Hiring a skip can be a convenient solution for managing waste during home renovations, garden clearances, or large-scale cleanouts. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly and meets your needs. Here are seven key things you should know before hiring a skip, especially if you are considering options like skip hire Lathom.
1. Determine the Right Size of Skip for Your Needs
The size of the skip is one of the first factors that you may want to think about when hiring a skip. Skip sizes are diverse; there is a mini skip (2-3 cubic yards) to a maxi skip commonly referred to as the roll-on roll-off (20-40 cubic yards). The correct selection of size is very important since a skip that you hire might be too small for the waste you want to dispose of, which might lead to hiring another skip, and a large skip that you hire could be very expensive. Foresee the amount of waste that you are going to produce and then liaise with the skip hire company to determine the appropriate size of the skip you need.
2. What You Can and Cannot Dispose?
Some items cannot be disposed of in the skip. It is a common global practice to set stringent rules governing what is allowed or banned at the items’ disposal. The items that should not be sent include material that is hazardous to people’s health, like asbestos, chemicals, batteries, and electric appliances like refrigerators and freezers. Some skips also come with restrictions on items such as tyres, paint, and gas cylinders. One should refer to the list of restricted items that the company does not accept to prevent incurring more charges or the company refusing to pick the skip.
3. Consider Skip Placement
The other important factor is where to locate the skip. Thus, for efficient and legal disposal of waste material, the skip should be placed in one’s compound, such as the driveway or the garden, so that a permit is not required. It is important to note that placing a skip on a public road or land belonging to the local council will require a permit from the council. This process can take a few days, so one must be ready for that duration depending on how Often it is done. Make sure that the location selected for the placing of the skip is easily reachable by the skip truck and does not hinder the flow of traffic and movement of pedestrians.
4. Think About Permit Requirements
It is cheaper and easier to apply for a skip permit, depending on which local council you are in. A few providers deal with obtaining the permit on your behalf, but it’s advisable that you discuss this aspect when acquiring a skip-hire service. Ensure you incorporate the time required to acquire the permit because using a skip without it can attract penalties.
5. Take into Account the Duration of Hire
The length of time that you require to skip is yet another factor that must be taken into consideration. The hire periods of most skip hire companies are flexible and usually start from a few days up to a couple of weeks. Ensure that you agree with the company on how long you will be hired and any charges related to this. If you expect to use the skip for quite some time, you should specify this to the provider so that he can arrange for it and not be contracted to make further charges.
6. Plan for Efficient Loading
Efficient loading of the skip could help cut down the amount of time spent and the money used. Initiate by dissecting the most extensive pieces to allow good utilization of the available space and placing the heaviest items at the base. Just as we do not overload a particular side of the vehicle when laden to save on additional fuel, we should do the same when distributing the load during calibration. Do not fill the skip above the ‘fill line’; most skip companies have an indicated fill line that should not be crossed. Such skips contain more waste than they should allow and may not be collected before the waste is taken out; charges may be included.
7. Compare Quotes and Services
Last, but not least, it’s recommended to compare the potential prices with other skip-hire companies. Usually, the cost depends on the place, the size of the skip for hire, and on how long the person intends to hire the skip. Also, it is crucial to look at the company behind the product by checking for the reviews, guarantees, and certifications on how dependable the product is. Reliable online reviews and ratings of the service provider can help you choose the right professional. Additional services can be provided by some organizations, like sorting or recycling, so it may be appropriate to make a prompt on them based on your litter disposal needs.
Additional Considerations:
If you are employing a skip for a major project that entails construction or refurbishment, you may possibly want to take note of the looks and functionality of the project on the neighbours. Therefore, hiring a skip entails several factors that cannot be limited to size selection or acquiring the service. Thus, it helps in planning as to what can be disposed of, where it is to be placed, which permits need to be obtained, and in an efficient method of loading the equipment, successful waste management can be achieved. Thus, by comparing the quotes that are given to you and selecting the most reliable company, you will be able to maximize the value of the money that you are willing to spend. When applying the abovementioned seven points, you will have nothing to worry about in the next project that you undertake.
Also, read: How To Ensure Waste Disposal Practices Are Eco-Friendly?
