How to Prepare for Your Skip Delivery

Hiring a skip is an excellent solution for managing waste from renovation projects, garden clear-outs, or large home decluttering. However, before the skip arrives at your doorstep, it’s essential to prepare properly to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding delays, extra costs, or logistical issues.

In this blog, we’ll share some key steps on how to prepare for skip delivery and make the most of your skip hire.

1. Choose the Right Location

Before your skip arrives, it’s important to decide exactly where it will go. The location needs to be accessible for the skip lorry and safe for loading your waste. Here’s what to consider:

• Driveway or Private Land: If you have a driveway or other private land, this is usually the best place to position your skip. It avoids the need for a permit and provides convenient access.
• Public Road: If your only option is to place the skip on a public road, you will need to arrange a permit from your local council. Make sure this is sorted in advance, as permits can take a few days to process.
• Access for the Lorry: Ensure that there’s clear access for the delivery lorry, and remove any obstructions like parked cars or low-hanging branches. Most skip lorries need at least 3 metres of clearance.

2. Estimate the Waste Volume

A common issue with skip hire is underestimating how much waste you have. To avoid having to hire an additional skip or deal with an overfilled one, take some time to properly estimate your waste volume before the skip arrives. Here are some tips:

• Bulkier Items: If you’re disposing of furniture, large appliances, or bulky garden waste, it’s important to factor in how much space these will take up. It is also important to consider POPs in older furniture. If you are disposing of older furniture, alternative disposal methods are available to you.
• Rubbish Bag Calculation: If you’re using rubbish bags for general waste, consider how many will fill the skip. For example, a 4-yard skip typically holds around 30-40 bin bags, while an 8-yard skip holds up to 80.

Having a clear idea of your waste volume will help you choose the right skip size and avoid any last-minute issues.

3. Organise the Waste in Advance

Sorting out your waste before the skip arrives will make the loading process quicker and easier. You can organise your waste into different categories, such as:

• Recyclable Materials: Separate items like metal, cardboard, and plastics that can be recycled. This way, you can ensure they are placed in the skip first and may also increase the chance of your waste being recycled.
• Prohibited Items: Items like hazardous materials, electrical appliances, or asbestos are often not allowed in skips. Make sure you are familiar with what you can and cannot dispose of to avoid penalties.

4. Lay Down Protective Coverings

If your skip will be placed on your driveway or another paved area, you may want to lay down protective coverings. This helps prevent any potential damage to your surfaces, especially if you have a tarmac driveway that could be marked by the weight of the skip. Wooden boards or tarpaulins are commonly used for this purpose.

5. Be Ready on Delivery Day

On the day of delivery, ensure that the space is clear, and you are present or available for the delivery driver if needed. If there are any specific instructions for the driver, such as positioning the skip in a precise location, it’s helpful to be there to guide them.

6. Plan for Skip Filling

Once the skip is delivered, you can begin filling it. Here are some additional tips to make the most out of your skip hire:

• Load the Bulky Items First: Start with the largest and heaviest items at the bottom to maximise space and stability.
• Break Down Waste: Where possible, break down larger items like furniture or branches to create more room.
• Don’t Overfill the Skip: Make sure you don’t exceed the skip’s fill line. Overfilling can result in additional charges or refusal to collect the skip.

Conclusion

Preparing for skip delivery can make a huge difference in how smoothly your project goes. By choosing the right location, estimating your waste volume, and organising your rubbish in advance, you’ll be able to save time and avoid any extra costs. With everything in place, you can focus on getting your project done while your waste is handled efficiently and responsibly.

If you’re ready to hire a skip for your next project, contact us today for reliable, hassle-free skip hire services.