7 Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Skip Hire in 2024

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Skip hire plays a crucial role in UK waste management. Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, clearing out your garage, or managing a construction site, proper waste management is essential. With the right approach, you can make your skip hire even more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Our customers who use smart waste management strategies often find they can reduce their overall waste volume by up to 30%. This not only helps the environment but can also lead to significant savings. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you get the most out of your skip hire.

Whether you’re a first-time skip hirer or a regular customer, these strategies will help you manage your waste more efficiently and get the best value from your skip hire.

This guide introduces 7 data-backed strategies to maximise the efficiency of your skip hire. 

Key facts about waste and skip hire in the UK

1. The UK generated 222.2 million tonnes of waste in 2022, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
2. Construction, demolition, and excavation account for 62% of that total.
3. The average household produces 409 kg of waste annually that isn’t recycled or composted.
4. Skip sizes typically range from 2 to 40 cubic yards, with 8-yard skips being the most commonly hired for residential use.
5. Proper waste segregation can increase recycling rates by up to 25% in skip-collected waste.

Understanding Skip Hire Costs

Before we dive into saving money, let’s break down what you’re paying for when you hire a skip:

1. Skip size: Bigger skips cost more. You pay for the volume of waste you can dispose of.
2. Rental duration: The longer you keep the skip, the more you pay.
3. Type of waste: Some waste types cost more to process, so they’re more expensive to dispose of.
4. Location: Your address affects the price. Rural areas might cost more due to travel distances.
5. Permits and regulations: If you need to put the skip on a public road, you’ll need to pay for a permit.

Knowing these factors will help you make smarter choices and save money.

10 Money-Saving Strategies for Skip Hire

1. Community Skip Sharing

Don’t just share with one neighbour – get the whole street involved! Create a simple spreadsheet or use a free online tool to make a booking schedule. Divide the total cost by the number of households using the skip.

It’s important to set clear rules about what can go in the skip and when each household can use it. Appoint a coordinator to handle payments and communication with the skip company. This method can cut your costs by half or more, depending on how many people join in.

2. Precise Size Selection

Choosing the right skip size is crucial. Start by making a list of everything you plan to throw away and measure large items to estimate how much space they’ll take up. 

If you have different types of waste, consider hiring two smaller skips instead of one big one. This can be cheaper and allows for better waste separation. Remember, it’s usually more cost-effective to slightly overestimate than to need a second skip.

3. Permit Optimisation

If you need to put your skip on a public road, you’ll need a permit. Here’s how to keep permit costs down:

• Plan your work carefully to need the skip for the shortest time possible.
• Check if your council offers shorter permit periods. Some do 3-day permits which are cheaper than week-long ones.
• See if you can put the skip on private land instead. This avoids permit costs altogether.

If you must have a longer permit, check if the council offers any discounts for extended periods.

4. Waste Segregation for Recycling Rebates

Here’s what to do:

• Get several big containers or bags before you start your clear-out.
• Label each container: ‘Metal’, ‘Wood’, ‘Paper’, ‘Plastic’, ‘Green Waste’.

As you clear out, put items in the right container

5. Flexible Rental Periods

Being flexible with your rental period could save you up to 40% on standard rates. You can discuss options like overnight or weekend-only rates, which can be cheaper if you can work fast. 

6. Seasonal Timing

Skip-hire prices change with the seasons. Winter is usually cheaper, except for the holiday season. Early spring, before the DIY season kicks off, can offer good rates. If possible, avoid peak summer months when prices are often highest. Booking in low season could save you 10-20% compared to peak times.

7. Waste Reduction Techniques

The less waste you have, the smaller the skip you need. Try these tips:

• Sell usable items online or at a garage sale before you start clearing out.
• Donate good condition items to charity shops.
• Use a garden shredder for green waste – it takes up less space shredded.
• Break down large items like furniture. They’ll take up less space in pieces.
• Compress waste where possible. Flatten cardboard boxes, and crush plastic bottles.

These techniques could let you hire a skip one size smaller, saving 20-40%.

Comparison Table: Cost-Saving Methods

Here’s a clear breakdown of how much you could save with each method:

Additional Tips for Efficient Waste Management

1. Composting:

   • Buy or build a compost bin for your garden.
   • Put in grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps.
   • Use the compost to improve your garden soil.
   • This can reduce your green waste by up to 30%.

2. Upcycling:

   • Before throwing something away, think if you can reuse it.
   • Old drawers can become planters.
   • Broken crockery can be used in mosaic projects.
   • Look online for upcycling ideas – there are thousands!

3. Local recycling centres:

   • Find out what your local centre accepts.
   • Sort your waste before you go to save time.
   • Some centres even offer money for certain materials like scrap metal.

4. Hire equipment:

   • For big jobs, consider renting a waste compactor.
   • These machines can reduce waste volume by up to 75%.
   • This means you can fit more in your skip, potentially needing a smaller size.

Choosing the Right Skip Hire Company

At Norman Wenn Skip Hire, we offer:

1. Clear Pricing: No hidden fees. We provide detailed, written quotes.
2. Eco-Friendly Practices: High recycling rates and minimal landfill waste.
3. Reliable Service: Check our online reviews – our customers praise our dependability.
4. Various Skip Sizes: From small to extra large, we have the right size for your job.
5. Flexible Options: We offer adaptable hire periods and can accommodate special requests.
6. Local Knowledge: We understand area-specific regulations, helping you avoid potential issues.

Norman Wenn Skip Hire combines efficiency, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction. We’re here to make your waste management simple and cost-effective.

Enquire about our skip-hire options today by contacting us at 01603 881292 or by email at info@normanwenn-skiphire.co.uk.