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Garden renovations often generate surprising amounts of waste. Old paving slabs, broken fencing, soil, and years of accumulated debris quickly mount up. Managing all of this waste can become a frustrating bottleneck that stalls DIY garden projects. That’s why hiring a skip represents more than just convenience; sometimes it’s essential to comply with all applicable regulations.
Choosing the right skip size before hiring
Make sure you correctly estimate the weight and size before hiring a skip. Getting the skip size right is crucial. If you choose one that’s too small, you’ll have to pay for a second skip. If you get one that’s too big, you’re wasting money on unused space.
The size of the skip determines its maximum capacity – in other words, how much weight you can actually load. The size is measured in yards. You can get skips in sizes like the mini skips (2 yards) or the big skips (16 yards).
If you’re doing some jobs in your garden, such as clearing the borders, doing a bit of landscaping, or cleaning out your shed, you’ll probably need a skip that’s 2-4 yards in size. These skips can usually fit in your driveway without taking up much space.
Mid-range 6-8 yard skips suit more substantial work. Removing patios, clearing significant amounts of soil, or tackling multiple garden areas simultaneously demands this extra capacity. The 6-yard skip represents excellent value for medium-sized renovations, because it’s large enough to handle serious work without requiring excessive space.
An 8-yard skip is really good for getting rid of a lot of waste. It’s perfect for things like taking down a deck or completely redoing your garden borders. It’s also a good option for cleaning up really overgrown gardens.
For very large gardens and bigger projects, you might need skips with capacities of 12 to 16 yards. You usually see these skips on big building sites. Most home gardens don’t need skips of these sizes unless you’re doing a larger renovation, for example, if you’re rebuilding your whole garden, tearing down a big shed, or getting rid of significant amount of waste that has been piling up for years.
Understanding permits and placement
Where you put your skip is important. If you put it on your property, like your driveway or garden, you usually don’t need a permit.
If you need to put the skip on a public road, pavement, or grass verge, you must get a permit from your council, as outlined in waste disposal regulations.
When you hire a skip, the company will usually handle the permit application for you, although it’s advisable to confirm this with them before hiring. The cost for this service is usually included in the total hire price. The cost of the permit and the time it takes to process the application can vary widely from one council to another.
You need to consider access when hiring a skip. Big delivery trucks need a lot of space to drive and turn around, plus narrow roads and tight corners can cause problems with access.
The skip also needs to be put on level ground. If you put it on a lawn, it will sink in, especially if it’s been raining. A moderately sized skip can be really heavy, especially if it’s filled with dirt or stones. To stop the skip from damaging your driveway you can put boards under it to spread the weight.
What can actually go in your skip?
While a skip is essentially a container for unwanted items, certain types of waste are prohibited by law.
You can usually put furniture and household items in a skip. Garden waste is also allowed. This includes things like leaves, branches, paving, bricks, concrete, timber decking, fencing panels, garden furniture and plant pots.
The list of items usually not allowed to be disposed of in a skip includes asbestos, sheds from buildings that may contain asbestos, patio heaters, garden lights, electronics, and chemicals (such as paint tins, pesticides, or herbicides). Batteries from things like cordless tools or solar lights aren’t allowed either, and should be recycled properly through other means.
Other items, such as tyres, fluorescent tubes, old mattresses, fridges, freezers, and liquids (including paint and oil) also need to be disposed of separately.
Weight limits and costs
Skips have weight limits, which is another factor that affects the hire price. The amount of weight you’re allowed to put in a varies depending on the size of the skip.
For example, a small skip usually lets you put in one to two tonnes of waste. A medium sized skip is usually okay for four to six tonnes. A big skip can handle eight to ten tonnes or even more.
When choosing skip size, do bear in mind that soil is heavy. Dry soil weighs about 1.3 tonnes per cubic metre, and when wet, it can exceed 1.7 tonnes per cubic metre. If you fill a skip with soil, you will likely exceed the weight limit. The same applies to rubble, paving, and bricks.
Skip companies aren’t allowed to transport skips that exceed weight limits. They will either refuse to collect the skip until you remove the excess waste, or charge you for the extra weight. If your skip is severely overweight, the fine can cost as much as the skip hire itself. To avoid this, try to mix heavy materials like soil and paving with lighter items, like wood and branches. This helps keep the total weight within the limit.
Legal responsibilities and licensed carriers
When you hire a skip, you are legally responsible for making sure your waste is disposed of properly. The government has strict rules regarding waste disposal. You must always verify that your skip provider holds a valid waste carrier license.
Legitimate companies are required to provide a Waste Transfer Note, a document that proves exactly where your waste is going. Always ensure you receive this documentation, as it is your proof of legal disposal.
In conclusion, hiring the right skip for your garden project is crucial for managing waste efficiently and avoiding unexpected costs. By carefully considering the size, weight, and placement of your skip, as well as understanding the relevant regulations, you can ensure your project runs smoothly. With the right preparation and attention to detail, hiring a skip can simplify your DIY project and help you focus on achieving the desired results for your garden.
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Catherine
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