Mini Skips Hire: Your Guide to Waste Management Solutions for small Rubbish Removals

So What is a Mini Skip Bin and when should you hire one?

Mini skips are an efficient and cost-effective waste disposal solution for small projects. From garden cleanups to home renovations, skip hire can help you manage your waste in a sustainable way that protects the environment. In this article we will explain different types of mini skips available and how they might be most suitable for specific needs

Well, a mini-skip is generally just a smaller sized skip bin which is a container for removing rubbish. Mini-skips are commonly used by residential customers for disposing of waste from household clean-ups, small DIY renovation jobs or cleaning up after a garden tidy. It is also a growing trend for mini-skips to be used to separate different types of waste at source so that they can be recycled more easily, without the need for sorting or the risk of recyclable material becoming contaminated.

Skip bins can range in size from about 2.0m³ up to 32.0m³. Typically the mini-skips would be considered the lower end of the range, although some mini-skip providers may supply skip bins that are anywhere 2.0m³ up to 5.0m³. There are no hard and fast rules for what maybe described as mini-skips, and it is really more of a marketing term than a technical definition.

A 2m³ skip bin can hold 2 cubic metres of waste material which will vary in weight depending on waste type. A 2m³ skip bin of clean fill would contain about 1,900 kilograms of material (or 1.9 tonnes).

So as the description 'mini-skip' is more of a marketing term than a definition, as you would expect there is really not really any difference between a mini-skip and a skip. In reality it is all in the eyes of the beholder, or as described in a service provider's product description or marketing material. Like any skip, the mini-skip is usually an open topped container designed to be easily filled and then removed by being loaded on to a special type of truck or lorry. Skips are usually taken away to the dump to be emptied, rather than being emptied into a truck or a large container (although there is always the exception to prove the rule).

Smaller skips or mini-skips are also often used for removing asbestos because quite often the amount of asbestos to be disposed of as part of a renovation is only small and therefore it is more cost effective. Asbestos disposal is relatively expensive compared to other wastes and it is a far better idea to use a small mini skip just for the asbestos, rather than contaminate and pay for a large skip of contaminated waste.

As with all skips there can also be different variants of mini-skips which offer benefits usually associated with loading them more easily. Some mini-skips will have a door that is hinged at the base of one end of the skip. This allows one end of the skip to be opened (or lowered) so that it forms a ramp into the mini-skip. This ramp then provides easy wheelbarrow access for loading heavier material directly into the bin. Where the waste is lighter material like garbage bags of household rubbish a door is probably not of any value as the bags would be thrown over the skip rim into the mini-skip bin. One thing to be careful of when thinking about using a mini-skip, is the size of the waste material to be placed into the skip bin. The smaller mini-skips are usually about 1.5m square by 0.9m deep. This would mean that wood or tree wood need to be cut to size to fit into the bin.

Skip bins and mini-skips usually have the same durable and tough construction, made to withstand rough use by tradesman and laborers. The size of a mini-skip bin can vary from 2 cubic meters to 6 cubic meters, and can hold up to 3-tonnes' worth of waste.

With the move to increased recycling, it is often better to use multiple mini-skips to separate materials at the source so that so time and effort doesn't not have to be used to separate them later. Using multiple mini-skips also means that waste does not become contaminated which could result in the material not being able to be recycled.
 

Frequently Asked Questions about Mini Skips

Are mini skips suitable for both commercial and residential needs?

Mini skips are a great solution for businesses and homes alike, as they offer the versatility to accommodate all sorts of waste in varying sizes. These mini containers provide convenience by easily managing debris quickly with minimal fuss.

Do I need a permit to place a mini skip on public property?

A permit is needed to be able to have a mini skip placed on public land. This document serves as authorization for the placing of such a small waste.

What waste types can I dispose of in a mini skip?

Mini skips are ideal for disposing of green waste, concrete and bricks. Hazardous material cannot be disposed through these means. It is necessary to have an appropriate method of disposal when dealing with this type of dangerous matter.

Are there weight restrictions for mini skips?

Mini skips are subject to weight limits, with a 2m3 capacity capping off at 300kg. These restrictions may differ from skip size, but remain in effect for all mini skips.

How do I choose the right mini skip size for my needs?

When selecting the optimal mini skip size, consider how much waste you have, what kind of trash it is and if there’s adequate space at your residence. Consider a small or large skip based on the scope of your project to decide which one best suits you.