If you’re new to London, you may have heard the term “skip” thrown around and wondered what it means. A skip is essentially a large metal container used for waste disposal. They’re commonly seen on the streets of London, particularly during construction or renovation projects, but they can also be hired for personal use.
Skips come in a variety of sizes, from small mini skips to large roll-on-roll-off skips. They’re typically delivered to a location and left for a set period of time before being collected and disposed of by a waste management company. While skips are a convenient way to dispose of large amounts of waste, it’s important to ensure that they’re used safely and responsibly to avoid any potential hazards or fines.
Definition of a Skip
If you’re planning to undertake any kind of construction or renovation project in London, you’re likely to need a skip to dispose of your waste. A skip is a large container that is used for the storage and transportation of waste materials.
Skip Sizes
Skips come in a range of sizes, from small mini-skips to much larger roll-on roll-off containers. The size of skip you choose will depend on the amount of waste you need to dispose of, as well as the space you have available on your site. Here are some of the most common skip sizes:
- Mini skip (2-3 cubic yards)
- Midi skip (4-5 cubic yards)
- Builder’s skip (6-8 cubic yards)
- Maxi skip (10-12 cubic yards)
- Roll-on roll-off skip (20-40 cubic yards)
Types of Skips
In addition to different sizes, skips also come in different types, each designed for a specific type of waste. Here are some of the most common types of skips:
- General waste skip – for mixed waste, including household and construction waste
- Green waste skip – for garden waste, such as leaves, branches and grass clippings
- Hazardous waste skip – for hazardous materials such as asbestos, chemicals and batteries
- Inert waste skip – for non-reactive waste such as concrete, bricks and soil
It’s important to choose the right type of skip for your waste, as different types of waste require different disposal methods. If you’re unsure about which skip to choose, your skip hire company should be able to advise you.
Overall, skips are an essential part of any construction or renovation project in London. By choosing the right size and type of skip, you can ensure that your waste is disposed of safely and responsibly.
Usage and Regulations
Permits and Permissions
If you plan on using a skip in London, you need to obtain a permit from the local council. The permit allows you to place the skip on the public highway, and it must be obtained before the skip is delivered. Failure to obtain a permit can result in a fine, and your skip may be removed.
The cost of a permit varies depending on the local council, the size of the skip and the duration of the permit. You can obtain a permit from the council’s website, and it usually takes a few days to process.
Prohibited Items
There are certain items that you cannot dispose of in a skip, and it’s important to be aware of these before you start using one. Some common prohibited items include:
- Asbestos
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Clinical waste
- Electrical items
- Fluorescent tubes
- Gas cylinders
- Hazardous waste
- Paints and solvents
- Plasterboard
- Tyres
If you need to dispose of any of these items, you’ll need to find an alternative method of disposal. It’s also worth noting that skips should only be filled to the level of the sides, as overloading them can be dangerous and may result in additional charges.
By following the regulations and guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your skip usage is safe, legal and hassle-free.
