IF you are undertaking a more extensive spring clean, working on a DIY project, or generating commercial levels of waste, you are most likely looking for something bigger than a wheelie bin in which to dispose of the waste.  

Lucy Ravenhall, who works at Armley-based Forge Skip Hire, has all the answers below …

Do you need a skip and how big should it be?

Firstly, assess the amount of waste you have. If you only have half a skip’s worth of waste after minor domestic renovations, perhaps it is more convenient and time-efficient to take a trip to the local recycling centre yourself.

If you decide that you require a skip, you need to choose which size of container you require. Skip sizes are measured in cubic yards. As a rule of thumb:

Skip for the garden, household waste, and home clearance waste:

• 40-45 bin bags – 4-yard midi skip

Skips for builders and commercial use:

• 80-90 bin bags – 8-yard large builders’ skip

Skips for builders, commercial use, and building sites:

• 100-200 bin bags – 14-16-yard jumbo skip
• Roll-on roll-off skips in various sizes and capacities

Make sure to load your skip respecting the level load, so it is safe to collect and transport for the skip lorry. Skip drivers are legally bound to carry only safe amounts of waste; therefore, you need to order an appropriate size. If you overfill your skip, you’ll be charged more.

Where can you load a skip?

Once you have hired a skip, make sure you have a designated space where your chosen skip hire company can deliver it and collect it. On private lands such as your driveway or front lawn, you are free to place your skip as you like.

If placed on the side of the road, you’ll need to contact your local council and obtain a permit. Arranging a permit can take up to ten days, therefore you need to book your skip in advance. Some companies will arrange the permit for you if you ask (us being one of them).

If you place a skip on the roadside without a permit, you may face a fine of up to £1,000. Make sure to schedule the skip collection with your provider before your licence expires.

What waste can you put in your skip?

Skips can be used for the disposal of all household, garden, and building waste after DIY, home refurbishment, or gardening projects.

It is safe to place items such as bricks, plastic, general waste, soil, wood, tiles, and scrap metal in a skip.

Waste that is not accepted in skips includes:

• Hazardous and corrosive waste
• Paint, oils, and liquid
• Aerosols
• Gas canisters
• Asbestos
• Electric appliances such as fridges and TVs
• Raw meat
• Batteries

Some prohibited items are not allowed in mixed skips but can be collected in a separate skip. If you wish to dispose of any of the prohibited items, you must contact your local council, who will consult you on where to dispose of your waste safely.

What happens to your waste after collection?

Once collected, the waste is transported to a recycling facility, where it is sorted for recycling to minimise the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

Skip suppliers must be certified waste licence carriers — meaning that after collection, your waste will be disposed of as per your local council regulations.

A waste license also works as an assurance that your waste will not be fly tipped, as the Environmental Agency monitors licensed waste management and recycling facilities.