When you have waste to remove here in the UK, you have to turn to a skip. No, not the nickname of one of your neighbours, but an affordable and easy to use waste removal tool that expedites home improvement projects. Skips come in a wide variety of sizes, yet you also have to consider other factors, before your make a purchase of one or more of these waste removal gems.
Start with Size
Skips range in size from small mini to large rolling. Miniature skips work great for most home improvement projects, such as bathroom tile replacement and bedroom carpet removal jobs. Mini skips come in two and three cubic yard sizes to fit easily on a homeowner’s driveway. If you plan to perform larger scale home improvement projects that produce significant waste, then you need to buy a four or five cubic yard skip (Midi). Some extensive home improvement projects require the use of commercial builder skips that measure between six and eight cubic yards. Kitchen remodeling jobs require at least a midi skip, while multiple home improvement projects that generate considerable waste require you to buy one or more builder skips.
Consider Home Improvement Budget
Several factors play a role in determining the cost of a skip. Skip size represents the most important skip cost factor, followed closely by the material used to construct a skip. Savvy homeowners donate home improvement project materials to reduce the skip size requirements of waste removal jobs. The number of skip merchants that operate near your home determines the supply part of the supply and demand price equation.
Location also matters for skip pricing. If you live in or near London, you can expect to pay more for a skip due to the heavy demand placed on the waste removal equipment. Accessories mandated by British councils drive up the price of skips. Some local authorities legally mandate the addition of cones and lighting to enhance safety.
How Do You Plan to Use a Skip?
Skip manufacturers explicitly state in writing the types of waste that you should add for removal during a home improvement project. Waste typically permitted in a skip for removal includes wood, metal, rubble, organic waste, furniture, and construction waste. Most skip manufacturers recommend that you avoid placing paint, asbestos, chemicals, hazardous waste, and electrical products in the skips they design. Most local British councils offer services that properly dispose of hazardous waste. However, if you plan to perform a home improvement project requiring the removal of hazardous waste, you should consider a skip hire that prevents the waste from leaking out of the skip.
Buy from a Reputable Skip Merchant
Every skip merchant should have insurance and a waste carrier licence. The government delivers carrier licenses to ensure skip merchants comply with waste removal regulations. Buying a skip from an unlicensed merchant can lead to hefty fines and even prosecution that lands you in jail. The British government produces an annual waste carrier register that contains the names of all licenced British waste carriers. A vast majority of local British councils require a minimum amount of public liability insurance.
You Must Have a Permit
Local councils issue skip hire permits that range in price between 15 and 60 pounds. You must purchase a skip hire permit, if you plan to keep a skip on public land, such as on the side of a road or on a government parking lot. If you plan to store waste on a skip that sits on private land, you don’t need to apply for a permit. The permit skip hire factor is especially relevant for homeowners that live in urban areas.
Are There Better Skip Hire Options?
Portability and prolonged durability make skips the most popular waste removal option. However, some home waste removal projects require the use of alternative waste removal equipment. Skip bags and rubbish removal teams represent the best alternative options. Skip bags attach to grab trucks for performing small waste removal jobs. On the other hand, rubbish removal teams handle large waste removal jobs that include collecting natural and artificial debris that turns up after a nasty storm.
After loading a skip, you take the waste collected within the skip to a sorting centre. Workers empty skips into several different areas for recycling. Most sorting centres deliver waste recycling rates that exceed 80%. Any waste not fit for recycling goes to a government operated landfill or incineration centre. Do it yourself waste removers should carefully inspect skip contents, before taking skips to a skip centre. Any prohibited items found within a skip leads to fines and/or prosecution.
As each skip is emptied, it is important that you do not try and hide prohibited items in the middle of the skip. If prohibited items are found, you may be fined or charged for the additional disposal fees.
