The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Hiring A Skip

Hiring a skip is one of the easiest ways to get rid of waste from a home improvement project, garden clearance or building job.

But after delivering thousands of skips across Bolton, Chorley, Wigan, Preston and the surrounding areas, we’ve noticed the same mistakes cropping up time and time again.

The good news?

Most of them are easy to avoid.

Here are the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a skip and how to make sure they don’t happen to you.

Ordering The Wrong Size Skip

This is probably the most common mistake we see.

Many customers try to save money by ordering a smaller skip than they actually need.

Unfortunately, that can end up costing more if you run out of space and need a second skip.

On the other hand, some customers order a larger skip than necessary and pay for capacity they don’t use.

If you’re unsure, send us a photo of the waste and we’ll recommend the most suitable size.

It’s something we do every day.

Overfilling The Skip

Every skip has a legal fill line.

If waste is loaded above that line, we may not be able to transport it safely.

Overfilled skips can create safety issues on the road and may need to be partially unloaded before collection.

A good rule is simple:

If the waste is sticking up above the sides, there’s too much in the skip.

Forgetting About Permits

If a skip is being placed on a public road, a permit is usually required.

Many customers don’t realise this until the last minute.

If the skip is going on a driveway or private land, a permit is generally not needed.

If you’re unsure, ask us when booking and we’ll guide you through the process.

Putting The Wrong Items In The Skip

Not everything can go into a skip.

Items that often catch people out include:

• Fridges and freezers
• Tyres
• Asbestos
• Paint and chemicals
• Gas bottles
• Electrical items
• Batteries

These materials require specialist disposal routes.

If you have something you’re unsure about, it’s always worth asking before loading it into the skip.

Not Leaving Enough Room For Delivery

Skip wagons need more space than many people realise.

Narrow access, parked cars and low-hanging branches can all cause problems.

Before delivery, have a quick look at the access route and make sure there is enough room for the wagon to safely position the skip.

A few minutes of preparation can save a lot of frustration.

Leaving It Until The Last Minute

Skip availability can change quickly, particularly during busy periods.

Customers sometimes call expecting a skip the same day and are surprised when availability is limited.

While we always do our best to help, booking in advance gives you the best choice of sizes and delivery dates.

Choosing Solely On Price

Everybody wants a competitive price.

We understand that.

However, choosing a skip company based purely on the cheapest quote isn’t always the best approach.

A reputable company should provide:

• Reliable delivery and collection
• Proper waste handling
• Licensed waste disposal
• Good communication
• Transparent pricing

The cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

A Little Planning Goes A Long Way

The vast majority of skip hire jobs go smoothly.

A little planning before booking can help avoid delays, additional costs and unnecessary headaches.

If you’re unsure about skip sizes, permits or what can be disposed of, simply ask.

Our team is always happy to help point you in the right direction.

After all, we’d much rather answer a question before delivery than solve a problem afterwards.