It’s no secret that skip hire can work out expensive. However when the need for a skip is unavoidable, or you just don’t want the hassle of numerous trips to the tip, there are some key points to follow to keep the cost to a minimum.
Before hiring a skip it is important to do some research into the size that you will need. Failing to do so could mean you end up paying a higher price for a bigger skip than required. Alternatively choosing one that is too small could mean you end up needing a second skip and paying out twice! Skip companies will be able to provide information on their sizes over the phone, though it is probably easier to have a look on their website online. For more information on skip sizes click the link here.
Skip companies should ask you what type of waste will be going in the skip. In most cases, this will be a mix of rubbish such as furniture and household items, soil, concrete and garden waste. This will be classed as a ‘General Waste’ skip. However, if you are only disposing of one type of waste, for example, if you were relaying a patio and only using the skip for the old concrete patio slabs, then it would be cheaper to have a skip for concrete/ hardcore only, rather than general waste.
There are additional charges for some items if they are found in skips. These will vary from each company but examples include aerosols, batteries, fridges, freezers and tyres. Don’t be tempted to hide these items at the bottom of the skip as it is likely that the whole skip will be sorted through! Plasterboard will need to be kept separately in a special bag provided by the company, with no additional cost.
It is important to ask how long you can keep the skip for with no additional costs. Some companies will have a hire limit of 1-2 weeks before they charge you per day for anything longer than this. There are skip companies (like us at Haulaway!) that do offer unlimited skip hire at no extra cost.
Most skip companies require that you fill the skip to a level load and have weight limits that you must stick to. This is so the skip lorries can collect them legally and safely. It is important not to overfill your skip as this could result in additional charges such as a ‘Wasted Journey Charge’, on top of the inconvenience of having to remove items and reschedule your collection.
