Frequently asked questions

by | Sep 26, 2024 | Skip Hire, Skip Hire Cornwall, Skip Hire exeter

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.