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Skip hire is on the rise in the DIY market

17th April 2016 Print
Skip Hire

With the rise in DIY home projects, the skip hire industry has observed a shift in their client base. Gone are the days when skips were primarily hired by builders and contractors for large commercial projects. Now the skip hire market is dominated by DIY enthusiasts for domestic purposes, many of which are hiring a skip for the first time.

What can you put into a skip?

Most waste items can go into a skip, including organic waste, timber, plastic, glass, rubble, domestic waste, etc., however there are some important limitations you should be aware of to ensure skip hire is the right waste removal solution for you. Electrical items and hazardous materials, such as explosives and asbestos, are not permitted in a skip. Tyres are also not allowed. New legislation introduced a few years ago has meant that plasterboard must be disposed of separately to other waste, so you cannot put it in a skip with general rubbish, but your skip provider will normally provide a skip bag for your plasterboard waste.

What size skip do I require?

Skips are available in a number of different sizes, making them perfect for a number of jobs and purposes. Depending on your requirements, you can choose sizing from a mini skip to an extremely large roll-on roll-off skip. Domestic jobs usually choose smaller skip sizes, including the mini, midi and builder skips. Commercial and industrial jobs often require bigger waste removal solutions, and use maxi or roll-on roll-off skips.

Do I need a permit?

You will require a skip hire permit if you are placing a skip on council land. Skip hire permits cost anywhere from £15 to upwards of £60, but you can avoid paying for a permit if you are able to place the skip in your drive or property. In most cases, your skip hire permit will be arranged by your chosen skip company. It is essential that your skip hire company has public liability insurance and a waste carrier license, or else they may not be approved for a skip hire permit. You can find a list of licensed waste carriers on the government register.

How much does a skip cost?

Skip prices are influenced by a number of factors, mainly skip size and skip hire location. Larger skips cost more to hire, as they can be filled with more waste. Skip hire firms have to pay for any waste they send to landfill, so as larger skips often have more waste, they are costlier. Skip location is also very important in determining pricing, with London normally being the most expensive location in the UK. Prices for smaller skips normally start at under £100, but to ensure you receive the best deal, request at least 3 quotes from local skip providers.

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Skip Hire