Whether you are doing some DIY, having some building or renovation work done, or just having a big clear out, hiring a skip is a great way of disposing of a large amount of rubbish and waste.
However, if you have never hired a skip before or if you have experienced problems with hiring a skip before, you could find this to be quite a daunting task.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert in skip hire, the following tips can help to ensure that you are disposing of your waste correctly and responsibly, that the process is as effortless and problem-free as possible, and that you get the most out of hiring a skip.
Book Your Skip in Plenty of Time
If you know when you will need your skip, it is a good idea to book it as far in advance as possible to increase your chances of getting one when you need it for. If you leave it too late, you may not be able to get one in time, or you may have to get a skip that is not practical or cost-effective.
Be Smart When Loading Your Skip
To make the most of your skip, you should load the biggest, bulkiest, and heavier items at the bottom, then load smaller, lighter items towards the top. This will help to ensure that you get as much waste in your skip as possible.
Do Not Overload Your Skip
There are strict regulations regarding how much waste you can put in a skip. If stacked too high, with waste reaching over the top of the skip, the skip is at risk of becoming unbalanced when it comes to lifting it onto the trucks. Not only is this dangerous, but it is also illegal. So, you must take care to not overload your skip.
Get a Licence
If you want to leave your skip on the road, rather than private land such as a driveway, garden, or building site, you will need to obtain a license before hiring a skip. It can take up to seven days to get a permit from your council, so you must get in touch with your local council as soon as possible to arrange this in time.
Some skip hire companies may sort out permits for you, so it is worth checking whether this is something that a company offers before booking your skip hire and applying for a permit. Here at LSPS, we can apply to your local council for a permit and complete all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Do Not Put Hazardous Waste in Your Skip
Any hazardous waste cannot be disposed of in a skip. Some of the most common items that cannot be put in a skip include asbestos, batteries, clinical or medical waste, electrical appliances and equipment, liquids, paint or cans of paint, and tyres.
If prohibited items are found in your skip upon emptying, the restricted items are likely to be returned to you, and you may be required to pay an extra charge.
Protect Your Surface
Skips can potentially cause damage to gardens and driveways, particularly those made with soft tarmac or block paving, if placed directly on the surface. To reduce the risk of damage, place scaffolding planks or large pieces of wood down for the skip to rest on.
Select the Right Size Skip
The best way of ensuring that your skip does not become overloaded is to get the right size skip for the job.
Ensuring that you get the right size skip for your requirements will mean you do not end up overpaying for a skip that you are not going to fill, as well as preventing you from needing to hire a second skip should it not be big enough to hold all your waste.
Two-yard mini skips are ideal for most homeowners looking to get rid of household waste. Whereas an eight-yard maxi skip with a drop-down door for easy loading is typically used by builders. Larger 20-yard and 40-yard roll-on, roll-off skips are also available for bigger projects.
If you are unsure what size skip would be the most cost-effective and adequate size for your waste disposal, take a look at this skip size guide or consult an expert.
Our team at LSPS is experienced in supplying skips for all kinds of waste disposal, from small domestic jobs to large commercial projects. If you have any queries regarding skip hire or require assistance in choosing the ideal skip for you, please get in touch with us today via 0800 083 7807 or info@lspsskiphire.co.uk.
Quick Tips for Hiring Skips
Reasons to Hire a Skip in Winter
Winter is the perfect time to clear out your home in preparation for spring. Although winter is not typically recognised as a time of year for having a big clear out, there are actually many benefits to hiring a skip during the winter months.
Post-Christmas Clear Out
At Christmas time, homes tend to become more cluttered, and people have the tendency to fill their cupboards, garages, sheds, and attics with items that are not to be seen or used for a long time.
You should resist the urge to do this and instead hire a skip to dispose of all your unwanted and unused items, along with the excess amounts of rubbish that accumulates over the festive period.
Post-DIY Clean Up
If you have completed home improvement projects during the warmer months, you are likely to have accumulated a lot of rubbish, such as old carpet, tiles, wallpaper, and other decorating supplies. Instead of letting this rubbish take up valuable space or having to make several trips to the local skip, hire a skip to dispose of it all at home.
Boost Your Mood
As the days get shorter, colder, and gloomier, it is common for people to begin to feel uninspired and unmotivated. Taking time to have a thorough clean can boost your mood and make you feel better.
Your mind mimics the physical space that you live in; a cluttered house equals a cluttered mind, and a tidy house equals a tidy mind.
Wardrobe Clear Out
Winter is a great time to sort through your wardrobe and get rid of the clothes you have not worn all year, or that are looking a little bit worse for wear, so you have a streamlined wardrobe ready for the new year.
You may want to hand down or donate clothing that is still wearable, but for items that have been ruined during DIY projects, have holes in, or are otherwise damaged, having a skip is also useful for disposing of unwanted clothing.
Convenient
When it is cold outside, you are likely to be more hesitant to go outside or to take trips to and from your local skip with a car full of rubbish. Having a skip outside means you can avoid having to venture out into the cold as much.
As you will be spending more time inside, it is the perfect time to have a clear out. Resist putting it off until springtime, as then when the warmer days return, you can go out and enjoy the nice weather rather than spending your days cleaning.
Eco-Friendly
Hiring a skip is an eco-friendly option as it means you are making reduced car journeys to dispose of waste and ensures that your waste is disposed of responsibly.
Here at LSPS, we offer a complete waste disposal management solution, by operating an on-site waste transfer station and are committed to recycling to lessen the pressure on landfill sites. This means that there is no need to separate your waste and you can put all your waste into one skip, saving you time and money.
LSPS is a family-run business that is experienced in supplying skips for both domestic and commercial projects. If you are interested in hiring a skip this winter, get in touch with us via 0800 083 7807 or info@lspsskiphire.co.uk to discuss your requirements, or click here to order your skip using our easy-to-use online booking system.
Skip Hire Guide for Beginners
Hiring a skip can be relatively daunting if it is something you have never done before. Here is our skip hire guide for beginners.
Be careful what you put in a skip
Many people believe that anything can be placed in a skip and although that would be extremely convenient, it is not the case. Although you can place the majority of materials in a skip, here are some that you must definitely avoid:
• Asbestos
• Batteries
• Medical Waste
• Toxic materials
• Fridge / Freezers
• Tyres
• Plasterboard
• Gas canisters
• Electrical Equipment
• Paint Cans
If you are in any doubt, ensure you ask if you are concerned about any of the items you are wanting to use the skip for. All of the items listed above have their own specific ways of disposal. If you are found with any of these prohibited items in your skip, you could end up being charged and have the items returned to you.
Skip Sizes
Skip sizes vary and it can be confusing to understand exactly what size you need. The larger the skip you hire, the cheaper it is per cubic metre of waste. However, there is no point hiring a large skip if you know you don’t have a lot of waste. Visualise how much waste you have and make a decision from there. It is worth getting the size up to make sure you have sufficient space. Not only is this more value per cubic metre, in reality, but you may also find more waste that you hadn't taken into consideration.
Skip Hire Prices
There are no standard prices for skip hire and they will inevitably vary due to several factors, including the type of skip you need, how long you need it for and where you are geographically located. In addition to this, if you do not have the space to have a skip on your property, you will need to factor in the additional cost of obtaining a permit to have it on the roadside.
Skip permits
A skip permit or a skip licence need to be obtained if you are placing the skip on a public road instead of your own property. Not only will you need to pay a small fee to get one, but you must also allow a few additional days for the skip permit to be sorted. Luckily, most skip hire companies will organise this on your behalf and make all the arrangements. You must also consider whether the skip will be located on single yellow lines or in a pay and display bay as you may need a parking suspension in addition to the permit.
Wait and load skips
Wait and load services are often available to customers and are perfect for those that need their waste removed quickly or simply do not have any space to place the skip overnight. Your skip will be delivered, you will need to load it, then the skip is immediately taken away.
Can I have help loading the skip?
Many skip hires do not include labour costs. It is imperative that you have organised the ability for someone to help you load the skip if necessary. You must ensure that you are loading the skip safely at all times and never attempt to lift items that are too heavy. If you do not have anyone to help you and you have a lot of bulky items to move then a man and van clearance service may be a better fit for you.
How long can I keep the skip?
You can often determine how long you require the skip for. However, it normally covers 1 or 2 weeks. You can organise to have it collected before then if you need to. If you need the skip longer than this, you may have an additional charge. If you need to change the time frame for whatever reason, ensure you provide your skip hire provider plenty of notice to make the arrangements.
Access
Skips are usually delivered in large lorries, so you need to ensure they will be able to access your location in order to drop the skip off. If you are concerned with access, inform your skip hire company in advance to try and sort out an alternative.
Weight
Skips can hold a lot of weight as even the mini skips, which are 2 yards, can usually hold up to 2 tonnes. Although it is rare that households will exceed this amount, always check if you are concerned about going over the weight limit.
Height
An issue can often occur by people overloading skips, not in terms of weight but in height. Your skip will have a fill line on the inside which you should not exceed. If you do there is a chance your skip will not be taken away as it is now a safety hazard. If you overload it, there is a significant risk of items falling out when the skip is in transit.
Driveway Damage
Some people are concerned that a skip will cause damage to their driveway. Skips are heavy when they are empty, let along when they are full. You can have the skip placed on scaffolding planks if you have them. If you are concerned about damage, discuss with your skip hire provider first who can guide you according to what material your driveway or skip location is made from.
Recycling
At LSPS, we ensure that the waste we collect is sorted sufficiently and have as much waste recycled as possible.
Hopefully, these tips will help make the process of hiring a skip that much easier. It can take some planning to ensure you have the space to have a skip and order the correct one, however, once you have one delivered, you can load it in your own time and avoid the hassle of several trips to the tip.
To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal and recycling needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
What to look for in a waste removal company
When you have a lot of rubbish to dispose of, hiring a skip may be the best solution. Not only is it a convenient way to remove a large amount of waste in one go, but it also helps avoid fly-tipping. Before you choose which option to go for, It is always important to consider the following factors when choosing a skip hire company. Here is what to look for in a waste removal company.
Consider what you need to get rid of
Before hiring anyone, consider what the waste is you need to dispose of. Although skips can house a range of items, there are certain products or materials that cannot be placed in the skip. Although there are some overarching rules across the industry, each skip hire company can be different. So it is imperative you check the skip hire company will accept the items you need to throw away.
Ensure they have the right size
If you are doing a Spring clean, undertaking a complete house renovation, or clearing out an office, you must ensure the skip hire company has a skip big enough for your needs. Always go for a slightly bigger size than you anticipate to ensure all your rubbish can be disposed of at the same time and reduce the need for multiple skip hires.
What are their recycling policies
It is possible to contact your skip hire company and find out what their recycling policy is. The impact waste has on the environment, is increasingly concerning and everyone should be playing their part. Whenever possible, a skip hire company should be recycling their products. This is to ensure that the amount of waste that ends up at the landfill is always kept to the absolute minimum.
What is the time frame?
How long do you need the skip for? Check with the skip hire company what time frames they offer. If you are starting a large project, ensure you can keep the skip for a long enough time. Alternatively, if you have the rubbish already collected, check to see if they offer a wait and load service. This can be a convenient and quick option as your waste is quickly collected and taken away immediately.
Look at reviews
When searching for a skip hire company, it can be beneficial to read reviews before you pick one. This will allow you to read the experience of other clients and this can help you see if they are the right company for your needs.
These are just 5 factors that you should consider before choosing your skip hire company. You need to ensure you are happy with your choice and that your requirements can be met. Doing so will ensure all your waste will easily be taken care of for you in a convenient, quick way.
To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal and recycling needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
Tips for removing rubbish from DIY projects
If you are undertaking a DIY project, there will inevitably be a lot of waste to dispose of. If you want to remove the hassle of getting this waste cleared, then hiring a skip is a great option. To help you tackle your DIY project, here are some top tips on how to ensure your DIY projects are done promptly, efficiently and with no lingering mess.
Consider what waste you will create
Before you start any project, always have in the back of your mind how you are going to get rid of the rubbish you create. The amount of waste a DIY project produces can vary significantly. If you are only redecorating one room, this will create substantially less waste than a complete kitchen refit. Knowing in advance roughly how much waste you will create can help you ensure you have the correct measures to remove this waste quickly.
Also, consider what type of waste you will create. DIY project waste can range from empty paint tins, old furniture to electrical items or even asbestos. When hiring a skip or heading to the tip, there are rules on what can and cannot be disposed on. Before starting your project, ensure you know the correct procedure on how to dispose of this waste.
Decide on the best waste disposal method
Once you know what waste the project will probably produce, decide on the best way to get rid of it. For the majority of materials, hiring a skip is usually the best method. This allows you to remove your waste in one go, knowing that it will be sorted at the other end, with anything that can be recycled separated and reused.
Of course, hiring a skip is not the only option. Many items can be disposed of at the local recycling centre. However, you will need to carefully factor in the potential mess the waste will cause in your car, how much fuel and time it will take to take several trips to the recycling centre and back and whether the items will fit in the car at all.
Decide on the skip size you need
Hiring a skip means that you don’t have to worry about trips to the recycling centre, or having the mess littering your property or garden. If you do leave your DIY rubbish in your garden for a long period of time, you can be putting yourself at risk of getting a fine for fly tipping, even if it is on your own land. This is something you should always consider before starting any major project.
As you know roughly how much waste your project will create, you can make an educated guess on what sized skip you will need. Always refer to a skip size guide before choosing to ensure that it will fit everything you need. Try and go slightly larger than you think as projects tend to create more waste than initially anticipated. On the other hand, don’t go for anything too big as it will be costly if you are not using the skip to its full potential.
Here is a rough guide on which skip sizes are suitable for which DIY projects
4 Yard Skip- Small domestic refurbishments, small garden clearances, small house clearances
6 Yard Skip- Domestic refurbishments, home clear-outs, office clear-outs
8 Yard Skip- Larger domestic projects, general construction, full office clear-outs, full home clear-outs, large garden clearances
12 Yard Skip- Larger DIY projects, Large renovations, Full office clear-outs, full house clear-outs
Decide on where the skip will be placed
Once you have decided on hiring a skip, you will need to plan where you are going to place it. Ideally, you would have it on your drive on in the front garden as this makes it quick to access and can help you speed up your projects. However, many do not have the space to place the skip on their land making the street the only option. This is fine, however, you just need to ensure the correct permits are obtained beforehand. Many skip- hire companies will help you with this.
Do you think the project will be done in a day? Then you may have another option. Wait and Load services allow you to have a skip temporarily to quickly load your rubbish and then it is immediately taken away from you. This is an ideal option for those who are doing smaller projects or do not have space for a skip to stay overnight. Choosing this option still saves you countless trips to the recycling centre whilst also avoiding any needs for permits.
What’s Next?
Renovating your home and undertaking DIY projects can be extremely rewarding. However, removing the waste created is never the fun part. These top tips are just some of the ways to ensure that your DIY projects remain stress-free. Knowing how to quickly get rid of the waste these projects create can really make a difference and help you progress more quickly as you do not have any rubbish in your way.
How to Recycle Electrical Items
Ready to recycle electrical appliances?
Our homes are full of electrical items. From alarm clocks to mobile phones, irons, washing machines, lawnmowers, CD Players, gaming consoles, toasters and TVs. The list is endless.
However, we inevitably come to a point where the item is either broken, needs upgrading or just plain out of fashion. But what is the best way to dispose of electric items and is it possible to recycle them? Here we discuss the best options available.
What is the WEEE Directive?
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive was first introduced in 2007 and regulated the way manufacturers, importers and distributors in European countries recycle.
The directive is regularly updated in order to continue reducing the amount of waste from electronic equipment being incinerated or sent to landfill sites. For more information on the WEEE directive visit https://www.gov.uk
How to get the most from your electronic devices?
The most effective way to reduce the amount of electronic waste you are producing is to look after your appliance or device so that it can last as long as possible. Many appliances come with guidelines from the manufacturer. Give these a read as they regularly include a maintenance guide that will help extend the appliance's lifetime.
What Electrical Items Can Be Recycled?
If your item no longer works and you want to get rid of it in the safest and most responsible way then recycling is the best way to go. We currently do not recycle nearly as much electrical equipment than we could. These devices are made up of a variety of materials, many of which can easily be reused.
In some instances, you may not know if an item is recyclable. It is this lack of knowledge and understanding will end up stopping you from doing so.
An easy way to see if an electrical item is recyclable is to ask yourself the following questions. Does the item...
Use batteries?
Have a plug?
Use a charger?
Have a picture of a crossed-out wheelie bin on it? - This is the logo for WEEE.
How to Dispose of Electronic Items
Due to the WEEE directive, electrical items should not be placed in a skip as there are other options available to ensure the items are disposed of in the correct way. Some local councils can organize the collection of small electrical items, so you should contact them to see if they can help.
Another option is to take your electrical item to your local recycling centre as they have dedicated sections for these items.
As part of the WEEE Directive, all retailers need to provide customers with a method of disposing of their old electronic equipment, if they are supplying the customer with a new version of the same item. This is why many stores will offer a collection service or a take-back scheme. Always check with your retailer when purchasing a new electrical item. Be aware as some charges may apply.
Is Your Electrical Item Still Working?
There are many occasions where your electrical appliance still works but you still want to get rid of it. In those cases, you could consider reselling it as long as it still in good working condition. It is a great opportunity to not only reduce the waste you are creating but earn some money at the same time.
You can trade in electronic items in certain stores and receive some money in exchange or store credit.
Another option is donating the item. You will need to check however as some charity shops do accept electrical items. You should also ask friends and family in case they would like to take the items off your hand.
Other Ways to Reduce Electrical Waste
Although it is becoming increasingly easy for us to recycle our household electrical items, trying to reduce our waste in the first place will benefit the environment. Here are a few ways to do this:
Buy high-quality smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms that have long-life batteries
Use rechargeable batteries rather than disposable
Choose wind-up torches rather than battery
Buy tools that can share a battery rather than using individual batteries
There are many ways to correctly dispose of electrical waste and ensure you recycle electrical items where possible. To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal and recycling needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
5 Reasons to hire a skip before Christmas
Christmas time is nearly upon us and the thought of having guests over or finding room for more gifts can sometimes be overwhelming. You might even be considering having a big clear-out before the big day.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider hiring a skip before Christmas for you to have a tidier start to the new year.
1. Your chance to get rid of old junk
When you open your presents on Christmas Day, you can suddenly find your home filled with new stuff that you may not have room for. One way around this is to go through those boxes and bags you have been meaning to get rid of during the year but haven’t had the chance to in advance. You may be surprised how much you have been hoarding in your home that you no longer have need for. Items that do not work or things you just don’t like. It also allows your previously crammed wardrobes and attics to become a bit neater.
2. Free up space
If you have guests during the Christmas period, you will probably notice a huge increase in your household waste. Although paper can easily be crushed, glass and metal items that are bulkier take up more room and so it is important you try and get this waste removed before your guests arrive or before Christmas day to avoid running out of space. A domestic mini skip is a great option for this.
3. It saves a trip to the tip
Your time is precious during the build up to Christmas, and so hiring a skip can save you the trip to and from the recycling plant. Not only does this save you time, it also saves you on the money it takes in fuel to drive to the tip, but also gives you peace of mind that you can fit all the waste you want in a skip rather than deal with the prospect of going on multiple tip journeys.
4. You can recycle a range of materials
From paper to glass, metal and electronics, these are just some of the materials you can dispose of in your skip. Although there are some items that you should not place in skips, the majority of items are fine. Hiring a mini skip is a great way to get rid of bulkier items which otherwise would take up a large proportion of your household bin (which needs to remain as empty as possible before your guests arrive and the amount of waste suddenly shoots up). Electronic items are great for placing in the skip giving you peace of mind that you are getting rid of your unwanted items in the correct way.
5. You are promoting recycling
We all know the importance of recycling but over Christmas when you are rushing, household waste can end up being low down on your priorities. Using a skip to help clear space before Christmas itself can be a big help as not only is it an easy way to get rid of a large amount of rubbish in one go, you can be assured that your rubbish will be separated correctly and as much of the waste recycled as possible
To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
25 ways to reduce rubbish in offices
It is important that in this day and age, all companies try and cut down on the amount of waste they produce and recycle as much as possible. The number of green businesses and green offices are growing, but some companies are still lagging. This blog discusses some easy things offices can implement quickly and simply in order to start reducing office waste.
Packaging
1. When purchasing any supplies for the office, try and choose options that do not include a lot of excess packaging. If packaging is unavoidable, try and recycle
2. Speak to suppliers about delivering goods in returnable containers rather than loads of packaging. This is becoming more popular, so it is worth asking your supplier in advance
3. Bulk buy coffee, tea and sugar supplies. This will stop staff bringing in their own or buying drinks from coffee shops. Buying in bulk also cuts down on the packaging used
4. Provide a filtered water system to cut down on plastic bottles in the office
Food and drink
5. Ask your employees to use reusable cutlery/ silverware rather than bringing in disposable plastic cutlery. If your company can provide staff with cutlery in the staffroom, they will be less likely to bring in disposable items
6. Use reusable cups and mugs. Ask employees to bring their own or provide them as a gesture of good will. They are reasonably cheap and will mean you will significantly cut down on the number of disposable coffee cups you need to get rid of. They are notoriously difficult to recycle
7. Consider buying a composting bin to place in the staff kitchen area. It’s a great way to avoid as much waste going to landfill as possible. By putting food waste in a separate compost bin, you can have it collected by a company or use the compost yourself if you have any green space or garden
8. Also get your employees to try and bring their own lunches in their own containers or provide them with plates and bowls. This will cut back significantly on the amount of food packaging you have to throw away
9. Invest in tea towels rather than providing staff with paper towels.
Paper
10. Wherever possible, store files digitally. Although this is standard practice for many companies, there are a lot of businesses still heavily reliant on printed copies
11. Change the settings on all computers to automatically print double sided
12. Encourage your staff to make amends to documents digitally rather than printing off several drafts of documents
13. If you can, re use scrap pieces of paper, envelopes, folders and other stationary whenever possible
14. Buy lighter weight paper
15. Leave messages for colleagues by sending them emails rather than writing messages down
16. Before printing documents, look at the margins and line spacing on your documents to ensure you are using the space as efficiently as possible
17. Recycle unwanted paper and shred any confidential information. Shredded paper can also be recycled, so ensure this always happens.
18. Try and take a tablet or laptop into meetings to take notes on rather than pen and paper
19. If you do have to print, try and avoid printing in colour
20. Store important staff information such as policies and notifications in a central location on the computer system that people can access rather than printing several copies of each update.
Office Equipment
21. Make the most out of all of your ink cartridges. Rather than buying new ones when they are finished, look into buying refills instead to cut down on the amount of plastic you are using
22. When buying electrical equipment for your office always think quality over price. Although you may have to pay slightly more, going for higher quality equipment should last you longer and will therefore be more cost efficient but also reduce the waste created when you replace it
23. If you only use certain equipment occasionally, see if you can hire it instead of buying it outright
24. Ensure you dispose of your electrical equipment in the right way, such as batteries
25. Make sure you have clearly labelled bins throughout the office and make it as easy for staff to recycle as possible. Get rid of individual bins at people’s desk as it will make them head over to the main bins and are therefore more likely to split their rubbish into the correct bins.
Some offices have managed to become completely paperless. Although this may not be achievable for some companies, the list above shows that there are a variety of things you can implement to ensure you are going in the right direction. The main thing is to implement waste cutting techniques and ensure your staff stick to them. It will take some time for staff to get used to all the new initiatives, but once they have got into a routine, you should see a significant drop in your office waste. Trying an incentive and rewarding the member of staff who reduces their waste the most is also an effective tactic.
To find out more about how we can help you with your office waste disposal needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
11 ways to stay safe around skips
Hiring a skip is a quick and easy way to get rid of the rubbish you have been storing in your home or business. Although you might not think that hiring a skip is particularly dangerous, if you are not sensible and careful during the process it could lead to potential injuries. Here are a few tips to make sure you and other people remain safe whilst you hire and use your skip. A lot of the tips are common sense, however if you are in a rush, even the simplest things can be forgotten and that’s when things can become risky.
1. When preparing for your skip, ensure you are ready for the skip’s arrival. Remember that your skip needs to be placed on a stable, flat surface that is free from any obstructions. Ensure all vehicles have been removed from your drive if this is where you are planning your skip to go. Also make sure if you are placing the skip on the side of a road that the height and position of the skip will not obscure the view of any cars driving past or reversing.
2. Ensure your skip can be delivered with ease. Remove any cars or obstacles that could stop the delivery truck accessing your property.
3. Once your skip has been delivered, do NOT try and move it. It is important you know where you want the skip in advance, as once it is placed on the ground you will not be able to move it yourself. They are extremely heavy and attempting to move a skip can not only cause you injury, it can damage the surface it is placed on.
4. When the skip is being delivered, keep your young children and any pets inside the house. They can be extremely inquisitive to new things and want to get involved but it can be dangerous if they get in the way. Small children and pets will not be easily visible to the driver delivering your skip.
5. Be careful when filling your skip. Always check there are no small animals, pets or children that have climbed in the skip before you place heavy items into it.
6. Never put hazardous waste in skips or any other item that is not suitable for skips. Check online or contact us for the full list of items you should not place in skips if you are unsure. Gas cylinders, paint, white goods and batteries are all good examples of what you cannot place in skips.
7. Be careful when placing heavy items in the skip. Always lift with your knees and always ask for help if you need it. Skips have really high sides so although you may be able to lift the item, being able to lift it high enough to place into the skip can be another matter. It can cause back injuries and lasting damage, so you must know your limits.
8. Don’t overfill your skip. If your skip is overfilled it may not be collected as it would be unsafe to drive on roads with a skip that full. Each skip has a weight limit that you need to stick to. Even if you are not exceeding the weight limit, if you have overfilled your skip there is a chance items could fall out and cause damage.
9. Have a system when loading your skip. Don’t just throw it all in at once. If you take a minute to think about how to load it properly, you will be able to fit more in it and ensure nothing can fall out.
10. Always think about the public. This is slightly less of a risk if the skip is on your private property but if you have it placed on a street you need to ensure that it is not getting in anyone’s way. You may want to consider hazard lights to indicate to people that the skip is there.
11. Monitor your skip, especially if it is on a public street. You need to make sure that other people are not taking advantage and using your skip as well. Not only is this rude, they could be putting hazardous material in the skip which does not belong there.
All these tips are easy to stick to and by following these rules, you will not only stay safe around skips, you will be able to make the most out of your skip hire.
To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
The Skip vs The Tip
When you have a large amount of waste to get rid of that will not fit in your regular bins, you tend to have two main options available for you. Either go to the tip or hire a skip. Here we discuss the benefits of both, and which one is the better and most efficient and effective option.
Location
A lot of people have a waste management centre or tip that is within driving distance of their home, but the distance can vary dramatically. When considering going to the tip, calculate how many trips you think it will take you to remove all of your rubbish, calculate the time it will take for you to drive there, empty your rubbish into the relevant sections of the tip, and then drive back to potentially repeat the process several times over. In addition to this, depending on when you go, there could be dozens of people with the same idea as you as you never know how busy the tip will be. During busy periods, it can be extremely stressful and time consuming to go to the tip.
The great thing about skip hire is that you know the location of the skip will be as near to your house as possible. If you have room, it can be on your land or on your drive which is fantastic. Even if you must have the skip on the road, you know that it will be closer to you than the tip is. This is extremely convenient, especially if you have a few last-minute bits of rubbish that you have forgotten about as it means you don’t have to do another trip to the tip. Once you hire a skip, you know that the skip is only for your use, so you have don’t have to worry about the potential crowds and queues.
Cost
Because you do not have to pay for the tip, it can seem like the obvious choice to go for. However, taking into account the several trips you may have to do, you need to calculate how much fuel you will use in the process as it can add up quickly, especially if your car is full of heavy rubbish. You must think about cost not just in monetary terms but also how much time it will cost you to go to and from the tip. If you need multiple trips this could take you a whole day or even an entire weekend. The time saved will be significant if you chose a skip instead.
Amount of waste
Your decision will be made for you automatically if you have too much rubbish to fit in the car – in that scenario a skip may be your only option. Having a skip means to can get rid of it all in one go and even if you could fit it in your car, it will save you having to make several trips. On the other hand, if you only have a small amount of rubbish, there may not be any point in hiring a skip at all. Measure the quantity of rubbish you are expecting to have and see if there is a skip size that will suit your needs. There is no point hiring a massive skip if you do not have a lot of rubbish, however there are many sizes available. You will also be surprised how much rubbish you have. You may think you will not have a lot, but once you start on a project, the rubbish adds up quickly so a skip may be the choice for you.
Type of waste
A deciding factor is also the type of waste you are wanting to get rid of. If the rubbish smells or is dirty, it will not be a good idea to have it in your car as it could cause permanent damage. Although there are some items that are not suitable for skips, the majority of rubbish can be placed in skips and the great thing is you do not have to separate your waste as this will be done for you once the skip has been collected.
Flexible
A major concern for people when hiring a skip is where to store it. However, this shouldn’t put you off hiring a skip. Even if you do not have space on your private property or to stay on the street overnight, then we offer a same day skip hire service / wait and load service which allows you to get rid of your rubbish quickly within 30 minutes and then the skip will immediately be taken away. By choosing a skip you can be more flexible as you are not dependent on the opening and closing times of the tip, avoiding peak traffic hours or the need to queue when you get there.
Although tips are great places to get rid of your rubbish, a skip may be the best option for you as it provides you with flexibility, they come in a range of sizes and is for your use only which can save you time, money in the long run and energy.
To find out more about how we can help you with your waste disposal needs, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
5 common mistakes people make when hiring a skip
Mistake 1: Ordering the wrong size skip
This seems like a simple thing; however, it is extremely easy to under or over estimate how much rubbish you have. Once you start on a clear up project, you can sometimes get carried away and not realise how much rubbish you had to start with. People often order a skip that is too large and that takes up a lot of room when storing and is a waste of both space and potentially money if they are not intending to fill it. Alternatively, they order a skip that is too small, which leads to more work and multiple trips to remove the waste. You also need to make sure you are not driven too much on price. Do not order a skip just because it is the cheapest. You need to ensure it’s the best option for you.
Tip: If possible, in advance try and gather as much of the rubbish as you can to get an idea of how much space your rubbish takes up. Take this into account before choosing your skip size. Also take into consideration the space you have available to store the skip itself. If you are unsure what size to go for, ring and discuss it with someone who will be able to advise and try and match the skip to your requirements.
Mistake 2: Overfilling the skip
Linking to mistake number 1, a common occurrence is when people hire a skip which is too small and end up overfilling it as a result. A skip is considered overfull if it exceeds the fill line or if items are bulky and protruding from the top. A skip can be refused to be taken away as it is not safe to transport an overfilled skip, making it both an inconvenience and illegal. It can possibly end in a fine being issued.
Tip: Always monitor the amount of waste that goes in the skip to avoid overfilling. If in doubt of the amount of rubbish you have, go for the next size up to be on the safe side.
Mistake 3: Putting restricted items inside skips
Although the list of items you can place in a skip is extensive, there are some materials and items that are forbidden. Liquids, oil, paint, fluorescent tubes, asbestos, batteries, tyres and fridge / freezers are just some of the items you cannot place in your skip. If you are concerned about whether the waste you have is suitable for a skip, then please get in contact and we can advise you.
Mistake 4: Exceeding weight limits
Along with underestimating how much rubbish you must dispose of, another common mistake is underestimating how much your rubbish weighs. Each skip size is suitable for a certain amount of rubbish. Even if your waste fits nicely in the skip, it still may not be taken away if the skip becomes too heavy. Always be realistic when ordering a skip. If you think it will end up weighing a substantial amount, then please take this into consideration.
Mistake 5: Not considering parking space
Another mistake is not thinking realistically about where the skip is going to go. It needs to be close enough to your property that you can access it easily, however it also needs to be accessible when it gets collected. Ensure you are fully aware of the size of skip you want to hire and ensure you have enough space. This is even more important if you are planning on keeping the skip on a public road. You need to ensure the space is large enough and available for when the skip gets delivered. If you suddenly want to place it on public land rather than your own land you will need a permit which comes at a cost. Although we can sort out the paperwork for this, it could cause delays which are avoidable with forward planning.
Before hiring a skip, make sure you consider your budget, your space to store the skip, the amount of rubbish you have to get rid of, the weight of the rubbish as well as the type of waste. This will make it easier for you to choose the best skip for your needs. If you have any concerns about choosing the correct skip, LSPS are always happy to advise you. To find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0800 083 7807 or visit our website for further information.
