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Residential vs. Commercial Considerations with skips

Are you renovating or planning a clear out project? With the sheer number of different skip types and sizes out there, it can be tricky to know which type you need. However, skips are an ideal way to dispose of both household and commercial waste!

In this article, we are going to run through the differences between residential and commercial skips, the benefits and disadvantages of residential vs commercial skips, and any additional considerations you need to take into account. 

What are the differences between household skips and commercial skips?

Despite the domestic skip hire and commercial skip hire process being the same, there are a few differences between household and commercial skips. Read on to discover them, so that you can ensure that you choose the correct skip for your needs.

Usage

Probably the most obvious difference between domestic skip hire and commercial skip hire is the reason that you require the skip in the first place. Reasons for hiring both types of skips can vary, however the main difference is whether you are getting rid of household rubbish, or commercial waste.

Homeowners, for example, are realising the benefits of hiring a small, manageable skip for renovation projects, preparing for a move, or garden landscaping. Hiring a household skip is a much easier and more convenient way of disposing of waste such as soil, wood, bricks and general waste than having to take it to the tip yourself.

Commercial skips, however, are used for commercial waste – such as clearing out an office building, disposing of business waste, and clearing up large construction sites. If, however, your project is commercial, but you won’t be generating much waste, a domestic skip is able to be used instead. 

It’s important to remember that certain things are not permitted to be disposed of in any skip – regardless of whether it is domestic or commercial. Rubbish such as hazardous waste, paint and plasterboard is prohibited to be disposed of in skips.

Size

The size of residential vs commercial skips is also quite an obvious difference. Typically, commercial skip hire requires a larger-sized skip than domestic skip hire. There are so many different sized skips on the market, though, so even if you have a hefty household project, you should be able to hire a skip that works for you.

Often, commercial skips start at 8 yards, and work their way upwards, whereas residential skips can start from as small as 2 yards! At EJ Shanley, we have a range of different skips available to hire, starting at a 4 yard skip, ranging all the up to a 50 yard Roll on Roll Off skip! 

Remember, overfilling a skip is illegal and could lead to fines or the company being unable to remove the skip from your site – so it is always better to overestimate the amount of waste you will generate (and so the size skip you will need), than underestimate!

Licences

While there aren’t any specific licensing differences between commercial and residential skips, there are different licensing requirements that depend on where the skip is placed. Quite often, domestic skips are dropped on private land, such as on a driveway or in a garden. When a skip is placed on private property, a skip licence isn’t required.

However, when a skip is placed on public land, such as roads and public car parks – as is quite often the case with commercial skip hire – it is required to apply for a skip licence. Depending on whether the skip is located on the road overnight, you may also need health and safety measures such as traffic cones and safety lights. Here at EJ Shanley, we apply for the skip licence for you, and supply the lights, cones and signs that may be required under the conditions of the licence.  

Cost

As commercial skips tend to be bigger, they will also usually cost more. The cost of skips will vary on a number of different things, including the size of skip you require, your location and how long you need the skip for. 

Skip hire will also cost more if you need to apply for a skip licence from your local council. These cost around £120 on average, depending on where you live and how long you require the skip for. Because we apply for a licence on your behalf, and bring with us any necessary health and safety measures, these are included in the price. 

Skip hire prices include the skip itself, delivery and collection, and disposing of the waste (recycling or landfill). Heavy waste costs more to get rid of, because it is charged per tonne, so skips that contain this kind of waste may cost more.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of a residential skip?

Residential skips offer convenience and flexibility for homeowners taking on various different projects, from home renovations to garden clearances. However, they can also be limiting due to capacity or space constraints. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons:

Advantages

• Convenience: Homeowners can have the skip placed directly on their property, minimising the hassle of transporting waste to disposal sites.
• Suitable for small projects: Ideal for minor renovations, landscaping, or decluttering tasks, residential skips come in smaller sizes that are easier to manage.
• Cost-effective: Smaller skips tend to be more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for domestic projects.
• Often don’t require a skip licence: Since residential skips are typically placed on private land, there is usually not a requirement for a skip licence, saving time and money.

Disadvantages

• Limited capacity: Smaller skip sizes mean they may not accommodate larger volumes of waste, requiring more frequent collections or multiple skips for extensive projects.
• Restricted materials: Certain types of waste, such as large bulky items may not be suitable for disposal in residential skips, which means alternative disposal methods are required.
• Space constraints: Placing a skip on a residential property, especially in urban areas with limited space, may pose logistical challenges and require careful placement to avoid obstruction.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of a commercial skip?

Commercial skips are essential for businesses and large-scale construction projects, offering specialised waste management solutions. However, they also bring with them increased costs and space requirements. Here’s a comparison of their advantages and drawbacks:

Benefits

• Capacity for large volumes: Commercial skips come in larger sizes, making them suitable for handling significant amounts of waste generated by businesses or construction sites.
• Compliance with regulations: Professional skip hire services, like us here at EJ Shanley, often handle skip licences, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Versatility: Commercial skips can accommodate various types of waste, including construction debris, office furniture, and general waste.

Disadvantages

• Higher costs: Larger skips and additional services, such as skip licences and specialised waste disposal for certain materials, can result in higher overall costs for commercial skip hire.
• Space requirements: Placement of commercial skips on public land may require adequate space and permissions, potentially impacting traffic flow or parking availability.

How can EJ Shanley help?

Once you have decided what size and type of skip you need, booking one is easy. Get in touch with us here at EJ Shanley and let us know where and when you need it, and we will do the rest! 

If you need any help deciding on what size or type, please contact us! Give our Trowbridge office a ring on 01225 753333 or phone our Warminster branch on 01985 213348. We have almost 60 years of experience and are here to help with all your waste disposal needs!