Hiring a skip is a popular method of waste removal in urban settings. But are skips a viable option for rubbish disposal in extreme or challenging environments?
Let’s explore the skip challenges that are overcome in an everyday setting, and compare them to those faced when removing and disposing of waste in more remote and demanding environments, such as the arctic, deserts and even underwater!
Common challenges within the skip industry
Skip hire companies have to navigate their way through complex rules, regulations and logistical complications on a day-to-day basis. Despite being relatively common within the waste management industry, these events still pose challenges, even to long-standing, experienced professionals. Let’s explore some of the most common daily skip challenges faced by waste management companies.
Compliance with rules and regulations
We’ve spoken in the past about the rules and regulations of skip hire, both in the UK and in other countries. Whilst the customer has to have knowledge of simple regulations, skip hire companies must have an in-depth understanding of these rules and how they vary from location to location.
These laws are always evolving, and can present compliance challenges. For example, waste management companies must follow waste disposal protocols and ensure their waste has been sorted and recycled accurately. If they don’t comply with these laws, they could face expensive penalties, damage to their reputation, and even operational suspension!
Hazardous waste removal
Another challenge that skip hire companies have to face is the removal of hazardous waste. Not only is the disposal of hazardous chemicals and items extremely dangerous for those involved and for the environment, skip hire companies have to adhere to stringent legislation when collecting and disposing of hazardous waste, making sure you use licensed facilities to ensure safety.
Logistical complications
On top of all this, running a successful skip hire business involves a vast number of different logistical considerations, including route planning, managing schedules and top-notch customer service – even when faced with unanticipated issues or last-minute requests.
Skip hire in extreme environments
And if hiring skips in urban environments feels difficult, the challenges of waste disposal and providing skips in extreme environments poses a whole host of different issues! We will run through the skip challenges and solutions faced by waste disposal companies in arctic, desert and underwater environments.
Arctic waste management
The harsh conditions of the arctic, paired with its remote location, poses distinct challenges for waste management services. Given the constraints of limited infrastructure and logistics, managing waste responsibly in the arctic can be particularly challenging. However, skip hire has evolved and expanded to provide specialist solutions to this problem.
- Tailored skip designs: Skips used in the arctic have been specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions: freezing temperature, heavy snow and high winds. Because of this, they are made out of strong, robust materials, such as reinforced steel, to ensure longevity and prevent rust.
- Sealable lid: To prevent leakage and reduce wildlife attraction, skips in the Arctic have been specifically designed to include a sealable lid that can be securely closed during transport.
- Recycling facilities elsewhere: Because of the remote location, skips are used to collect and sort through recyclable materials, which are then transported to recycling facilities in more accessible locations.
Desert waste management
Despite being the total opposite of the Arctic when it comes to location and conditions, waste management in the desert presents its own unique challenges. Due to the minimal water resources and extreme heat, traditional waste disposal methods are impractical, and can cause damage to the environment. Skips have been adapted to work as a sustainable solution to tackle rubbish in the desert.
- Inclusion of skip covers: Exposed rubbish can contribute to air pollution in the desert, when debris is carried by the fast winds and sand storms. As well as this, if left open, it can attract scavengers. Desert skips have been specifically designed to include skip covers to help prevent these problems and maintain a clean environment.
- Composting: A significant portion of desert waste is often organic. Because of this, skip hire can make it easier to collect and compost organic waste. Composting this waste, rather than using traditional removal solutions, can contribute to soil improvement and sustainable practices.
- Remote sensor technology: To prevent unnecessary collection trips, skips in deserts are often equipped with remote sensing technology that monitors the fill level and schedules collections accordingly.
Underwater waste management
The challenges faced when managing underwater waste are considerably different from those encountered on land. Ecosystems are extremely delicate, therefore requiring extreme caution when handling to minimise disturbances and prevent issues. Skips have been adapted to accommodate these requirements and achieve optimal underwater waste disposal.
- Integration with other marine conservation efforts: It is important that skip hire was integrated into other marine conservation efforts to tackle plastic pollution. Skips located near coastal areas help to improve the safety and efficiency of marine waste.
- Tailored skip designs: Skips have been specifically designed to be submerged into the sea to collect and transport underwater waste. They are made out of special non-toxic materials to prevent harm to marine life, and the materials used have a neutral buoyancy to reduce damage to the seabed.
- Waste-to-Energy Solutions: In certain situations, underwater waste is able to be converted into energy using new technology. Specialist skip hire companies have an important contribution in the waste-to-energy processes.
How EJ Shanley can help
The skip hire industry has proven its importance and versatility in adapting to extreme environments. The development of specialist skips to be used in a number of different challenging conditions, alongside the evolution of waste collection practices, has enabled responsible waste management across the world, regardless of the conditions.
Luckily, it is unlikely that you will need to hire skips in extreme environments, so EJ Shanley are able to help! We have a number of different skips available to hire, depending on your requirements.
If you don’t need a skip, we also offer a range of other waste disposal options, such as scrap metal recycling, scrap vehicle disposal and our man with a van service.
For more information, please call our Trowbridge or Warminster office, or get in touch through our website.
