Why shouldn’t you overload a skip?

Years of experience working in the waste disposal

Overloading a skip isn’t just unsafe – it’s also illegal. That’s why it’s so important to choose a skip that’s large enough for your project. At Ward Bros, we supply skips in various sizes, ranging from 3-yard mini skips to huge 40-yard RORO skips. We’re one of the leading companies for skip hire in Washington and Durham. Read on to find out why shouldn’t you overload a skip and what steps you should take to load it correctly.

Why you shouldn’t overload a skip

Whether you’ve hired a skip for a domestic or commercial project, you may be tempted to overfill it. After all, throwing as much into it as possible can seem preferable to spending more money and time hiring another skip. However, overloading a skip is actually a very bad idea. Not only is it dangerous and likely to put you on bad terms with your neighbours but it’s also against the law to exceed the fill level. There are so many reasons why shouldn’t you overload a skip. 

An overloaded skip is unsafe 

One of the main reasons not to overload a skip is that it’s unsafe. Doing so could put members of the general public in danger. This is because there could be sharp items overhanging the skip’s walls that could cause injury. As it’s being transported, waste could shift or fall, harming pedestrians or other motorists. The company providing skip hire in Durham and Washington is likely to refuse to take away an overloaded skip due to the health and safety risks it poses. This means you’ll need to pay extra for the excess waste to be taken away and could also face delays to your project. 

An overloaded skip is too heavy

 

Overloading a skip is likely to make it too heavy for the skip hire company to transport safely. Remember that they will need to lift it onto their truck when removing it from your site. So, if it’s too heavy, this could be dangerous or even impossible for them to do. Plus, a heavy skip might even cause damage to the truck during transportation – something the company will be keen to avoid. There are weight restrictions that must not be exceeded. In general, a 1-cubic yard can accommodate up to 1 tonne of waste. Keep this in mind when filling your skip. 

Overloading a skip is against the law

If the safety issues aren’t enough to stop you from overloading a skip, consider the legal implications. Exceeding the fill line on a skip is actually against the law. For this reason, the skip hire company may refuse to take it away. Failing to adhere to regulations could have serious consequences for them, including facing a hefty fine.

Overloading a skip could cost you more 

Whilst you might think that overloading a skip will save you money, this is unlikely to be the case. If the skip is too heavy and exceeds its weight limits or is generally unsafe, the driver could refuse to take it. In this situation, you may need to pay extra to have the excess waste removed. To avoid this happening, it’s a good idea to order a larger skip than you think you will need. 

Top tips for loading a skip

Now that you know why shouldn’t you overload a skip, it’s time to think about how to load it properly. The good news is that the process isn’t especially difficult. You will usually know if you’ve overfilled a skip. Don’t assume you’ll get away with it – a skip hire company will usually simply refuse to take a skip that’s been overloaded. 

Don’t exceed the sides of the skip or the ‘fill line’ 

 

The key thing to remember is that the waste shouldn’t exceed the height of the sides of the skip. On most skips, there’s a visible ‘fill line’ that shows where the rubbish can be filled to. This highlights the upper limit that your waste should reach. When filling your skip, keep a close eye on the rising level of waste. If you do accidentally overfill it, take out some of the waste so that the level stays below the skip’s walls. 

Choose the right size of skip

Knowing what size skip you’ll need for your project can be challenging. However, we recommend choosing a skip that’s larger than you think you’ll need. This will reduce the risk of you overfilling it and having to pay more to remove the excess waste. Be realistic about the size of skip you’ll need. If you’re still not sure, get in touch with our team. We can discuss your requirements with you, helping you to select the right skip for your project. 

Load the skip in an organised manner 

Organisation is key when loading a skip. To maximise the skip’s capacity, create layers of waste. Start with flat items, creating the first layer at the bottom of the skip. This could include cabinet doors, sheets of plywood, or flattened down cardboard boxes. You can then place larger items such as pieces of furniture on top of this. Other items can be dismantled and then spread across the top to fill any spare spaces.

Contact us 

If you require domestic or commercial skip hire in Washington or Durham, look no further than Ward Bros. We offer a professional skip hire service across the northeast of England, serving both individuals and businesses. Our skips come in all sizes, making them ideal for a wide variety of projects. Call us on 0191 666 0167 or submit an enquiry via the website. We can answer any questions you may have or provide you with a competitive quote for your skip hire needs.