Skip Hire Guide

Skip hire is a practical and handy waste disposal solution for many landscaping and gardening projects. A skip allows waste to be quickly disposed of as it is created, and they are available in a range of sizes to suit any job. Skips are not just for professionals, and are often hired by DIY enthusiasts for a range of home improvements, including garden clearances.

How much does skip hire cost?

Skip hire is a convenient and often cost effective waste disposal service. Prices do vary between locations, but generally smaller skips will start at under £100. If you are on an extremely tight budget, a skip bag may be the best solution, as they are the cheapest skips available. Upgrading to the next skip size will generally cost between £20-30, and hold an additional 10-20 black bin bags of waste.

In order to keep costs as low as possible, it is important that you choose the correct skip size for your waste. It is cheaper to hire 1 larger skip than 2 smaller skips, so ensure that your skip will be big enough to carry your unwanted waste.

What skip size do I need?

Skips are available in a range of different sizes, making them a great choice for almost any gardening job. If you will only be creating a small amount of waste, you can opt for a mini skip or skip bags. These are the cheapest skip options, and make rubbish disposal easy.

If you are undertaking a larger job, you may want to consider a builders skip. These skips are normally available in 6-8 yard capacities, and can hold a considerable amount of waste.

For industrial sized jobs, you will need a roll-on roll-off skip. These skips are available in extremely large sizes, often up to 40-yards, and can hold a considerable amount of waste.

Below is a helpful guide indicating the common skip sizes and their approximate capacities.

Will I need a permit?

If you will be placing a skip on council land, you will normally require a permit. However, if you can place the skip on privately owned land, a skip hire permit will not be required. Skip hire permits are issued by the council, and prices do vary for different locations. In most cases, your skip hire provider will be able to arrange your permit for you, if needed.

What can I throw into a skip?

Skip hire is popular for garden clearances and landscaping projects as almost all waste generated can be thrown into a skip. Waste including organic material, domestic waste, soil, furniture, metal, wood, plastics, rubble, etc. can all be put into a skip. There are a few restrictions on what can and can't be placed into a skip, with items such as asbestos, hazardous materials (including explosives), solvents, electronics and tyres not allowed.

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