What do you need to know before hiring a skip? 

Whether you’re having a much-needed clear-out or are landscaping your garden – hiring a skip is a great way to save you time disposing of your rubbish.

But there are a few things you need to know before hiring a skip.

Skips come in different sizes

When booking your skip, take some time to consider the size you’ll require.

This will depend on the size of your project. If you’re just having a slight reorganization of your neglected garage, for example, you’ll probably need a smaller skip, whereas if you’re blitzing your house from top to bottom, you’ll most likely need a larger skip.

The easiest way to decide which skip size you need is to think of them in terms of bin bags – this can help you visualize the size.

2-yard skips

Also known as ‘mini skips’, these are usually the smallest size available. 2-yard skips can fit around 20-30 bin bags – roughly 4 wheelie bins – worth of waste. This makes them perfect for smaller DIY jobs that are still too big for your wheelie bin.

4-yard skips

Great for one-room renovations as they’re able to accommodate bulky furniture, these midi skips can fit 40-50 bin bags or about 8 wheelie bins.

8-yard skips

The largest skip available for a domestic project, 8-yard skips are also popular on construction sites. Holding 80-90 bin bags, this size is perfect for any larger job such as a remodel or house move – this could be why they’re referred to as ‘maxi skips’.

You can only hire a skip for an agreed length of time

Different skip companies have their own policies when it comes to the maximum amount of time you can hire a skip for.

Obviously, larger jobs take longer to finish. Therefore, many skip-hire companies allow you to hire skips for a couple of weeks at a time. For those smaller jobs, consider hiring your skip for a weekend.

Often, the time you can hire your skip depends on the size you choose. For example, Wigan Skip Hire offers 2-week hire for their smaller 2 and 4-yard skips and a 3-week hire for their larger 8-yard skips.

So, before booking your skip, try to plan out your project and figure out how long you’ll need your skip for. It’s better to overestimate as most skip companies will happily collect your skip earlier than planned, but they may not always be able to extend your agreed hire period.

Skips sometimes need a permit

Depending on where you’re planning on placing your skip, you may need a permit from your local council.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a driveway where your skip can be placed, then you won’t need a permit. Just make sure to get permission from your landlord if you’re living in a rented property.

If you’re planning on having your skip placed on public land – the road outside your house perhaps – you will likely need a permit.

The good news is that skip permits are typically cheaper in the northwest than elsewhere, around £40 in Wigan.

However, to make your life that little bit easier, many skip-hire companies, such as Wigan Skip Hire, will organize this permit for you.

Not all waste can be put into a skip

Unfortunately, as tempting as it can be to throw all your waste into your container, some materials are prohibited from being disposed of in a skip.

These include:

• Asbestos
• Gas cylinders
• Pet waste
• Specific types of electrical equipment including fridges and televisions
• Oil and paint cans

It’s doubtful any of your waste will be included in this list, however, it’s always worth contacting your skip hire company if you’re unsure to give yourself peace of mind.

Skip hire in Wigan

Wigan Skip Hire has a range of high-quality skips available for hire. Simply book your skip online or contact the experts directly by calling 01942 597 358.