10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Skip

Hiring a skip is one of the easiest ways to manage waste during a home renovation, garden clearance, or building project. But if you’re not careful, small mistakes can lead to extra costs, legal issues, or delays that slow your project down.

To help you get the most out of your skip hire and avoid costly surprises, we’ve outlined the 10 most common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Skip Size

A common mistake is underestimating how much waste your project will generate. If you hire a skip that’s too small, you might end up needing a second one — which costs more and adds time. Going too large, on the other hand, means paying for space you don’t use.

How to avoid it:

• Estimate your waste in bin bags or cubic yards (as a rough guide: one cubic yard = 10 bin bags)
• Consider the type of waste — heavy materials like rubble require different skips than bulky household items
• Speak with your skip hire provider for recommendations based on your project type

Clearify can advise you on the best size skip to match your needs and help you avoid overpaying or under-ordering.

2. Overfilling the Skip

Each skip has a maximum fill line for safety reasons. Overfilling a skip can lead to collection being refused or additional charges due to the risk it poses during transport. It’s also illegal to transport an overloaded skip on public roads.

How to avoid it:

• Never load waste above the top edge or fill line of the skip
• Spread the waste evenly to make full use of the space
• If you’re unsure whether your waste will fit, it’s usually cheaper to go one size up than to order a second skip

3. Disposing of Prohibited Items

Not all waste can go in a skip. Hazardous or restricted items such as asbestos, electrical appliances, tyres, and certain chemicals must be disposed of separately and legally.

Common prohibited items include:

• Fridges and freezers
• Televisions and monitors
• Paint, solvents, and batteries
• Gas cylinders
• Tyres
• Asbestos-containing materials

How to avoid it:

• Ask your provider for a full list of items not allowed in general waste skips
• If you have restricted waste, arrange separate disposal with a licensed service
• Check if your skip hire company offers specialist skips or collections for specific waste types

4. Not Checking for a Skip Permit

If you don’t have a driveway or private land to place your skip on, and need to put it on a public road or pavement, you’ll likely need a skip permit from your local council.

How to avoid it:

• Confirm whether your skip will be placed on public or private land
• Apply for a permit in advance (or ask your skip hire company to handle it for you)
• Allow up to 3–5 working days for most councils to approve the permit

Clearify can organise permits on your behalf to keep things simple and compliant.

5. Booking at the Last Minute

Skip hire is in high demand during spring, summer, and bank holiday weekends. Leaving it until the day before you need it could result in limited availability or premium pricing.

How to avoid it:

• Book your skip as early as possible, especially if your project is time-sensitive
• Schedule delivery and collection dates to match your project timeline
• Check if your provider offers next-day delivery for urgent needs (we do)

6. Blocking Access to the Skip

Skips need to be placed in areas with good access for delivery and collection. If there are parked cars, locked gates, or other obstructions, the driver may not be able to deliver or collect the skip — and you may be charged a failed delivery fee.

How to avoid it:

• Clear access before your skip is due to arrive or be collected
• Make sure there’s enough room for a lorry to safely unload and pick up the skip
• Avoid placing the skip under trees, overhead cables, or in tight corners

7. Using the Wrong Skip for Your Waste Type

Different waste types require different skip types. For example, heavy materials like soil and bricks can only go in certain sizes (usually 6 or 8 yard skips) due to weight limits.

How to avoid it:

• Tell your provider what kind of waste you’ll be putting in the skip
• Don’t mix hazardous or prohibited items with general waste
• Ask if you need a specialist skip for heavy or inert waste

8. Keeping the Skip Too Long

Most skip hire companies offer skips for 7 to 14 days as standard. Keeping it longer may incur daily rental charges or delay your project if you miss collection dates.

How to avoid it:

• Plan your project timeline around your skip hire period
• Only keep the skip for as long as you actually need it
• Contact your provider early if you think you need an extension

9. Not Comparing Providers or Reading Reviews

Not all skip hire companies offer the same level of service. Some may charge hidden fees, use unlicensed waste carriers, or fail to deliver on time.

How to avoid it:

• Look for licensed, insured waste carriers
• Check online reviews and testimonials
• Compare quotes — but don’t base your decision on price alone

At Clearify, we work with trusted local providers to give you reliable service at the best possible price.

10. Hiring from an Unlicensed Waste Carrier

This one’s more serious than most people realise. If your waste is fly-tipped or handled illegally by an unlicensed carrier, you could be held responsible and fined.

How to avoid it:

• Always check that your provider is registered with the Environment Agency
• Ask for their waste carrier licence number (you can verify it online)
• Use a reputable company like Clearify that only works with licensed partners

Avoiding these common skip hire mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re clearing out a home, renovating a kitchen, or managing a construction site, a little planning goes a long way.

Need help choosing the right skip, arranging a permit, or understanding what waste you can put in a skip? Contact Clearify today for expert advice, fast delivery, and a stress-free experience from start to finish.