How to hire a skip and stay on the right side of local authorities

It’s easy to assume that the skip hire process is as simple as getting your empty container dropped off and collected again once it’s full.

But there’s actually quite a lot that goes on behind the scenes at SunSkips to make sure customers don’t end up with a knock on the door from the long arm of the law.

If you’re new to skip hire, the legal requirements can all seem a bit daunting, especially if you can’t find clear information from your provider.

Fortunately, SunSkips takes waste management seriously and can explain exactly what you need to know to keep local authorities off your back.

Check for a waste carrier licence

Working with a dodgy skip hire company or “man with a van” that doesn’t carry a valid waste carrier licence is a quick way to land yourself with a hefty fine.

You might think the onus is on the waste collector to have all their papers in order and not on the client to check, but that’s simply not the case.

Two people from Thetford received fines totalling £845 for hiring a “cheap” waste collecting service that went on to dump it all in the countryside.

MORE: 5 huge risks of improper waste management

Avoid getting into hot water with the authorities and check out any skip hire company you use in the Government’s public register of accredited waste carriers (SunSkips is under business name “Stowmarket Skips Ltd”).

Apply for a skip hire permit

In accordance with section 139 of the Highways Act 1980, SunSkips requires anyone that hires a skip to apply for a skip hire permit.

But the reality is, this can be a real headache for someone not familiar with how it all works, not to mention the fact that it can take a week or more to be approved.

To make the skip hire process as smooth as possible for clients, SunSkips offers to take care of the skip hire permit on their behalf (for a small fee, but mostly the local authority charge) so there’s no nasty surprises come delivery day.

MORE: SunSkips is a real gem for simplifying paperwork, says Emerald Landscapes

Adhere to best practices

While it might not directly get you in legal trouble, there are certain items that cannot be disposed of in a skip.

SunSkips makes it clear what you can’t put in a skip and offers special rates for collecting things like refrigerators, televisions and mattresses.

Throwing whatever you like in your skip means your container won’t be collected until it’s removed, which could lead to infringement of your skip hire permit.

MORE: Skip hire safety: Tips for avoiding danger when hiring a skip

Choose sustainable waste management

On top of an increase in fly-tipping in the UK, some unscrupulous waste “professionals” have been caught out making extra cash with illegal practices, including importing waste from abroad and burning it here at home.

The illegal burning of waste is not only wildly irresponsible, it’s terrible for the environment and the communities where it happens.

SunSkips condemns anyone that knowingly commits waste crimes and is committed not only to fighting it, but also investing in greener processing such as generating energy from waste.

Trust SunSkips with your skip hire

Whatever you’re hiring a skip hire for, chances are you haven’t got time to be worrying about skip hire permits, waste carrier licences and whether or not your provider is looking out for your best interests.

SunSkips is a growing skip hire business in East Anglia, with sites in Stowmarket, Cambridge, Haverhill and Ipswich, all of which operate to the highest environmental standards. The simple booking process – whether online or over the phone – takes away any doubts you might have about your skip hire and all your documents are sent in one simple email.

Your peace of mind is a priority at SunSkips; hiring a skip without the fear of a fine is part of the great value and first-class customer service the company is known for.

SunSkips prides itself on keeping clients safe. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your skip hire needs, or book online today!