reconomy.com

5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Skip for Construction Waste

Skip hire is part of every project, but how do you choose the right skip for your construction waste? Follow our tips in this infographic

Skips come in many shapes, sizes and configurations. Each one suits a specific purpose to help you:

Reduce costs Comply with regulation Recycle responsibly Maintain a safe site.

To get skip hire right, plan ahead and consider the following:

1. Waste TypesSkips are suitable for:

General waste (compactable and non-compactable)

Inert material (aggregates, concrete, ceramics)

Soils

They are also suitable for recyclable materials that can be segregated on site into dedicated skips:

Plasterboard Electrical items

Timber Metals Green waste Dry mixed recycling

(cardboard, plastic, paper).

2. Waste QuantitiesHow much waste of each type will you produce?

… and will your waste volumes change as you move from one project phase to the next?

Skip sizes:

Mini / Mid Skips:

4 - 8 yardsMaxi Skips:

8 - 12 yardsRoll-on Roll-off (RoRo) Skips:

16 - 40 yards

3. Site Waste Management

On-site segregation

A range of smaller skips will help you sort waste types effectively for recycling, to

reduce disposal costs.

Specialist waste

Choose enclosed skips to keep contents dry or secure. Front or rear end loaders are particularly

suitable for low-density, bulky waste like packaging.

Heavy materials

Low-sided containers will make loading easier and quicker.

4. Restrictions

Space

You’ll need enough space for multiple skips for each waste type and ideally a 20m turning circle for collections.

Time

Use ‘wait and load’ services for tight deadlines or locations with restricted

access like city centre sites.

5. Other Services

Compliance

Skip hire should include proof of compliance with environmental legislation.

Advice

Your waste management provider should offer proactive

advice about recycling opportunities and skip

optimisation to reduce costs.

Availability

Look for skip hire with 7-day collection and delivery services for complete

flexibility.

10 tonnes of plasterboard / 14-yard skipUnder used: >2.5 tonnes = 4 collections

Optimum: 3.5 tonnes = 3 collections 25% cost saving

Takeaways

Plan your skip hire in advance, taking into account the type and quantity of waste that will be produced.

Consider how waste will be managed on site, and how that will affect your skip hire e.g. heavy materials, on-site segregation.

Choose a waste management provider who follows best practice, offers a range of services to meet your needs and can advise you on recycling and skip

optimisation to maintain an efficient, safe and compliant construction site.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Get more advice on how to plan and deliver cost-effective waste management on every construction site. Download:

The Ultimate Waste Management Toolkit for the Construction Manager in the Construction Industry