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What Is the Law Governing Skip Hire?

By Steven Magill

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 20Jan2009 Word count: 628 Viewed: 327 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

When you use a skip rental company, did you know there are laws governing where the skip is placed, what can be put into it, and other important issues? In order to keep yourself from incurring heavy fines, it's best to know these laws and abide by them. Here are some of these laws and what you can do to make sure you aren't subject to the fines.

Placement of the Skip

If you are going to be placing the skip on your property, there is no permit required. However, if you will be putting the skip on the roadway or on pavement, you will be required to get a permit to do so. You can apply for this permit through your local council, or most of the reputable skip hire companies will secure these permits for you. However, it may take between three and five days for approval.

Watch What You Put In the Skip

There are several items that cannot be placed into a skip. Some of them are common sense, which others you may not have thought of. If you have the following items to dispose of, you might call your skip hire company in order to see if they can assist you finding someone to take care of these types of items.

1. Refrigerators
2. Freezers
3. Tires
4. Batteries
5. Oil, solvents, or paint
6. Light bulbs
7. Televisions
8. Gas bottles
9. Any other hazardous waste

There are specific laws regarding the disposal of the above items and your skip hire companies should be able to help you if you are unsure if an item or material can be placed in the skip.

Don't Overfill It

Another problem that has caused new regulations is that people often overfill their skip. This can cause significant problems if items are continuously falling out. You can be responsible for any damage caused as well. Call your skip hire company to have it emptied.

Fly-Tipping

This is becoming a common practice and it can end up costing you money. Fly-tipping refers to the practice of someone sneakily putting trash or other items in your skip. You may wake up one morning to find you skip is full of a number of the above listed illegal items. The only way you can prevent this is to sit next to your skip at all times. This, of course, is not practical, but you may want to keep an eye on what is in your skip, rather than get hit with a fine.

Make Sure Your Company is Registered

As of 2005 all householders are now responsible for ensuring that their skip hire company is an authorized carrier. If you use a skip hire company that is not registered as an approved Environmental Agency company, then you may be fined. The fine can be up to £5000. This means that if when your skip hire company hauls off your rubbish and disposes of it illegally, you are responsible.

So how can you tell if your skip hire company is trustworthy? When you call to request service or request a quote, ask for the company's Waste Carrie Number. If you are not provided with one, do not use their services. If you are given the Waste Carrier number, be sure you validate it. This can be done one of two ways. You can call the Environment Agency and ask for a Waste Carrier validation check. You may also check online at the Environment Agency website.

Final Thoughts

By following the above tips on complying with the laws governing skips, you will be able to avoid paying those heavy fines. Watch what is placed in your skip, be sure your company is registered, get a permit if you need one, and don't overfill it. This will keep your money in your pocket.

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