When hiring a skip there are usually four sizes of skip available; Mini, midi, builders and large.

Never fill a skip with waste materials that could present a potential fire hazard or cause an explosion. Also, materials that could release toxic fumes, pose a health or environmental hazard should not be thrown into a skip.

Midi Skips: Capacity, 3-4 cu yards or 2.5 - 3.5 cu meters. Height, 3'2” or 0.97 meters. Length, 6' or 1.83 meters. Width 4'3” or 1.29 meters.

When it’s dark or visibility is poor because of fog or mist, place reflective cones or flashing marker lights around the skip.

Builders Skips: Capacity, 6-8 cu yards or 4.6 - 6.1 cu meters. Height, 4' or 1.22 meters. Length, 12' or 3.66 meters. Width 5'6” or 1.68 meters.

It’s probable that you won’t need a permit if your skip is placed completely on private land.

Mini Skips: Small, convenient and suitable for small low volume waste projects.

Be aware that skip hire may require a skip hire permit which will cost money and takes time to organize.

Make sure that waste materials don’t stick out from the sides of the skip. This can pose a potential hazard for road users or pedestrians.

If you’re skip needs to be placed on the pavement or road, then it’s the up to the skip hire company to make sure they have a valid licence or permit for the skip.