hire domestic skips in Washington or Durham which are right for your needs. At Ward Bros, we provide a reliable and affordable local skip hire service, making it easier than ever for you to dispose of your unwanted items with ease. Our team are ready and waiting to discuss your requirements with you.