How To Choose The Right Skip For Your Garden Waste

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Whether tackling a major landscaping project or just the annual clean-up, choosing the right skip for your garden waste can make all the difference. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the ideal skip for your garden waste disposal needs.

 The Different Types of Garden Waste

 First, let’s look at what constitutes garden waste. Typically, garden waste includes:

1. Grass clippings, leaves, pruned branches, weeds, and plant trimmings
2. Soil and turf
3. Old garden furniture
4. Broken plant pots and containers
5. Dismantled sheds or greenhouses

According to recent data from DEFRA, UK households generated approximately 5.9 million tonnes of garden waste last year alone. It’s a significant volume of garden waste which needs proper disposal methods.

What to Consider For When Choosing a Skip:

1. Volume of Waste

 The amount of waste you expect to generate is the primary factor in determining skip size. Garden waste can be surprisingly voluminous, especially when dealing with bulky items like branches or old furniture. It’s always better to overestimate slightly than to run out of space.

1. Types of Waste

While most garden waste can go into a standard skip, some items may require special handling. For instance, soil and turf are heavy and may necessitate a smaller skip to comply with weight restrictions.

    3. Duration of Project

Consider how long you’ll need the skip. For a weekend clear-out, a smaller skip might suffice. For longer landscaping projects, a larger skip or multiple collections may be more appropriate.

    4. Access and Space

 Evaluate the access to your property and available space for skip placement. Narrow driveways or limited front garden space might restrict the size of the skip you can accommodate.

    5. Permit Requirements

 If you need to place the skip on a public road, you’ll require a permit from your local council. Some skip-hire companies can arrange this for you, but it’s worth checking in advance.

Skip Sizes for Garden Waste:

1. Mini Skip (2-3 cubic yards): Ideal for small garden clear-outs or ongoing projects where you generate waste gradually. Perfect for urban properties with limited space.

2. Midi Skip (4-5 cubic yards): Suitable for medium-sized gardens or more substantial clear-outs. Can typically hold the equivalent of 40-50 bin bags of garden waste.

3. Builder’s Skip (6-8 cubic yards): The most popular choice for significant garden overhauls. Capable of handling larger volumes of green waste, soil, and bulky items.

4. Large Skip (10-16 cubic yards): Reserved for major landscaping projects or clearing very large gardens. These skips are less common for residential use due to their size and weight when full.

Maximising Skip Space

 To get the most out of your chosen skip, follow these tips:

1. Break down bulky items: Dismantle large objects like old sheds or furniture to save space.
2. Compress green waste: Pack down leaves and grass clippings to reduce air pockets.
3. Fill gaps: Use smaller items to fill spaces between larger objects.
4. Avoid overloading: Ensure waste doesn’t protrude above the skip’s sides.

What Can and Cannot Go in a Skip?

This is a crucial question for anyone hiring a skip for garden waste. Let’s break it down:

Can I put paving slabs in a skip?

 Yes, you can put paving slabs in a skip. They fall under the category of inert waste, which is generally acceptable. However, keep in mind that they’re heavy, so be cautious about weight limits.

Can you put soil and concrete in a skip?

 Yes, both soil and concrete can go in a skip. However, there are some important considerations:

1. Weight: Soil and concrete are very heavy. Most skip hire companies have weight limits, typically around 1.5 tonnes for a standard 8-yard skip.
2. Mixing: It’s best to avoid mixing soil and concrete with lighter garden waste, as this can make recycling more difficult.
3. Quantity: If you have large amounts of soil or concrete, you might need a dedicated skip or multiple skips.

What Cannot Go in a Skip?

 While skips are versatile, certain items are prohibited for safety and environmental reasons:

1. Hazardous waste: This includes asbestos, chemicals, paint tins (unless completely empty and dry), batteries, and fluorescent tubes.
2. Electrical items: TVs, computers, fridges, and other electrical equipment cannot be disposed of in a skip.
3. Tyres: These require specialist disposal.
4. Plasterboard: This often needs to be disposed of separately due to its sulphate content.
5. Liquids: Including paint, oil, and other fluids.
6. Gas bottles or pressurised containers
7. Medical waste
8. Explosives or flammable materials

Environmental Considerations

 When disposing of garden waste, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact. According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), over 90% of garden waste can be composted or recycled. When hiring a skip, choose a company that prioritises recycling and proper waste management.

Recent data from the Environment Agency shows that the UK’s recycling rate for garden waste reached 47.9%, highlighting the increasing focus on sustainable disposal methods.

Garden Waste Skip Hire from Norman Wenn

By considering the volume and type of waste, project duration, and available space, you can choose the perfect skip to make your garden clear out a breeze. Remember to prioritise environmental responsibility and ensure legal compliance when disposing of your garden waste.

For reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious skip-hire services tailored to your garden waste needs, consider Norman Wenn Skip Hire. With our range of skip sizes and commitment to responsible waste management, we’re here to make your garden transformation as smooth as possible.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and book the ideal skip for your project.