Got a mountain of rubbish that’s threatening to take over your home? Tackling a renovation project that’s generating more debris than you bargained for? It might be time to hire a skip. But before you pick up the phone, there are a few things worth mulling over to make sure you get the right skip for your needs – and avoid any nasty surprises along the way.

Size Matters

When it comes to skips, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Getting this bit wrong can be a proper headache – too small and you’ll be left with piles of rubbish and nowhere to put it; too large and you’re essentially paying good money for empty space. Bit daft, that.

Skips typically come in these sizes:

• Mini (2-3 yards): Perfect for small bathroom renovations or garden clearouts
• Midi (4-5 yards): Good for kitchen refits or larger garden projects
• Builders (6-8 yards): Ideal for home renovations or major clearances
• Maxi (10-16 yards): For serious construction projects

Not sure which to go for? Give us a bell, and we’ll help you suss out the right fit. Most people tend to underestimate how much waste they’ll generate – trust me, it’s remarkable how quickly these things fill up once you get going!

Location, Location, Location

Where are you planning to park this skip? On your driveway? Brilliant – no extra faff needed. But if you’re thinking of popping it on the road, you’ll need a permit from your local council.

And it’s not just about permissions – think about access too. Our drivers are skilled, but they’re not magicians. They need enough space to safely deliver and collect your skip. That narrow lane with overhanging trees? Might be a bit of a challenge, that.

What’s Going In?

Not everything can go in a skip, I’m afraid. There’s a whole list of prohibited items that skip companies (including us) can’t legally take:

• Asbestos (that’s a specialist job)
• Electrical items (your old telly or fridge)
• Tyres
• Paint and solvents
• Batteries
• Gas bottles
• Clinical or medical waste

Chucking these in could land you with a fine, and nobody wants that. If you’re not sure, just ask – we’re always happy to point you in the right direction for disposing of these trickier items.

Weight Considerations

Skips have weight limits for a reason – our trucks need to be able to lift and transport them safely. Some materials are deceptively heavy – soil, concrete, and bricks can quickly tip you over the limit.

If your project involves a lot of heavy materials, let us know upfront. We might recommend splitting your waste across multiple skips rather than trying to cram it all into one.

How Long Do You Need It?

Most skip hire companies (us included) offer standard hire periods – usually around 1-2 weeks. Need it for longer? Not a problem, but do let us know in advance to avoid any late fees.

And while we’re talking timelines, try to book your skip a few days before you need it, especially during busy periods like spring and summer. Nothing worse than being ready to crack on with your project only to find there’s a two-week wait for a skip!

The Cost Factor

Price is always going to be a consideration, but cheapest isn’t always best when it comes to skip hire. Those suspiciously low prices might come with hidden fees or less-than-stellar service.

Expect to pay more if:

• You need a permit for roadside placement
• Your skip needs to be dropped off in a tricky location
• You’re disposing of certain types of waste
• You need the skip for an extended period

At Clearaway Recycling, we’re upfront about our pricing – no nasty surprises when the bill arrives.

Environmental Impact

Last but certainly not least, consider the environmental angle. Where does your waste go after it leaves your property?

We’re proud of our recycling rates at Clearaway – we work hard to ensure as little as possible ends up in landfill. We sort through all skip waste and recover everything we can for recycling or reuse. It might not be the most glamorous job in the world, but it makes a real difference to our carbon footprint.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Hiring a skip doesn’t need to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right information, it can make your project run smoother than a freshly plastered wall.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Our friendly team at Clearaway Recycling is just a phone call away, ready to help you sort out all your waste management needs without the faff.

And remember – a tidy site is a safer site. Not to mention, there’s something rather satisfying about chucking all that rubbish into a skip and watching it disappear. Out of sight, out of mind, and one step closer to that project being finished!