Where Can You Put A Skip?

“Just put it on the drive.”

Sounds simple.

And most of the time, it is.

But every so often our driver arrives and discovers that the perfect spot somebody had in mind isn’t quite as straightforward as it looked from the kitchen window.

The skip itself might fit perfectly.

The problem is getting it there.

A skip delivery involves a large vehicle manoeuvring into position, unloading a heavy steel container and eventually returning to collect it, hopefully considerably heavier than when we dropped it off.

So before your skip arrives, there’s one question worth asking:

Can the wagon safely put it there and get it back again?

Here’s what to think about.

Can You Put A Skip On Your Driveway?

For many customers, a private driveway is the simplest place for a skip.

It keeps the skip off the public highway, puts it conveniently close to the job and usually means you don’t need to arrange a skip permit.

But don’t just look at the size of the skip.

Think about the delivery vehicle too.

Our wagon needs sufficient access to approach the property, manoeuvre into position and safely unload the skip.

A driveway that easily accommodates two cars doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room for a skip wagon to do its job.

Check The Entrance

This catches people out.

You might have plenty of space once you’re on the driveway, but what does the entrance look like?

Think about:

• Narrow gateways
• Gate posts
• Stone walls
• Fences
• Parked vehicles
• Tight turns
• Overhanging trees

The driver needs to get the vehicle into a safe position before unloading.

If the entrance is particularly tight, let us know before delivery.

It’s much easier to look at the problem beforehand than discover it when the wagon is sitting outside your house.

Move The Cars Before We Arrive

It sounds obvious.

But if you know where you’d like the skip placing, make sure the route to it is clear before the delivery arrives.

Move cars from the driveway.

Ask neighbours to move vehicles if they’re blocking essential access.

Don’t leave wheelie bins, trailers or other obstacles in the way.

A few minutes of preparation can make the delivery much easier.

And remember, the same applies when it’s time for collection.

Look Up As Well As Around

One of the easiest things to forget is what’s above the delivery area.

Trees, branches and overhead cables can all affect where a skip can safely be placed.

The wagon doesn’t simply slide the skip sideways onto your driveway.

The loading equipment needs working space.

So when you’re deciding where the skip should go, don’t just look at the ground.

Look up.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, tell us before we arrive.

Can You Put A Skip On Grass?

Possibly, but this needs more thought than placing one on a suitable hard-standing area.

Remember that we’re not just talking about the weight of an empty skip.

There’s also the delivery vehicle.

Then, when we return, there’s the weight of the waste you’ve put inside the skip.

Soft ground, wet lawns and unsuitable surfaces can create problems for access and collection and may also result in damage to the ground.

Lancashire weather doesn’t always help either.

A patch of grass that feels perfectly solid after a dry week can be a very different proposition after several days of rain.

If you’re considering putting a skip on grass or another soft surface, speak to us first.

What About Block Paving Or Other Surfaces?

This is another reason to think carefully about positioning.

Skips and the vehicles carrying them are heavy.

Customers should consider whether the surface where they want the skip placed is suitable and whether they’re comfortable having a skip positioned there for the duration of the hire.

If you’re worried about a particular surface, mention it when booking.

Don’t wait until the wagon arrives.

What If My Driveway Is On A Slope?

Sloping ground can also affect whether a skip can be safely positioned.

A slight incline and a steep driveway are very different things.

The final decision has to be based on whether our driver can safely deliver and subsequently collect the skip.

Again, photographs and a quick conversation beforehand can save a wasted journey.

Can You Put A Skip On The Road?

Yes, skips can be placed on a public highway in appropriate circumstances, but this is where skip permits come into the picture.

If the skip can’t go on your private property and needs to be positioned on the road, permission will normally be required from the relevant local authority.

There may also be requirements around positioning, visibility and safety.

We’ve covered this in more detail in our guide to skip permits, but the important thing is:

Don’t simply assume the road outside your house is available because there’s space.

Tell us where you intend to put the skip when you’re arranging your hire.

What About A Pavement Or Verge?

The same principle applies.

If the area isn’t part of your private property, don’t assume you can put a skip there.

Pavements, verges and other areas can form part of the public highway or be subject to other restrictions.

We can advise you on the next step if you’re unsure.

Think About Your Neighbours

There’s another consideration that has nothing to do with whether the wagon physically fits.

Your neighbours.

If putting the skip in a particular position will block somebody else’s access, make parking extremely difficult or cause another obvious problem, it’s worth considering alternatives.

A little common sense goes a long way.

And if the delivery vehicle needs temporary access past a neighbour’s parked car, asking them to move it beforehand can make everybody’s life easier.

Don’t Forget About Collection

This is probably one of the most overlooked points.

We have to come back.

The perfect delivery spot also needs to be accessible when your skip is full.

During your hire period, try not to block the skip in with vehicles, building materials, scaffolding or anything else that could prevent us from safely collecting it.

This is particularly important during building and renovation projects where a relatively clear driveway can look very different two weeks later.

When you’re planning where the skip will go, think about day one and collection day.

The Driver Has The Final Say

We can plan as much as possible beforehand, but safety comes first.

When our driver arrives, they’ll assess whether the skip can be placed where requested safely.

If they don’t think it can, they’ll discuss the alternatives with you.

That’s not us being awkward.

Our drivers are responsible for manoeuvring a large vehicle and placing a heavy steel container safely without creating unnecessary risks to people, property or the vehicle.

Sometimes the best position for the skip isn’t quite where you originally imagined it.

Not Sure? Talk To Us Before You Book

This is probably the most useful advice in the whole article.

Don’t guess.

If you’ve got a narrow driveway, tight gateway, low branches, overhead cables, soft ground, a steep slope or anything else that concerns you, speak to Lostock before booking.

Tell us what the access is like and where you’d ideally like the skip positioned.

If appropriate operationally, sending us a couple of photographs can also help us understand the access before the wagon sets off.

We’d much rather answer a question beforehand than arrive and discover there’s nowhere suitable to safely put your skip.

It’s Not Just About Whether The Skip Fits

When you’re deciding where to put your skip, imagine something much bigger than the skip itself.

Imagine the wagon that has to deliver it.

Think about the route in.

Look at the width.

Look at the ground.

Look above you.

And think about whether we’ll still be able to get back to it when it’s full.

Because the real question isn’t:

“Will the skip fit?”

It’s:

“Can the wagon safely put it there and get it back again?”

Get that bit right and the rest of your skip hire should be much simpler.

Your waste. Our responsibility.