Once hired, you want to get the best value from your skip bin. For domestic purposes in particular, it’s unlikely that you’ll regularly need to hire a bin. So if you only have the odd small project or clean-out to do, you’ll want to make sure that your choice of skip bin to hire is suitable and cost-effective.

It may come as a surprise to learn that the most obvious solution isn’t always the one that will get you the best value from your skip bin. In fact, sometimes you can end up with excess charges through mistakes that can be avoided. Below are some tips to keep in mind when choosing what sort of bin to hire.

1. Identify waste type for disposal

There are a variety of waste types and you will need to know your waste type before ordering a bin. Picking the wrong waste type can result in excess charges.

2. Decide on your best options for disposal

Now you know what waste you want to get rid of, it is a good idea to consider how you will get rid of it. Sometimes it’s better to dispose of certain wastes separately, rather than in the skip bin. This is true for items such as old mattresses and white goods, such as fridges etc. These item types have to be handled separately to other wastes. Certain skip bin companies will offer to dispose/recycle these items for you (check with your provider first. Some will require you to arrange this prior to delivery of the skip bin. Keep in mind certain items will incur excess charges.)

3. Know what you can and cannot put in the bin

The law states that the following materials cannot be placed in skip bins: human or animal waste, hazardous waste and liquids, oil, vehicle tyres, paint, asbestos. If you are unsure about putting something in the bin, you should contact your provider. Disposing of inappropriate materials in the skip bin will incur excess charges and is a hassle for both you and the provider.

4. Consider how you will load the bin

This will affect which bin type you hire. Most of the larger skip sizes have doors or removable ends for easy access. This can be helpful if disposing of heavy wastes such as concrete or bricks.

5. Know your recycling options

Some waste types don’t need to go to landfill; they can be recycled (e.g. green waste). Separating this waste from the skip bin may save you money and it’s good for the environment. Sometimes this means you should hire more than one bin, in smaller sizes, as in the long term it is more cost effective (see tip number 8). You can discuss your recycling options with the bin provider.

6. Don’t overfill the bin

It may seem logical to try and fit in as much as you can into the bin, so you don’t have to hire a second one. However, this can end up being more expensive. Filling the skip bin above the rim will result in excess charges.

7. Know about the weight limits on certain types of waste

General and green waste types have weight limits imposed on them. Excess weight will result in additional costs. Keep this in mind when filling the bin.

8. Consider hiring more than one bin

Sometimes it is better value to hire two or more bins, rather than one big bin to hold everything. This is because different waste types are more or less expensive than others. Since you pay for your disposal according to the weight of the waste, it may be cheaper to hire an additional skip bin for certain waste types. For example, it is cheaper to dump concrete than general waste. Separating your wastes by category can sometimes get you the best value from your skip bin hire.

If you keep these tips in mind, and use Skip Size Calculator you will choose the right skip bin for your purposes and get the best value from your hire.