Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Skip Do I Need?

The right skip depends on the type and amount of waste you have. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll recommend the most suitable skip.

Skip Size	Typical Capacity	Best For
2 Yard Mini Skip	20–25 bin bags	Small DIY jobs, garden clearances, soil & rubble
4 Yard Mini Skip	25–30 bin bags	Kitchen & bathroom refits, small renovations
6 Yard Builders Skip	50–60 bin bags	Builders waste, soil, hardcore & general renovations
8 Yard Builders Skip	70–80 bin bags	Home improvements, larger clearances & mixed waste
10 Yard Maxi Skip	90–100 bin bags	Large bulky household waste & shop clearances
12 Yard Maxi Skip	110–120 bin bags	Commercial projects & large-scale clearances

Can I Put a Skip on the Road?

Yes, but a skip permit is usually required if the skip will be placed on a public road or pavement. We can arrange the permit on your behalf. Permit costs and approval times vary depending on your local council.

Details here: https://redsskiphire.co.uk/skip-hire/

Do You Offer Same Day Delivery?

Yes. We often offer same-day delivery across South Essex, subject to availability.

For the best chance of same-day delivery, we recommend booking early in the day.

How Long Can I Keep My Skip?

Our standard skip hire period is 10 days. We do not automatically collect your skip at the end of the hire period and will usually wait for you to contact us when you’re ready for collection.

If you need the skip for longer, simply let us know. In most cases we’re happy to extend the hire period. However, during busy periods we may need to collect the skip after the 10-day hire period or be unable to offer further extensions due to demand.

If you think you’ll need your skip collected on a specific date, we recommend arranging this with us when the skip is delivered.

How Full Can I Fill My Skip?

Skips must be loaded level with the top edge of the skip.

For safety reasons, we cannot legally transport skips that are overloaded or have waste protruding above the sides.

What Happens When I’m Finished With My Skip?

Once you’ve finished with your skip, simply give us a call, send us a WhatsApp message or complete our online collection request form.

Please allow up to 5 working days for collection, although we will always aim to collect sooner where possible.

If you know you’ll need your skip collected on a specific date, we recommend pre-booking the collection when the skip is delivered to help avoid delays and ensure availability.

What Can I Put in a Skip?

Most general household, garden and construction waste can go into a skip, including:

• Wood
• Metal
• Soil
• Hardcore
• Bricks
• Furniture
• General household waste
• Garden waste

If you’re unsure about an item, contact our team before loading it.

What Can’t Go in a Skip?

The following items are prohibited:

• Asbestos
• Gas bottles
• Paint and liquids
• Oils and fuels
• Batteries / Vapes
• Fridges and freezers
• Hazardous chemicals
• Clinical waste

Some items may be accepted for an additional charge. Please contact us before booking.

Can I Put Plasterboard in a Skip?

Yes, but plasterboard is restricted due to waste regulations.

We allow a maximum of 10% plasterboard per skip and it should ideally be bagged separately. Additional charges may apply.

What Are POPs Charges?

POPs regulations require upholstered furniture to be disposed of separately.

This includes:

• Sofas
• Armchairs
• Cushions
• Office chairs
• Futons
• Stools

Please contact us before loading these items so we can advise on current charges.

What Is a Wait & Load Service?

A Wait & Load service is ideal where there is no room for a skip or where permits are difficult to obtain.

Our driver waits while the skip is loaded and removes the waste immediately, helping avoid permit costs and long-term skip placement.

Can I Put Soil, Bricks and Hardcore in Any Skip?

No. Heavy materials such as soil, concrete, bricks and hardcore should only be placed in smaller skips such as 2, 4, 6 or 8 yard skips.

10 yard and 12 yard skips are for light general waste only and can become too heavy to lift if loaded with dense materials.

Do I Need To Be Home For Delivery?

Not necessarily.

If you have clearly marked where you would like the skip placed and access is available, we can often deliver without you being present. If you have any special instructions, please let us know when booking.

Can You Collect My Skip Early?

Yes.

If you finish with your skip before the end of the hire period, simply contact us and we’ll arrange a collection as soon as possible.

Can I Move The Skip After Delivery?

No.

For safety reasons, skips must not be moved once delivered. If the skip needs repositioning, please contact us and we will arrange this where possible.

What Happens If Someone Fly Tips In My Skip?

Unfortunately this can happen occasionally.

Customers are responsible for the contents of their skip while it is on hire, so we recommend filling it promptly and keeping an eye on it where possible.

How Much Space Does A Skip Lorry Need?

Our vehicles need sufficient width, height and turning space to safely deliver and collect skips.

Please let us know about:

• Narrow roads
• Tight driveways
• Low trees
• Overhead cables
• Restricted access

We’ll advise whether delivery is possible.

Will a Skip Damage My Driveway?

Skips and skip lorries are heavy and can occasionally mark driveways or paving.

Wooden boards can be placed under the skip on request, but customers should be aware that surface damage cannot always be prevented.

What Happens to My Waste?

Your waste is taken to a licensed waste transfer station where it is sorted and processed responsibly.

Materials such as metal, wood, soil and aggregates are separated for recycling wherever possible.

Can I Get Multiple Skips For A Large Project?

Yes.

We regularly supply multiple skips and skip exchange services for builders, developers, landlords and commercial customers.

Simply contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do You Offer Commercial Skip Hire?

Yes.

We work with builders, contractors, developers, landlords and commercial customers across Essex, providing reliable skip hire and waste management solutions for ongoing projects.

Whether you need regular skip exchanges, multiple skips across sites or long-term waste management support, our team can tailor a service to suit your requirements.

We also offer credit accounts for approved trade and commercial customers, making it easier to manage regular bookings and invoicing.

To discuss a long-term partnership or open a trade account, please contact our office on 01702 430570.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept:

• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Online payments
• Cash
• Klarna

If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact our office.

What Happens If My Skip Is Overloaded?

For safety and legal reasons, overloaded skips cannot be transported.

Any waste above the sides of the skip may need to be removed before collection and additional charges may apply if a return visit is required.

Can I Share A Skip With My Neighbour?

Yes.

Many customers share skips with neighbours when carrying out garden clearances, DIY projects or home improvements. Just ensure the skip remains level loaded and no prohibited items are added.

What Areas Do You Cover?

We provide skip hire throughout Essex, including:

• Basildon
• Southend-on-Sea
• Leigh-on-Sea
• Benfleet
• Hadleigh
• Rayleigh
• Rochford
• Wickford
• Hockley
• Billericay
• Chelmsford
• Maldon
• Stanford-le-Hope
• Corringham
• Tilbury
• Grays
• Canvey Island
• Shoeburyness
• Great Wakering
• Burnham-on-Crouch
• Southminster
• Ingatestone
• Brentwood
• Surrounding Essex areas

Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call on 01268 649053.

Why Choose Reds Skip Hire?

• Fast local delivery
• Family run
• Same-day service available
• Domestic & commercial skips
• Friendly local team
• Permit assistance available
• Wait & load services
• Online booking available
• Reliable collections
• Competitive prices
• Experienced Essex-based operators

For bookings or further advice, call 01268 649053, email book@redsskiphire.co.uk or WhatsApp 07582046380.