FAQ's

Here are the most common FAQ’s we have had on skip hire.

1. What is a skip?

A skip is a large open-topped container for collecting and transporting waste materials. Skips come in different sizes and are commonly used on construction sites, for house clearances, garden waste disposal and other waste removal jobs. 

2. How do I hire a skip?

You can hire a skip from a skip hire company. Search online for skip hire companies in your local area. Compare prices and services offered. Book your skip online or over the phone. Please specify the size you need and where you want it delivered. You’ll usually need to provide access to the skip lorry.

3. How much does it cost to hire a skip? 

Skip hire prices vary depending on size, rental period and what you’ll put in it. As a guide, expect to pay £100-250 for a standard 2-3 yard skip for 1 week. There may be additional charges for heavy materials. Always get a quoted price when booking. Find out more on skip hire prices.

4. What sizes of skip can I hire?

Skips range from mini skips (2-3 yards) to large industrial skips (30+ yards). Popular sizes are 4 yard skips & 6 yard skips for home/garden use, 8 yard skips for construction sites, 12-16 yards for more extensive clearances. Choose a size to suit your waste volume.

5. How long can I keep a hired skip?  

Standard rental periods are between 3-10 days. Extra rental days can be added if required. Discuss duration when booking, as prices may change for longer rentals. Keep the skip as long as you will incur extra charges.

6. When will my skip be delivered?

You can usually book a skip to arrive on a chosen day that suits you. Morning or afternoon time slots may be offered. Give at least 1-2 days’ notice when booking for delivery planning. Check lead times in peak periods.

7. Where can a skip be located?

Ideally on private property like a driveway or garden where the skip lorry can safely access. Avoid public highways, as you may need council permits. Choose a flat surface away from overhanging cables/trees. Ensure sufficient space around the skip.

8. Do I need a permit to have a skip on public land?

Yes, placing a skip on a public road, pavement, or highway requires a permit from your local council. Permits have conditions like maximum rental time and safe positioning. Fees may apply too. Not obtaining a permit can lead to fines. View more on skip permits.

9. What can I put in a skip?  

Check with your skip company about allowed waste types. Most household and garden waste is acceptable. Hazardous waste like asbestos, chemicals, and batteries need particular disposal. Avoid soil, liquids and food waste. Refrain from filling past the rim, as you may be charged extra. Learn more about what you can put in a skip.

10. Is it safe to put electrical items in a skip?

Small electrical appliances are generally acceptable, but remove batteries first. For large appliances like TVs, fridges, etc., check with your skip firm as some may not allow them or charge extra for disposal. You can find out more on this subject here.

11. Can I put the plasterboard in a skip?

Yes, small amounts of plasterboard are usually accepted. Bag it first or keep it dry to minimise dust. Check with your skip hire company for large quantities, as an extra fee may apply. Some companies don’t allow it due to the dust, so always check first. You can view more on this here.

12. What happens if my skip is overloaded? 

Refrain from overloading your skip or filling it above the sides – you may be charged extra fees for removal and disposal. Stick within the stated weight limit. Spread the load evenly with heavy items on the bottom. A domed or overflowing skip may only be collected once rectified.

13. How is my skip collected?

On the agreed collection day, the skip lorry will arrive to collect the skip. Ensure all waste is inside the skip, with no protruding items. They may inspect it before removing it – overweight or contaminated skips may be rejected. Once empty, the skip is taken away.

14. What if I need the skip collected sooner?

Contact your skip firm to request an earlier collection. They will try to accommodate new dates subject to availability. Additional charges may apply for early collection or reduced rental periods, so check this when rearranging. 

15. What if I need the skip for longer?

You can typically extend the rental by contacting your skip company a few days before the agreed collection date. Specify how much longer you need it. Extensions are subject to availability, and you will be charged for the extra rental days.

16. Can I hire a skip bag instead of a skip?

Yes, flexible skip bags are a smaller, cheaper alternative. They are durable bags that take 1-1.5 cubic yards of waste. Fill the bag yourself, then book a collection when ready. Doesn’t need a lorry access so more location options.

17. How safe are skips? 

Skips from reputable companies are designed to contain waste securely. But take care around them – wear protective clothing, don’t climb in them, keep children away and load carefully. Position skips securely on flat ground. Check for overhead cables.

18. Can I fill the skip or leave it empty?

You can leave your skip empty or partially filled – you pay for the hire time/collection regardless of contents. But aim to fill to get value for money. Partially filled larger skips still incur higher disposal costs.

19. Who is responsible for a skip on public land?

The person/business who hired the skip remains responsible for it in public. Ensure permits are obtained, conditions met and that the area is safe. Any fines for obstructions or improper use fall to the hirer. 

20. Can anyone put waste in my skip?

No, the skip is solely for the person who made the booking. Adding unauthorised waste is illegal dumping or fly-tipping. Keep skips secure, restrict access and monitor use. You may be liable if others dump waste.

21. Is my waste treated confidentially?

Reputable skip companies ensure confidentiality and privacy. They don’t sort through contents or pass on waste types/origins details. Skips are securely transported, and waste is handled according to regulations at treatment facilities. 

22. Can I hire a covered skip?

Yes, covered skips are available to keep the contents dry and reduce smells. A weatherproof tarpaulin lid is fitted over the top with ties or straps to secure it. Useful for longer rentals or waste types affected by rain, like plasterboard.

23. Do I need skip hire insurance?

It’s not compulsory but recommended. It covers you in case of third-party damage or injury caused by the skip. Check your home or business insurance policy validity around skip use on your property too.

24. Can I load the skip myself? 

Yes, the hirer is responsible for carefully loading their hired skip. Use appropriate PPE and equipment for lifting. Spread heavy items out, and don’t overload. Alternatively, hire labour from your skip company to load it. 

25. What materials are skips made from?

Skips have a steel frame construction with reinforced sides to contain waste securely. The outer walls are made from sturdy metal sheeting or mesh panels. Some have waterproof bases to contain damp waste materials.

26. Where do you leave a skip?

Skips should be sited on private property, away from overhanging branches/cables and with good access. Obtain permits and follow guidelines for public settings – e.g., don’t block roads. Position securely on flat ground so it can’t slide or tip.

27. Can I put soil in a skip? 

Small amounts of soil may be accepted but check first. Soil is very heavy so it can exceed weight limits. Gardening firms may specify ‘soil skips’ with more robust bases – but this incurs a higher disposal cost, so avoid overfilling. 

28. I have extra waste after the skip has gone; what can I do?

If you under-estimated the waste volume, you can hire another skip to finish the job. Or use an alternative, like booking a van and trailer from a rubbish clearance firm to remove leftovers. Take it to your local household waste site if small enough amounts.

29. Are skip companies environmentally friendly?

Many skip firms now prioritise sustainability. They redistribute or recycle materials, minimise journeys and emissions, use fuels like biodiesel and offer eco-friendly skips made from recycled plastic instead of metal.

30. How can I save money on skip hire?

Choose the right size skip and rental period to reduce waste journeys and unnecessary costs. Share a skip with neighbours to split fees. Compare prices from different companies. Avoid peak seasons. Load it fully and securely to avoid additional charges. 

31. What protections are in place for customers?

Reputable companies are licensed waste carriers and have proper insurance. Check for Skip Industry Body membership for added protections like complaint processes. Avoid unlicensed firms. Read terms carefully – know who is liable for issues.

32. Can I put a skip on my neighbour’s property? 

No, you need permission from the landowner to place a skip which is usually the occupier. Do not assume your neighbour will consent – discuss it first. Most companies will also need the landowner’s approval before siting a skip.

33. How can I stop my skip from blowing away?

Position it in a sheltered spot away from strong winds if possible. Keep it flush with walls or fences. Ask for a covered skip with tie-downs. Load it evenly with heavier items on the bottom. Make sure it sits flat and stable on the ground.

34. What are the consequences of illegal dumping in skips?

Fly-tipping carries heavy penalties – dumping waste in a skip you do not hire is illegal. Offenders can face prosecution, fines of £400 upwards and be obliged to pay clean-up costs. CCTV monitoring is increasingly used as a deterrent. 

35. Can I transport a hired skip myself? 

No, customers should not attempt to move a delivered skip themselves – this poses safety risks, and you are not insured. All relocations must be done through the skip hire company using their specialist vehicles and properly trained drivers. 

36. Are skip companies open on weekends?

Many companies offer weekend skip deliveries and collections to fit around customers’ schedules – but this comes at a premium rate. Expect to pay 10-25% more for weekend slots. Weekday hire remains the cheaper option. 

37. How long do skip companies keep customer data?

To comply with financial regulations, customer records – including contact details and payment transactions – are typically kept for 6+ years by skip firms before secure data deletion. This also facilitates handling queries and refund requests.  

38. Do I have to be present during skip delivery or collection?

Most companies do not require you to be present if there is clear access to the property and location. However, it is advised to provide instructions, oversee positioning, and be available if the crew has queries or issues to resolve.  

39. What are my rights if I am dissatisfied with the skip hire service?

Customers have consumer rights protection covering issues like mis-sold services and late/damaged deliveries. Complaint resolution procedures are a Skip Industry Body membership requirement. Escalate unresolved complaints to trade associations.

40. Can children play on a skip?

No, skips should not be used for recreation due to high risks of injury or entrapment. Children must be kept away for safety and supervised by an adult. Adding locks, covers and warning signs can all help deter misuse by kids and others.  

41. What qualifications do skip lorry drivers need?

Skip vehicle crews undergo specialist training on waste transport regulations plus stringent driving assessments to obtain vocational licences for these heavy goods vehicles. The certification covers safe loading/unloading, manual handling and more.  

42. Is there a maximum weight limit for skips?

Yes, there are legal road limits on skip weights – typically around 30 tonnes max. This varies by skip size and road type. Overloaded skips are unsafe and may incur penalty charges or be refused collection. Distribution of contents affects overall weight.

43. Can I have items back from a skip once collected? 

No, once a skip leaves your property, the contents become the legal responsibility of the waste contractor. Retrieval or rummaging is prohibited for health and safety reasons. Make sure you don’t inadvertently throw out wanted items.

44. How do I know if a skip company is licensed?  

Check for a Waste Carrier Licence number – environmental regulators issue this, and it must be displayed on websites/paperwork. Verification can be done by contacting the Environment Agency or performing an operator licence check online.

45. Will a skip damage my driveway?

Properly sited on an even, solid surface, a skip should not typically damage paving or tarmac if in good condition. Avoid soft/cracked areas. However, compensation may apply if proven damage was caused during delivery or collection.

46. Can liquid paint go in a skip?

Small amounts of leftover paint cans are usually permitted, but to be safe, check with your provider. Never dispose of liquid paint directly, as it could leak. Allow the paint to dry out first, or use absorbent material to solidify it before placing it in your skip. Find out more here

47. What should I do if my skip is leaking?

Contact your skip hire firm immediately if you notice leakage from a skip, as this could be an environmental hazard. Leaks may indicate improper use, and you may incur charges for clean-up or repairs. Do not attempt to fix any damage.

48. How often are skips cleaned and disinfected?

Reputable companies will fully clean, wash and disinfect their skips between jobs as standard practice. This prevents cross-contamination between hirers. Disinfection is essential on medical/clinical waste skips. 

49. Are there alternative options if I only have a small amount of waste?

For small clearances or DIY amounts, consider the following:

• Council bulky waste collections.
• Van and man services.
• Renting a car trailer.
• Disposing at a household waste site.

This will likely be cheaper than hiring a half-empty skip.

50. Can I hire a skip if I am not the homeowner?  

Yes, you don’t have to own the property to order a skip – but you must gain the landowner’s consent first for it to be sited there. Tenants should request permission from landlords/agents before arranging a skip delivery.