Whether you are undergoing a home renovation or a having a big garden clearout, you may require a skip for a number of different reasons. Skips are ideal for getting rid of large amounts of rubbish at one time, however, it is important that you are aware of what can and cannot be put in a skip. Putting incorrect items in your skip can result in a skip company refusing to remove your skip or charging you more which is why you need to make sure that you are only disposing of appropriate items.

What items should I not put in a skip?

Firstly, let’s start with items that cannot be put in a skip. You cannot put any harmful or hazardous items in a skip; these include:

  • Televisions and computers

  • Fridges

  • Tyres

  • Asbestos

  • Batteries

  • Medical waste

  • Electricals

  • Fuels

  • Paint tins

  • Plasterboard

  • Gas cylinders

  • Solvents

  • Fuels

You should, however, always check with your chosen skip hire company if you’re unsure about putting certain items in your skip.

What waste can I dispose of in a skip?

Waste that is not harmful or hazardous to the environment can be disposed of in a skip. This includes:

  • Plastic

  • Wood

  • Metal

  • Furniture

  • Garden waste

  • Soil

  • Rubble

  • Cardboard

  • Polystyrene

  • Domestic waste

  • Bricks

What size skip should I hire?

The size of the skip you need depends on the amount of waste that you have and how much space you have to put the skip. While it is generally recommended to go bigger rather than smaller, you should always make sure that you have enough waste to fill a skip otherwise you will be paying for more than you need. Skips are measured in cubic yards:

  • 4 cubic yards: ideal for small home refurbishments and garden clearances.

  • 6 cubic yards: ideal for building jobs that produce heavier waste (such as soil, tiles and bricks)

  • 8 cubic yards: also ideal for small building jobs, however, there is some extra space for more waste.

  • 10-12 cubic yards: ideal for large house and office clearances.

Where can I put my skip?

Generally, skips are put on driveways. However, if you do not have a driveway or a private space of land where you can place a skip, your skip hire company can usually apply for a road permit for you from the council. When booking your skip, ensure that you let your chosen company know that you require a permit.

How long can I hire a skip for?

Typically, skip hire periods run from one to 14 days, however, this will of course vary depending on the type of project you are carrying out and how long it will take. You simply need to get in touch with the company and discuss how long you think you will need a skip for.

At Brewsters, we offer domestic and commercial skip hire services in London. If you are unsure which size skip you need for your project or would like to discuss your requirements, a member of our friendly team will be happy to help. For more information about our services, visit our website today.