Hiring a skip is an easy way to eliminate large amounts of waste, whether for home renovations, garden clearances, or general rubbish disposal. But many people assume it’s always expensive. The truth is, plan properly and you can save money by getting a cheap skip hire.
Some people end up paying more than they need to because they choose the wrong skip size, don’t realise they need a permit, or get caught out by extra charges. By following a few simple tips, you can avoid unnecessary costs and make skip hire far more affordable.
Choose the Right Skip Size
One of the most common skip hire mistakes is hiring the wrong size skip. If you go too small, you might run out of space and need to hire another one. If you go too big, you end up paying for space you don’t use.
Before booking, estimate how much waste you’ll have. Most skip hire companies provide a size guide, so check this carefully. If you’re unsure, a slightly larger skip is often better than having to order a second one.
Also, think about the type of waste you’re getting rid of. If it’s bulky but light, a larger skip may be best. If it’s dense and heavy, like bricks or soil, you might need a smaller skip to stay within weight limits. Getting the right size from the start will make it easier for your skip company to give competitive prices.
Understand Skip Hire Prices
Knowing what you’re paying for helps you avoid overpaying, you’re not going to get cheap skip hire if you don’t plan properly. Skip hire prices depend on:
- Size – Larger skips cost more, but they can be better value per cubic yard.
- Hire period – Standard hire is often a week, but keeping it longer may cost extra.
- Waste type – General waste skips may be cheaper than mixed heavy waste.
- Location – Prices vary depending on transport costs and local disposal fees.
- Permits – If your skip is on the road, you’ll need a permit, which can add to the cost.
Understanding these factors allows you to choose the best price for your budget.
Avoid Additional Cost For Your Skip Hire Service
Extra charges can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure you get an affordable price:
- Don’t overfill the skip – If waste is piled above the sides, the driver may refuse collection, or you could be charged extra for your waste disposal. Always keep it level.
- Check what’s allowed – Some items, like fridges, tyres, or asbestos, aren’t permitted in general skips. If you throw in restricted items, you may face a fine or have to remove them.
- Be mindful of weight limits – Heavy materials like bricks and soil can make a skip overweight. If you’re disposing of a lot of heavy waste, check with the hire company beforehand, different skip sizes might have different weight limits.
- Stick to the agreed hire period – Keeping the skip past the collection date can lead to daily charges which vary depending on who you use for skip hire. If you’re not sure how long you need it, ask about flexible hire options.
Place Your Skip on Private Property
If your skip is placed on a public road, you’ll need a skip hire permit from the local council. These can cost anywhere from £50 to £140 or more depending on your area. To avoid this, place the skip on your driveway or private land if possible. If you don’t have space, you can even check with neighbours to see if they’re willing to share their driveway.
If a permit is unavoidable, we will advise our customers on how long it will last. Some councils charge a set fee per week, while others have a single payment for a longer period. Planning your hire around the permit length can help you avoid paying for unnecessary extra days. When you use Horrocks for our skip hire service, you have peace of mind as we will deal with your local council and arrange the skip hire permit on your behalf.
Share a Skip with Others
If you don’t have enough waste to fill a skip on your own, consider sharing one with a neighbour, family member, or friend. This works well for home clear-outs, garden projects, or DIY work.
Instead of both paying for separate skips, you can split the cost of a larger one. Just make sure you agree in advance on what waste can go in, so you don’t run into issues with restricted items. Some communities even organise street-wide skip hire, which can be a great way to cut costs.
Look at Alternatives to Skip Hire
In some cases, a skip isn’t the cheapest option. Make sure you’ve considered these alternatives:
- Council collection services – Many councils offer bulk waste collection for large items like furniture and white goods, often for a small fee.
- Skip bags – These are large, strong waste bags that can be collected when full. They’re ideal for smaller amounts of waste and may be cheaper than a skip.
- Man and van services – If you only have a small load, a waste removal service could be more cost-effective than a skip.
- Recycling centres – If you can transport your waste, local recycling centres may take some materials for free.
If you only have a small amount of waste or specific items like metal or furniture, one of these options may save you money with much lower prices.
Wait and Load Services
Here at Horrocks, we offer a wait and load service for our local skip hire clients. This means we will bring the skip to your property and wait while you load the waste materials in then take the skip away again. This is just one of the waste management solutions we offer and can work out cheaper if it means you can avoid getting a skip permit.
Use a Local Skip Hire Company
Using a local skip hire company is always a good idea if you’re looking for a low cost. There are a several reasons this is beneficial when looking at skip hire some of which can get you a great price.
- Reduced fuel costs – If the skip company isn’t too far, they’re paying for less fuel meaning the savings can be passed on in your skip hire cost.
- Local knowledge – The skip company understand the local area meaning they can ensure there are no issues when delivering your skip.
- Short notice skip hire – If the skip company are close by, they can offer fast delivery and in some cases same day or next day delivery.
- Skip Hire Permits – Local skip hire companies tend to have a great relationship with the councils as they deal with them so often, this saves you time and money as they will ensure you have the suitable permit.
Book at the Right Time
Skip hire demand varies throughout the year. Prices may be higher in summer with some skip hire companies, when more people are doing home renovations and garden projects. If you have flexibility, consider booking outside of peak times. Speak with your skip hire company who should be able to advise on the best times to book.
Also, plan your hire carefully. Having a skip delivered days before you need it means you can be paying for time when it’s sitting empty. Arrange for it to arrive when you’re ready to fill it, so you can have it collected as soon as possible.
Recycle and Sort Waste Properly
Even if you have large quantities of waste, sorting your waste can reduce the amount you need to put in a skip, potentially allowing you to hire a smaller one and get the best price. Some waste, like metal, can be taken to a scrap dealer for free or even sold. Cardboard, glass, and certain plastics may be accepted at local recycling centres.
Filling the skip efficiently also helps. Break down large items, flatten boxes, and stack waste neatly to make the most of the space. A well packed skip can hold more, meaning you might not need a bigger size as long as it is a safe level load.
Give us a Call
Hiring a skip doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By comparing services and exploring alternatives like council bulky waste collection or shared skip hire, you could save a surprising amount. See MoneySavingExpert’s tips on cutting the cost of rubbish removal for more smart ways to budget your clear-out.
Plan ahead, book wisely, and keep waste under control to get the best deal. If you’re hiring a skip in Greater Manchester or Lancashire and you need expert advice, Horrocks Waste is here to help for all your waste removal needs. Get in touch with our friendly team today for reliable, cost effective local skip hire.
