Why you shouldn’t overload a skip

Whether you are using a skip for home renovations, or a commercial project, you might be tempted to overfill it. It seems like a good idea, as the assumption is that you will save money. It would be easier than getting another one, and there’s no harm in it. However, overloading a skip is actually dangerous, illegal, and costly. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t overload a skip, and to learn how to safely load your skip.

Risks of overloading a skip:

Safety:

It is dangerous to overload your skip, as it puts you, your neighbours, and even your family at risk. There will be sharp, broken items sticking out the top and this could easily hurt passersby, or those handling the skip. Also, if the skip is overflowing, then items can fall out and land on someone or roll into the street. When an overfilled skip is in transit, it is especially hazardous. This is because debris can fly out of the skip and land on the road or hit another vehicle.

Cost:

It may seem like you are saving money by overfilling your skip. However, in fact, it will mean more costs in the long run. If your skip is overloaded, then the lorry driver who is meant to pick it up could refuse to take it. This is because the skip may exceed weight restrictions and could damage the lorry. Also, it will put the driver at risk. In this situation, you will have to pay extra costs to have the waste removed.

Laws:

It is illegal to overfill a skip, so the company you have hired it from will not accept an overloaded skip. They must follow the regulations, otherwise, they run the risk of being fined for breaking the law. Also, if the overloaded skip causes harm to anyone, or you are discovered another way, the council could fine you as well.

Neighbours:

An overloaded skip is an eyesore, especially if you are loading more than just branches or broken timber pieces. Your neighbours will not only have to deal with an unsightly, overflowing skip on their street, but they will also be able to see everything you’ve put in it.

How to properly load a skip:

Know the limit:

The main thing you need to know when loading your skip is that you can’t fill it higher than the sides of the skip. On most skips, there is a red ‘fill line’.  This shows the limit of where your waste can be filled to, and you should stick to this. It is usually obvious if you have overfilled a skip. Remember don’t make the mistake of thinking that you will get away with it – just remove any excess and keep to the limit.

Choose the right size:

Don’t underestimate how much waste you have to remove, be realistic about the skip size you need. Even though you may want to save money, if you choose one that is too small and overfill it, you will have to pay more. To find out what size skip you need, simply check a skip size guide.

Organised loading:

Filling your skip in an organised and thorough manner will mean you utilise its full capacity. Load the small, flat items first, such as cabinet doors and plywood first. Then place the large items such as furniture carefully on top of this. Then break up any bits and pieces that can be dismantled and spread them across the top to fill spare spaces.

Plan ahead:

If you make a pile of the waste before ordering the skip then you can easily get an idea of how much room you will need. Also, if you move items into organised piles next to the skip before loading them inside, you will be able to fill them with more thought and care. This will make the process quicker as well, which will lower the chances of fly-tipping, so someone else won’t be overfilling your skip either.

Contact Us

If you are looking for skips in Rotherham, or need to find out more about skip hire regulations, then the experts at Beta Skips can help. We offer efficient and affordable skip hire services to customers across Rotherham, Mexborough, Barnsley and the surrounding areas. Contact our friendly staff today to find out more.