If you’ve decided to do some building, decorating, gardening or looking at undertaking a massive decluttering project then you'll need to hire a skip. Here, we will highlight the things you should think about before hiring a skip.

What size skip do I need?

When you hire a skip choosing the size of skip is important and it is important to consider how much waste will you need to put into the skip? Skips come in a variety of sizes the table below show the common sizes available and an estimate on how many full bin bags can fit:

When you hire a skip aim for one that’s slightly too big for your requirements. This could save you a lot of time, energy and money in the long run. Because after all, it’s all too easy to underestimate how much waste your project’s going to create. And if your skip is too small, you’ll have no choice but to hire a second one.

Also, it’s important to note that when loading, remember that your skip can only be filled level to the top – suppliers face prosecution for unsafe or overweight loads.

Finally, check your gates are wide enough to allow the skip lorry through if you’re using it off road.  The skip might fit fine but remember the skip lorry is wider.

Where should I put the skip?

You are free to put your skip anywhere on your private property, provided the driver can access the location but you should be certain of where you want it. For your convenience choose a space big enough and close enough to the site you’re emptying but easy for the driver to access it.

There are a couple of things to remember:

• Don’t put your skip over any utility access points
• Be aware of any overhead cables or overhanging trees and inform the skip lorry driver of any issues
• Give the skip lorry driver clear instructions when he arrives at your premises
• Once the skip has been placed it should not be moved, otherwise it might become inaccessible for the driver

If you intend to put the skip on the road, then you will most likely require a permit.

Do I need a permit if I want to hire a skip?

If you’re planning on putting the skip on a public road you’ll need a skip permit. 

Before your skip is delivered, a skip permit will need to be in place. If not then you will liable to be fined. Skip permits are issued by your local council. Depending on the council, applications for skip permits are made by you or the company providing the skip.

It normally takes at least a few days to arrange a skip permit, so allow for this in your planning.  When you arrange to hire a skip confirm with the company whether they organise the permit or you do.

How long do you need to hire a skip for?

This really comes down to how much waste you have, how close you can get the skip to the site you are working at and how many people are helping to load the skip.

Make sure you are clear with your skip hire company about how long you will need it, because you don’t want your skip being removed too soon. On the other hand, remember that more days typically cost more money, so it may be more cost effective to get some help loading the waste to reduce the time you hire it for.

Equally, if it’s important the skip is removed from your property before a certain date, especially if you needed a permit because it is on a public land. Make sure that you get a clear commitment from the company you hire a skip from about when they will remove it.

What waste can go in the skip?

When you hire a skip it is important to know what can go into the skip.  Below is a list of items that can go into a skip:

• General waste
• builder’s waste
• wood
• metal
• inert waste
• sand
• drywall
• concrete
• brick
• rubble
• hard core
• furniture
• furnishings
• fittings (non-electrical)
• gas cookers
• plastic
• packaging (including cardboard, plastic, polystyrene)
• food
• food packaging
• soil (not contaminated with asbestos or oil)
• solidified paint

Hazardous waste (such as fridges, asbestos, paint, fluorescent tubes, gas canisters, oil, computer monitors and old TV sets) need to be disposed of separately and should not be put into the skip.

Remember the paperwork!!!

Once you have hired the skip, had it delivered, loaded it and organised the collection make sure you remember to get the paperwork from the driver.  This paperwork is important – it is called a duty of care: waste transfer note.  This waste transfer note can be an invoice or its own document.  If it is an invoice make sure it details:

• The waste collected
• The amount of waste collected
• Your name
• Your address
• The date the collection of the skip was made
• The name of the skip company
• The address of the skip company
• The skip company’s registration number

Then keep the waste transfer note in a safe place.

How do I use Dsposal to hire a skip?

Dsposal makes searching for and organising to hire a skip fast and easy. Head over to the waste operations search on Dsposal and typing in skip hire and your postcode you can get a list of skip hire companies in your area.  Next just start adding companies to your shortlist and hitting the send enquiries button you can quickly send you request to multiple firms.

By using Dsposal you know that the companies you have sent your request to are licensed with the Environment Agency because we only show companies that have a valid license.