Although they can be deceptively simple – you hire the skip, it turns up, you put rubbish in it and it’s taken away – skip-hire companies actually have several regulations and requirements of anyone who uses their services. These regulations ensure the safety of workers on site, pedestrians and motorists; they also prevent pollution of the surrounding area and ensures that the maximum recycling benefits are gained through proper sorting procedures.
Many skip-hire companies have strict rules about what you put in the skip. Food waste is generally forbidden, as are paint cans, solvents, aerosols, tires and gas canisters. Likewise, computer monitors, televisions, fridges and freezers should not be disposed of in the skip. These rules are in place to protect the recycling centre staff and tip staff who sort through the waste, and to prevent contamination or injury. Fridges and freezers contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which are incredibly hazardous to the environment and harmful to the ozone layer – these friendly kitchen appliances should be disposed of by a Specialist Disposal team. There are of course the more obvious waste items which cannot be put into a standard skip – asbestos, dangerous chemicals, medical or clinical waste, and liquids should all be kept separate. Some skip-hire companies will offer to call in a Specialist Disposal company or council team on your behalf to get rid of these items.
Aside from what you put in the skip, there are also regulations about the weight of the skip upon collection. Most companies will refuse to collect a skip if it is overloaded or too heavy, as it can cause problems during transport and may damage the skip collection truck. This is a good reason to overestimate (rather than underestimate) the size of the skip you’ll need.
Many skip-hire companies have strict rules about what you put in the skip. Food waste is generally forbidden, as are paint cans, solvents, aerosols, tires and gas canisters. Likewise, computer monitors, televisions, fridges and freezers should not be disposed of in the skip. These rules are in place to protect the recycling centre staff and tip staff who sort through the waste, and to prevent contamination or injury. Fridges and freezers contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which are incredibly hazardous to the environment and harmful to the ozone layer – these friendly kitchen appliances should be disposed of by a Specialist Disposal team. There are of course the more obvious waste items which cannot be put into a standard skip – asbestos, dangerous chemicals, medical or clinical waste, and liquids should all be kept separate. Some skip-hire companies will offer to call in a Specialist Disposal company or council team on your behalf to get rid of these items.
Aside from what you put in the skip, there are also regulations about the weight of the skip upon collection. Most companies will refuse to collect a skip if it is overloaded or too heavy, as it can cause problems during transport and may damage the skip collection truck. This is a good reason to overestimate (rather than underestimate) the size of the skip you’ll need.