We get asked a lot of questions like ‘what can actually go into a skip?’
so we thought we’d share some of the most common questions and answers with you.
If you ever need additional information or help please feel free to get in touch with the team.
1. What size skip do I need?
You need to think about how big a skip you’ll need and what it is you want to fill it with.
We offer many different options. Have a look at our sizes page as this should give you a better perspective of actual size rather than just a measurement. A good tip is to try to work out how many black bin bags they will hold. This should give you a better indication as to which is best for you.
Also take into consideration that the black bin bag method is a very rough way of making things clear in your head and will also depend on what you are filling the skip with.
2. What can I put in my skip?
You can pretty much put anything you want into your skip. Most people tend to hire a skip to get rid of unwanted household rubbish.
There are obvious restrictions which we’ve listed below. We also have variable pricing for different waste streams such as wood or plasterboard etc. Please ask one of our staff for further information or if you have a different waste stream not listed.
Restrictions.
Any mattresses placed in a skip or bought into the yard will be charged £20 + VAT each
Certain types of waste CANNOT be placed in general waste skips under any circumstances. Including:
Any electrical items
Asbestos (We do offer a specific service for this)
Fridge/Freezers
Batteries
Tyres
Pressurised Containers
Paint/varnish Tins
Gas Cylinders
Fluorescent Tubes
Liquids of any description.
Telegraph Poles
Marine wood
Railway sleepers
Contaminated soils – If soil has come from a brown field site or may be contaminated further testing is required before it can be accepted.
There are many types of hazardous waste. The best advice we can offer is that if you’re unsure about anything please give us a call and one of our team can help.
3. How high can I fill my skip?
You can only fill it level with the top of the skip as this is a legal requirement. Our drivers are not allowed to take the skip if it is loaded beyond this point.
Using boards around the side of the skip to increase the height is also not allowed. To prevent any of the above and to make use of the space you have – we’d advise you to break items down into smaller bits wherever possible.
If you know that you have a lot of larger items that need to go into your skip, we would recommend that you over-estimate the size of skip you may need. This will ensure that you don’t incur additional costs by having to hire a second one.
4. Can my skip go on the public road?
If you are unable to place your skip on private property then you have the option of placing the skip on the public road or grass outside the property. Before we deliver your skip your local council must first give permission. The local council offer a permit to enable you to do this. We can advise you on the procedure. Just give the office a call and one of the team will be able to help. Council permits can take up to 10 working days to obtain so it’s worth bearing this in mind. The application period and cost also varies dependent on your location.
4. Do I need to consider anything if my skip is on private land?
Once you have decided what size skip you need, you just need to decide where to put it.
Putting the skip on your own land is always the best option but make sure there is sufficient access for delivery and in the best position for you to fill.
We have a specialist vehicles for delivering skips to tight access jobs, and on the other end of the scale a 6 axel skip lorry for those heavier skips
5. Are there any skip restrictions?
YES! As we’ve explained above there are many restrictions. This does not mean that there are not other ways to dispose of your unwanted waste though so please call the office for advice from one of the team.
Restrictions.
Certain types of waste CANNOT be placed in general waste skips under any circumstances.
Any electrical items
Asbestos (We do offer a specific service for this)
Fridge/Freezers
Batteries
Tyres
Pressurised Containers
Paint/varnish Tins
Gas Cylinders
Fluorescent Tubes
Liquids of any description.
There are many types of hazardous waste. The best advice we can offer is that if you’re unsure about anything please give us a call and one of our team can help.
* Please scroll to the bottom of the page to see clearly in the table about what we can and can’t accept.
6. How long can I keep the skip for?
The average time is usually 2 weeks. If there are special circumstances meaning you require the skip longer than this please speak to one of the team who will be able to advise you of the options. We hold the right to charge £50 plus vat per week for Skips that have not been agreed outside of the usual hire periods.
7. Can I specify a delivery time for my skip?
We offer an all day delivery service at EMS. Unfortunately because of the amount of deliveries and collections we cannot give specific timeslots. Your skip will be delivered between 7:00 – 17:00 on the day it was ordered for.
8. How can I pay for my skip?
We are happy to accept most payment methods.
Either call the office to make payment by debit or credit card. Order your skip via our book online system.
If you have any payment queries please speak to one of the team who will be able to help.
9. Waiting Time
Our prices are based on our vehicles loading within 30 minutes (unless specified). If there are delays on site, not attributed to our equipment or personnel, a demurrage charge will be applicable. (Currently at £1 per minute).
10. Damage
EMS will not accept any liability for damage caused to any part of the customers property, driveway or garden (including access) if the ground or site is unsuitable for a HGV. As well as BT lines, overhead cables and sky dishes.
Placing SKIPS on block paving, slab driveways or soft and uneven ground is not advisable and is done so at the customers own risk. The customer is responsible for the safe keeping of the skip and contents whilst it remains on their property. Any damage will be charged.
11. Unrecyclable materials
Skips containing mostly unrecyclable material such as roofing felt, insulation etc will be charged a haulage and tonnage rate instead of the set price. Please speak to a member of the team if you’re unsure whether your material is recyclable or not.
12. Plasterboard
Although recyclable, plasterboard is also chargeable at haulage and tonnage rather than a fixed price.
SO WHAT ACTUALLY IS A BUILDERS SKIP? WELL THERE ARE LOTS OF EXPLAINATIONS BUT IN CONSTRUCTION, A SKIP IS USED FOR HOLDING WASTE AND DEBRIS PRODUCED BY WORKS SUCH AS BUILDING, DEMOLITION, LANDSCAPING, AND SO ON.
WHEN FULL IT IS LOADED ONTO THE BACK OF A LORRY AND TAKEN AWAY FOR THE WASTE TO BE DISPOSED OF AT OUR WASTE TRANSFER SITE AND USUALLY REPLACED WITH ANOTHER ONE.
SKIP HIRE FOR BUILDERS AND TRADE Commercial skip hire tends to involve a fleet of skips of various sizes, while a sole trader can hire a builders skip for each job as and when they need to. There are convenient options for any scale of operation, from the smallest of jobs to the huge volumes of inert waste produced during demolition, for example.
Skips are measured in (cubic) yards. The standard builders skip size is 6 yards: that’s one of our medium skip sizes, which is available in different formats (open, closed and drop end) to cater to a range of sites and equipment. Drop end skips are great for wheelbarrow access, while open skips are easy to fill with earthmoving equipment.
Can you put builders rubble in a skip? Soil and rubble – Can you put soil or rubble in a skip? Yes, you can put soil or rubble in a skip but you must tell us at the time of booking your skip.
SKIP SIZES AND COMPARISON
Not every job needs a standard sized builders skip. For smaller projects, or removing a small amount of rubble, mini skip hire offers a far more rugged and convenient alternative to using heavy duty refuse sacks. On the other end of the scale, large skips offer huge capacity: the equivalent of 80 bin bags in volume.
At 1.8 metres tall, a large skip hire is best reserved for large-scale domestic or smaller commercial jobs.
ROLL ON/ROLL OFF
For the biggest projects, you need the biggest skip size – and roll on/roll off (RO/RO) waste containers are the biggest in the business. Our RO/RO waste disposal containers are available up to a capacity of 40 cubic yards.
If you have enough space onsite, you may find these particularly useful if doing a complete home renovation project.
Can you put bricks into a skip? Suitable items you can put in your skip include: Household items such as – wood, tiles, plaster, furniture, paper and cardboard, garden waste and clothes. Heavy materials such as – bricks, concrete, metals, pottery and clay, rubble and stones.
How do you fill a builders skip?
The key to efficiently filling a skip is to layer. Ideally different types of item will need to go into the skip at different times.Items should be sorted into these four categories:
Flat items.
Tessellate objects (e.g objects that can be stacked together, such as bricks)
Large or bulky items.
Loose debris.
What is classed as builders rubble? Building rubble means waste produced during the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of any structure, and includes rubble, earth, rock and wood displaced during such a construction, alteration, repair or demolition
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SKIP HIRE
EMS Waste Services can provide a wide variety of Skips and Roll-On Roll-Off containers for all your commercial or industrial waste. These include Open-Topped, Lidded and Compactor Skips and RoRo in a wide variety of sizes.
We can assist your company by providing a waste management plan and advise you on how best to segregate your materials and reduce waste.
CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION SKIP HIRE
We can look after all waste management arrangements for your construction or demolition project. We can provide a wide range of Skips and Roll-On Roll-Off containers. We can collect segregated wastes such as rubble, clay, plasterboard, timber and scrap metal.
We can assist you with the development of your Site Waste Management Plan and provide you with waste management reports for your project.
EMS Waste Services Ltd has added a new Volvo FE Electric to its fleet – the first electric skiploader Volvo Trucks has delivered into operation in the South West.
EMS take a skip into the future with new Volvo FE Electric
A long-standing customer with the Swedish manufacturer, the forward-thinking business opted for the zero-tailpipe emission FE Electric. The truck will be used to deliver and collect skips to a wide customer base across Exeter and Devon.
Jack Stuart, Director at EMS Skip Hire, says: “As a business we strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible and are always looking at innovative ways to help us achieve our sustainability ambitions.
Driven by a two-speed transmission, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience, the FE Electric’s power is handled by a unique traction control system developed to master even slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
Equipped with four batteries, it offers a range of approximately 190km and can be recharged in just 2.3 hours using the 150kW DC charger
“We are fully expecting the new electric truck to fit seamlessly into our daily operations and hope to add more to our fleet in the future,” adds Jack “
Backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, covering all maintenance and repairs, and including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components, the FE Electric is expected to work five days a week and is anticipated to be on the fleet for seven years.
Built on a 4,100mm wheelbase and equipped with full air suspension, the FE Electric’s day cab is built with a rear window, plus an additional lower passenger door window to improve visibility and maximise safety.
Volvo FE Electric
Keep the city on its feet. This sturdy three-axle truck with a gross vehicle weight of up to 27 tonnes more than holds its own in demanding urban transportation assignments like waste collection, light construction transportation and deliveries.
It’s available with services and support to simplify the transition to electric transportation.
RIGHT FROM THE START
Switching to electric is an investment for the future, but the technology is also a powerful tool for reducing CO2 emissions already here and now.
The benefits
Zero tail pipe exhaust emissions and lower noise open up possibilities to pick up and deliver the goods in places where regular trucks can’t. The reduced noise levels can create opportunities to perform a wide range of transports assignments during off-peak hours. It also enables the truck to operate more hours of the day.
A joy to use
Our electric truck is very quiet compared to traditional trucks, both when driving and standing still. The noise and vibration levels in the cab are much lower, but also when working around the truck. On top of that, the electric motor offers a very smooth and seamless power delivery. This is ideal for the stop and go driving typical for urban transport.
RORO SKIP HIRE IS PERFECT FOR DEALING WITH ANY WASTE COMING FROM LARGE SCALE BUILDING PROJECTS DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE SKIPS.
BY HOLDING SUCH A LARGE VOLUME OF WASTE IT MEANS YOU DON’T HAVE TO WASTE TIME GETTING MULTIPLE SKIPS DELIVERED TO YOUR SITE.
For large scale projects, sometimes a standard skip doesn’t cut it. That’s where ROROs come in!
A Roll On Roll Off Skip is one of the biggest waste containers in the industry, specially designed to load, store, and remove immense quantities of non-hazardous waste.
EMS are leading the way when it comes to waste management. From our state-of-the-art Facility in Exeter, we process over 150,000 tonnes of waste each year and recycle at least 95% of it. Our aim is to constantly improve this!
WHAT IS A ROLL ON ROLL OFF (RORO) SKIP?
RORO skips are essentially truck attachments. They are large waste containers that can be rolled on and off a flatbed transport truck, this method of operation allowing them to be much larger and carry a much greater volume of material.
Their size means they have to be stored off-road, making them more suitable for commercial use, especially on large construction projects. They can be used for large-scale domestic projects, such as full home renovations or home builds, so long as there is a suitable place to store the skip.
A FLEXIBLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SERVICE
Here at EMS waste Services, we pride ourselves on a personal service. You can hire a roll on roll off container to suit your specific needs as a business, whether that’s on a permanent basis or simply as and when you need one.
We will deliver your RORO skip at an agreed date, collect it when you have finished with it and return the waste to our waste transfer station for processing. As with all of our waste removal services, we’re committed to recycling as much waste as we can to reduce our impact on the environment.
BENEFITS OF RORO SKIP HIRE
WHATEVER TYPE OF PROJECT OR INDUSTRY YOU WORK IN, HIRING A RORO SKIP AS PART OF YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN CAN BE A GREAT OPTION. HERE ARE SOME OF THE KEY BENEFITS.
Large-Scale Clearances – Of course, the key advantage of RORO skips is their size. Able to safely contain huge quantities of mixed waste, they make it easy for busy construction sites and more to rapidly clear areas on a vast scale.
Cost Effective – As a result of their large capacity, RORO skips are highly cost effective. This is because is it likely you will require fewer bins and, as a result, fewer collections. For businesses watching their pennies, hiring a RORO is an economical way to manage waste.
Environmentally Friendly – Fewer skip deliveries and fewer collections? That means less time on the road for your waste management provider’s trucks, and less emissions as a result. Using ROROs is therefore a great way to make your project a little greener, and reduce your business’ overall carbon footprint.
We’re passionate about helping businesses discover how easy and economical recycling can be, because effective waste management doesn’t have to cost the earth!
Ensures Safe Worksite – A clear and tidy construction site is vital, and RORO skip hire can help achieve it. These skips make loading and managing waste streams on a project easy whatever the sector, meaning the site is likely to get cleared more quickly and stay cleared. This minimises hazards and other health and safety risks, resulting in a safer work environment for all.
Easier to Unload – RORO skips have a tipper door, meaning unloading can be completed without the need for lifting equipment. This makes the whole process much more straightforward and facilitates the easy movement of heavy and bulky waste.
Streamlined Waste Solution – Finally, as we have discussed, RORO hire means you will need to arrange fewer bins and fewer collections. This will make your waste management plan simpler, and result in less disruption all round. Construction and other industrial projects are often held to strict deadlines; ROROs can help you meet them.
WHAT CAN I PUT IN A RORO SKIP?
The great thing about RORO skips is they can accommodate a wide range of non-hazardous waste types.
These can include everything from hardcore like rubble, masonry, and bricks to groundworks waste such as sand, gravel, and topsoil. They can also be used to dispose of things like furniture, glass, cardboard, bathroom and kitchen fittings, and even UPVC.
As a general rule, if it fits and it doesn’t contain anything dangerous or volatile, you can probably put it in there! But check our restricted section to be sure or give us a call to ask!
RORO skips are ideal for big construction projects, industrial applications, as well as some other large scale commercial uses.
Building or demolition sites as well as manufacturing centres frequently incorporate ROROs into their waste management because they produce large quantities of waste, making smaller bin sizes impractical.
ROROs can also be used for domestic applications where the site permits their safe off-road storage.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME FURTHER INFORMATION OR THINK THAT A RORO WOULD SUIT YOUR NEXT PROJECT GET IN TOUCH. WE’RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP AND ADVISE.
SO, CAN YOU PUT A MATTRESS IN A SKIP? THE STRAIGHTFORWARD ANSWER IS YES, YOU CAN PUT A MATTRESS IN A SKIP, BUT THERE ARE ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS TO CONSIDER.
WHILE SKIPS OFFER A CONVENIENT SOLUTION FOR LARGE-SCALE WASTE REMOVAL, INCLUDING MATTRESSES, THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND ADDITIONAL FEES.
YOU CAN SEE OUR SKIP PAGE FOR FULL RESTRICTIONS BUT MATTRSSES ARE A COMMON QUSTION!
Did you know that many skip hire companies prohibit old mattresses? Many people dump them illegally, leading to urban decay. Let’s dispose of them responsibly to keep our environment clean and safe.
Dealing with an old mattress can be challenging, especially considering the environmental impact and local waste management regulations. Whether you’re renovating your home, moving, or simply replacing an old bed, understanding the dos and don’ts of mattress disposal is crucial.
ESSENTIAL FACTS ON MATTRESS DISPOSAL YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Mattress Disposal in Skips: You can generally put a old mattress in a skip, but there are considerations like the type of mattress, skip size and additional fees.
Skip Size and Types of Mattresses: The size of the skip needed depends on the mattress size. Memory foam mattresses and others may require special handling.
Additional Fees for Mattress Disposal: There are extra fees when disposing of an old mattress in skips, primarily due to the specialised handling and recycling processes required.
Mattress Recycling Process: Mattresses are processed for recycling at our specialised facilities. Components like metal springs, foam, and fabric are often recycled or repurposed.
Understanding Skip Compatibility – Not all mattresses are treated the same when it comes to skip disposal. Standard mattresses can be placed in skips, but particular types, like memory foam mattresses, require different handling due to their material composition. It’s essential to check about the kinds of mattresses we accept.
SIZE MATTERS When disposing of an old mattress in a skip, size is crucial. A typical double mattress fits in a medium-sized skip, but more oversized mattresses or multiple items require a larger skip. It’s essential to assess the size of your mattress and refer to the Skip Sizes Guide to choose the appropriate skip size.
ADDITIONAL FEES You’ll find most skip hire services charge an extra fee for mattress disposal. This is due to the additional processing required for mattresses at waste management facilities. Be prepared for this added cost when planning your mattress disposal.
LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Disposing of an old mattress in a skip should be done in compliance with local waste management regulations. Mattresses, like other types of waste, should be disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact. It’s essential to ensure that your skip hire provider follows eco-friendly practices and adheres to the relevant regulations.
COSTS AND FEES: WHY IS THERE AN ADDED FEE FOR MATTRESS DISPOSAL? Understanding the cost implications is crucial when planning to dispose of an old mattress in a skip. Many customers are surprised to learn about the additional fees associated with mattress disposal, but these charges are in place for several important reasons.
BREAKDOWN OF ADDITIONAL COSTS The extra fee for disposing of an old mattress in a skip generally covers the specialised handling and processing costs required at waste management facilities. Mattresses are more complex to process than other types of waste due to their size, materials, and potential for recycling.
RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEES Part of the additional cost goes towards ensuring that the mattress is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Mattresses contain materials that can be recycled, such as metal springs and certain types of foam. Proper recycling reduces the environmental impact and involves additional steps in the disposal process, contributing to the higher fees.
LOCAL WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS These fees also align with local waste management regulations, which may mandate specific disposal methods for bulky items like mattresses. Adhering to these regulations ensures legal compliance and supports sustainable waste management practices.
PLANNING FOR THE COST When planning to hire a skip for mattress disposal, it’s essential to factor in these additional fees. Awareness of and preparation for these costs helps avoid surprises and ensures a smooth disposal process. Refer to our Skip Sizes Guide for more detailed information on skip sizes and related expenses.
MATTRESS DISPOSAL JOURNEY: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DISPOSAL? Once you’ve put your old mattress in a skip, it embarks on a journey that varies depending on the waste management practices. Understanding this process is critical to recognising the importance of responsible disposal.
THE PATH FROM SKIP TO FINAL DESTINATION After being collected from your skip, mattresses are typically transported to our specialised processing facility. Here, they undergo sorting and preparation for recycling or incineration, depending on their condition and the materials they contain.
RECYCLING AND RECOVERY PROCESS Metal Springs: These are often extracted and melted down for reuse in various applications. Foam: Foam can be shredded and repurposed for padding in upholstery, insulation, or other products. Filling and Fabric: These materials can be used in textile recycling or energy recovery processes, depending on the quality. The focus is on maximising the recovery of reusable materials to minimise environmental impact and support sustainability efforts.
DISPOSAL OF NON-RECYCLABLE COMPONENTS Some mattress components may not be recyclable due to their condition or material type. These parts are typically disposed of in landfills or through incineration, adhering to all environmental regulations to reduce any negative impact.
IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT DISPOSAL METHOD The way your mattress is disposed of can significantly impact the environment. That’s why choosing a skip hire service like EMS, that emphasises eco-friendly practices is crucial. Ensuring your mattress is handled responsibly contributes to a healthier environment and supports sustainable waste management practices.
So for further information give us a call. We’re always on hand and our team are always happy to help and advise.
THE SKIP HAS BECOME AN ESSENTIAL ITEM FOR THOSE CLEARING THEIR HOME OR PLACE OF BUSINESS OF UNWANTED CLUTTER BUT HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW IT CAME TO BE?
WE THINK YOU’LL FIND THIS INTERESTING!
Here are 5 little-known facts about the humble skip. You can use this trivia and store it away in your brain until that all important pub quiz question when you can swoop in and nail it for your team!
1. THE SKIP FIRST CAME TO BRITAIN IN THE SWINGING 60’S
IT WAS DURING THE HEIGHT OF LEGENDARY BANDS LIKE THE BEATLES IN THE 1960’S THAT SKIPS FIRST APPEARED ON BRITISH SHORES WHICH COINCIDED WITH RECYCLING IN THE UK BECOMING ROUTINE. THEY WERE IMPORTED FROM GERMANY, LEADING NICELY ONTO ONE OF OUR NEXT FACTS…
2. SKIPS ORIGINALLY CAME IN ONE STANDARD SIZE
AT EMS WASTE SERVICES WE SUPPLY SKIPS IN A VARIETY OF SIZES, FROM 2.5YD SKIPS TO 35/40YD RORO SKIPS. BUT DID YOU KNOW THE FIRST SKIPS TRADITIONALLY MEASURED BETWEEN 5-6 CUBIC YARDS.
3. THE GERMANS CAME UP WITH THE FAMILIAR SKIP PLACING
IT HAS BECOME CUSTOMARY FOR A SKIP TO BE DELIVERED TO AND PLACED AT THE FRONT OF A PROPERTY OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING AND IT WAS THE GERMANS WHO FIRST CAME UP WITH THIS NOVEL CONCEPT.
4. THE COST OF THE FIRST SKIPS WAS SURPRISINGLY EXPENSIVE
SKIPS WERE INITIALLY THE PRESERVE OF THE RICH AS THEY COST £5, WITH A FURTHER 3 SHILLINGS DAILY RENTAL CHARGE. THAT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A LOT, BUT IT WAS BACK IN THOSE DAYS. YOU ALSO HAD TO PAY AN EXTRA 7 SHILLINGS FOR THE WASTE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO A NEARBY LANDFILL.
5. YELLOW HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE STANDARD COLOUR
IN THE 1970’S, THE HIGHWAYS ACT DETERMINED THAT SKIPS SHOULD ALL BE YELLOW COLOURED TO MAKE THEM PROMINENT DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS. THIS RULING HAS BEEN RELAXED SINCE, BUT THOSE SKIPS NOT IN THE CONVENTIONAL YELLOW HAVE TO BE APPROPRIATELY LIT AND MARKED.
So there you have it! Some totally interesting facts about Skips that we bet you never knew! If you’d like further informattion on any of our services please feel free to get in touch. Or remember you can book your skip online.
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