How to Choose the Right Waste Skip Hire Services

Written by Nick Towens

Whether you’re in the midst of a garden clear out, re-purposing your garage, or preparing for a big move, if you’re looking for skip-hire services to avoid those multiple trips to the tip, then you’ve come to the right place.

There are several factors to consider to ensure you’re looking in the right place when it comes to waste skip hire. Those factors could be the size of the skip you need, or maybe you’re unsure about what materials they usually accept.

In this blog, we dive into finding the perfect waste skip hire service for you.

Know your size

Firstly, it’s important to know the size of skip you’ll need.

This is important to avoid ordering one too big, which will be an unnecessary expense, or one too small as an overflowing skip may incur extra charges, and sometimes delays – or you may find midway through a stressful house move that you need to order another.

At Towens, our team of experts are always happy to discuss any queries you may have and can offer advice on what size skip may best suit your requirements.

The sizes we offer in Somerset include multiple 2-yard, 4-yard, 6-yard, 8-yard, and 12-yard skips.

The exact skip specifications can be found below.

Skip Size	Weight Limit	Typical Black Bin Bag Capacity	Volume (m3)	Height (m)	Length (m)	Width (m)
2 yd	2 tonnes	10 – 15	1.53	0.76	1.53	1.01
4 yd	4 tonnes	25 – 30	3.05	0.97	1.83	1.29
6 yd	6 tonnes	30 – 40	4.6	1.22	2.6	1.52
8 yd	6 tonnes	50 – 60	6.11	1.22	3.66	1.68
12 yd	7 tonnes	90 – 100	9.17	1.38	4.1	1.67

Understand your materials

Before opting for a skip hire company, you must check that they offer skips specific to the material you’re disposing of.

The majority will have a list on their website detailing the waste that their skips permit, whether it be general waste, plastics, wood, stone, sand, etc.

On the other hand, materials such as paint tins, electrical items, and food waste are unlikely to be accepted no matter which company you choose.

At Towens, we permit a wide range of materials. These include wood, stone, paper, plastic, general waste, sand, soil, cardboard, and metals.

If you’re unsure whether your debris qualifies for any of these categories, our team will be happy to assist.

Check where the waste goes

In the modern world, it’s becoming imperative to be sustainable by recycling and reusing where possible.

If  you want control over where your waste goes, we recommend selecting a skip-hire service that values sustainability.

At Towens, we put a lot of thought into where the waste we receive in our skips goes. That’s why we’ve got a transfer station in place, where the debris is processed.

There, hardcore or soil-only skips are deposited straight into piles for turning into recycled aggregates, topsoil and subsoils for use in construction projects, and plasterboard gets stored for recycling by plasterboard manufacturers.

All other waste goes through a cleansing process and is then handpicked by a magnet, with recyclables being segregated and transported to suitable recycling facilities to either turn into other products or fuel stock for waste to energy plants.

Be aware of logistics

As well as the skip itself, there are several logistical factors to consider as you won’t want to select a service that leaves you exposed.

For instance, if you’re looking to place the skip on a public highway outside your home, this will require a permit. At Towens, our team of experts can arrange this all for you, which usually only takes 3-5 working days.

Delivery is also a factor. If you need a skip quickly, we can deliver within 24 hours, or the next day, of the initial enquiry via our online booking system. Alternatively, you can complete your booking over the phone.

You also need to ensure you can have the skip for long enough to complete your project – our offerings last for two weeks, after which one of our lorries will ensure the safe collection of the skip.

And the cost

To ensure you’re comfortable and aware of the outlay, you can get a free no-obligation quote in seconds from Towens right here.

Our competitive prices vary depending on the size of the skip, materials used, and where you live, but generally, the total cost ranges from £130 to £450 for a 12-yard, mixed materials skip.

About Towens

We’ve operated as a family-run business for over 30 years, serving our local Somerset-based community.

Originating in Weston Super Mare, we have local people at the core of our company and don’t just offer skip-hire, but other excellent services too.

We provide waste management, tipper, grab, and sweeper hire, and more.

If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can give us a call to discuss anything from pricing, to waste disposal, or our range of skip sizes on 01934 424242. Alternatively, we’re always happy to welcome guests to our base in Weston Super Mare, Plot 2 Warne Road, BS23 3UU.