If you’ve never hired a skip before then it is, understandably, a daunting prospect. You may be unclear about how much waste a skip can accommodate, what type of skip you need or whether you have room for one on, or near, your property.
Skips are used for all sorts of waste disposal, including garden waste, house clearances, and building and DIY projects. It is important to hire a skip from responsible, licenced skip hire operators, who will advise you on the most appropriate skip size for your project.
There are alternatives, of course, but a skip offers the most convenient way to get rid of bulky and heavy waste and can save you valuable time and hassle. If you’re on the fence about hiring a skip or wondering ‘how does skip hire work?‘, then read on for Farwell’s handy guide.
Farwell’s is an established, licenced skip hire company serving the New Forest area. We offer a reliable, hassle-free skip hire service with easy booking. You can rely on us to provide sound advice on what size of skip is suitable for your project and arrange all skip permits as required. Skip permits are only required for placing skips outside of your property boundary lines.
Please give us a call to find out more about our skip hire services or request a quote.
Is it worth hiring a skip?
Whether it is worth hiring a skip boils down to three things:
- the type of waste generated
- the quantity of waste
- whether your property or the adjacent public highway can accommodate a skip
Hopefully, the following Q&As will help you to make a decision as to whether you need a skip or if an alternative, such as a grab lorry, would be more appropriate.
If you’d prefer to chat with one of the team, then by all means pick up the phone; we will be happy to help.
When do you need to hire a skip?
If you are undertaking a project that creates a significant amount of hardcore waste, such as landscaping or building, then hiring a skip is a pretty easy decision. It is a convenient, safe and cost-effective way to dispose of waste such as rubble and aggregate.
For smaller DIY projects, such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, you do of course have the option to dispose of the waste yourself, but it can be time-consuming not to mention back-breaking! It can also be costly if you have to hire an appropriate vehicle, a clearance firm or a man-with-a-van.
If you are planning a house clearance, then a larger skip suitable for bulkier waste, such as furniture, is an option. To give you an idea, a 7.5m skip can take around 200 bags, so it largely depends on how much you need to dispose of and your budget.
Mini skips offer a quick, convenient way to get rid of general household rubbish.
What can and can’t you put in a skip?
As a general rule, you can pretty much put anything into your skip with the exception of hazardous, noxious and explosive items.
These include things such as:
● food and animal waste
● liquids
● older television models
● fridges, freezers and air conditioning units
● plasterboard
● asbestos
● batteries
● tins of paint
● tyres
● medical waste
● gas cylinders
● solvents
● fuels
● Mattresses
● Sofas and armchairs
Soil and rubble can usually be disposed of in a skip at a cheaper rate, but you must consult your skip hire provider at the time of booking.
What size skip do I need?
The skip size you need depends on your project and the type of waste.
Here is a selection of what is available:
- Mini skips (approx. 2yds/1.4m) – Suitable for all general waste and useful in areas with limited access. 35/40 bags. Gate width min: 7′ 6″.
- Midi (approx 3yd/2.2m) – Suitable for all general waste, hardcore and inert material. 40/60 bags. Gate width min: 7′ 6″.
- Standard (approx. 6yd/4.6m) – Suitable for all general waste, hardcore and inert material. 75/80 bags. Gate width min: 8′ 6″.
- Large (approx. 10yd/7.5m) – Suitable for light, bulky waste, e.g. furniture, wood, card, paper, plastic etc. Especially good for house clearance. 180/200 bags. Gate width min: 8′ 6″.
Yards/metre refers to a cubic measurement, not length.
Do remember, the larger the skip the more cost-effective it will be, providing you have enough to fill it.
How much weight can you put in a skip?
As a rough guide, you can calculate a skip’s weight limit by the number of cubic yards. One cubic yard generally accommodates one tonne of waste. However, it is very important to let your skip hire company know what you are disposing of at the time of booking.
How much space do I need for a skip?
See above for the size of skips and minimum gate width. Experienced skip hire companies are adept at putting skips in the tightest of spaces and can cope with most obstacles, such as low hedges, fences and walls. Please talk to our experienced staff to discuss your individual needs.
However, you do need to ensure you have enough room for a skip lorry to make the drop-off. Skip lorries are large, heavy vehicles and require at least 3 metres of turning space around them to manoeuvre. Our large skip lorries also have a height restriction of 4.2 metres and 3 metres for our small skip lorries.
Do I need a skip permit?
If you have room for a skip on your property, then you do not require a permit. If you plan to put a skip on a public highway, pavement or verge, however, you’ll need a skip hire permit from your local council. This takes around seven working days from application. A skip permit will require an additional cost.
What if I can’t get a skip permit?
If parking is restricted near your property and you cannot get a permit, then ask your skip provider if they have a wait-and-load service. G. Farwell Ltd. offers this as well as a grab lorry service.
Contact G. Farwell Ltd. for your skip hire needs
Farwell’s was established in 1952 and is well-known for the quality of our service. We offer a well-established skip hire service from our headquarters in the New Forest.
We are registered waste carriers and have fully licensed transfer facilities that enable us to carry out a prompt and efficient skip hire service. We recycle up to 80% of waste that comes through our transfer station. We can also arrange a license with the local council authorities should your skip need to be placed on a public highway.
Booking and ordering a skip with us is easy, simply call the office directly or use our online quote form to request a price. If you’re not sure what size of skip you need or need further advice please call the office on 01590 682 527 and our expert team will be available to assist you.
More Skip Hire FAQs
How quickly can I get a skip delivered/collected?
Larger, more established skip hire companies usually offer next-day delivery, depending on availability. However, if a skip permit is required, then the minimum delivery time can be up to a week.
How long can you hire a skip for?
Typically, skip hire lasts for up to two weeks, although a good skip hire company, such as Farwell’s, can be flexible depending on your needs.
How much does skip hire cost in the UK?
Skip prices differ substantially, depending on the size and length of hire. As with any sort of hire, it is wise to consult several skip hire companies for a quotation. But do bear in mind that not all skip companies are made equal! It is important to find a reputable skip hire firm that is a licensed waste carrier. Good reviews and word of mouth are also an indicator of quality.
How is my waste disposed of?
Always ensure that you use a skip company that is a fully-licensed and registered waste carrier, such as Farwell’s. We take the disposal of your unwanted waste seriously and aim to send as little as we can to landfill. We take great care in sorting through our skips and where possible, we segregate recoverable and recyclable waste.
