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What does level loaded mean when hiring a skip?

Posted on 2 March 2023

When hiring a skip, you may have been told that it needs to be level loaded. Or perhaps you’ve seen the term “level loads only” written on the side of the skip. In any case, this is something that you need to adhere to else the skip hire company could refuse to take it away once it’s full. You could also face extra charges as a result. If you’re wondering “What does level loaded mean when hiring a skip?”, keep reading.

What is a level loaded skip? What can and can’t you put into a skip?

One of the most common questions we get asked here at Beta Skips is “What does level loaded mean when hiring a skip?” A level loaded skip is one which has not been overfilled with waste. The rubbish doesn’t exceed the red fill line on the inside of the skip. The fill line is there to help ensure the skip isn’t too full and therefore doesn’t become too heavy or unsafe to take away. Don’t risk filling a skip past the fill line. Not only can be dangerous to overload a skip since objects can fly out and cause injury and damage during transit but it’s also illegal, and both you and the skip hire company risk facing steep fines. 

What are the consequences of overloading a skip? 

Don’t risk loading a skip past the fill line. Although it can be tempting if you need to get rid of the waste as soon as possible, there are likely to be consequences for doing so. In most cases, the driver of the skip lorry will refuse to take it away. This is because the overloaded skip will be too heavy to transport safely. Moreover, because it’s illegal to fill a skip above its maximum load level, both you and the skip hire company could face a hefty fine if they move it. If the driver refuses to take the overloaded skip, you’ll be forced to either reassemble the waste or hire a second skip to allow you to get rid of the excess rubbish. Either way, it’s likely to cost you money and time. 

How to avoid overloading a skip

Overloading a skip won’t just cost you money if you need to hire a second one but it can also delay your project. To avoid the expense and hassle, it makes sense to load your skip properly in the first instance. You can save space in a skip by loading it methodically rather than throwing everything in without thinking. 

The first step should be to separate the items into four categories, which are:

Flat items (i.e. paper, cardboard, plasterboard) 

Tessellate objects (i.e. bricks, tiles) 

Large or bulky items 

Loose debris 

Aim to place each category into layers, filling every available space. The flat items can fill the base of the skip and can be easily squashed down by the items on top. Make sure you flatten down any boxes before placing them in the skip. Next, lay the tessellate objects on top of the flat items, ideally creating an even surface. The tessellated items will weigh down the flat items in order to create more space. 

With bulky items, it’s best to deconstruct them as much as possible before placing them in the skip. For example, you could remove the legs from a tabletop. Once again, place the deconstructed bulky items into layers in the skip so that all the available space is filled. You can then pour any loose debris into the skip to fill up the remaining pockets of space. 

Full SkipChoose the right size of skip 

To help avoid overloading a skip, it’s a good idea to choose one that’s big enough for the needs of your project. We recommend choosing a skip that’s larger than you think you will need. This means you’re unlikely to run out of space in the skip. At Beta Skips, we supply skips in various sizes, ranging from small 4- and 6-yard mini skips for domestic projects to larger 8-yard builder skips and even enormous 40-yard RORO skips for commercial or industrial needs. If you’re not sure what size skip to opt for, don’t hesitate to talk to our team. We can advise you on your options when it comes to choosing skips in Rotherham. 

Skip hire in Rotherham

Now you know what does level loaded mean when hiring a skip, you may be looking to order a skip. For skip hire in Rotherham, look no further than Beta Skips. We have been supplying skips to customers throughout the South Yorkshire region for many years, providing a professional, reliable and highly affordable service. Not only can we take away many different types of domestic and commercial waste, but we’ll also deal with it in the most eco-friendly manner. We take a zero waste to landfill approach here at Beta Skips, which means we’re dedicated to recycling as much of it as possible rather than sending it straight on to landfill where it will cause lasting damage to the environment over time. 

Our skip hire prices are some of the most competitive in Rotherham too, which means you can probably hire a skip for much less than you thought. To find out how much hiring a skip will cost you, get in touch as soon as possible.  

Contact us

If you’re looking for domestic or commercial skips in Rotherham or the surrounding areas, get in touch with Beta Skips. Call us on 01709 645038 to discuss your skip hire needs with one of our friendly and helpful team. Alternatively, you’re welcome to send us a message via the website and we will aim to get back to you as quickly as we can. 

Contact Us

If you’re ready to find out more about skip hire in Rotherham, or Mexborough, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01709 645038 for Rotherham, or 01709 645039 for Mexborough. You can also send us a message via the website. We’ll aim to get back to you as soon as possible. Our friendly team are waiting to answer your questions and provide you with a competitive quote for the skip hire in Rotherham service you require.