Skips are a convenient waste management solution, especially for home renovations, garden projects and large-scale site clearances. While cheap skip hire may seem like an attractive option, it comes with hidden environmental costs that can have significant impacts on our planet. We look at the most important factors here and what steps you can take to make the right choice.
Understanding the key issues
Although it’s true that larger companies can benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing, providers of total waste management and recycling services also have certain overheads and operational costs that are essential for responsible and ethical trading. This includes the acquisition of all the necessary permits and licences to comply with regulatory requirements. Larger firms might invest in more advanced recycling solutions and practices too, adding to their overall costs.
But the real issue of some businesses offering cheaper services is that they’re ambiguous about their capacity, processes and facilities, and that they might even resort to improper disposal methods to save on costs. A more conscientious waste management company will be able to offer a full and transparent service. Cheaper providers often use older, less efficient vehicles that consume more fuel and emit higher levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, meaning that their services have a higher carbon footprint. There’s also the risk that cheap skip hire companies are cutting corners by not adhering to strict sorting and recycling protocols, resulting in a large proportion of the waste ending up in landfills. Inefficient practices mean that valuable materials that could be reused or recycled are wasted.
Choosing a reputable skip hire company
Choosing a licensed and regulated skip hire company – one that’s committed to sustainable practices – ensures that proper waste management protocols, including sorting and recycling, will be followed. Some companies go further by specialising in eco-friendly services, with robust recycling systems in place. Although they might be slightly more expensive, the environmental benefits they offer far outweigh the extra cost. Awareness is a powerful tool in mitigating any environmental impacts, and understanding your service provider’s waste management practices will help you choose an environmentally responsible outfit.
Of course, the best thing we can all do is to keep the amount of waste we generate to a minimum. By adopting a reduce-and-reuse mindset – i.e. donating or repurposing an old piece of furniture instead of throwing it away or trying to repair items before deciding to discard them – we can significantly lessen our environmental footprint.
Taking action
The cost savings offered by cheap skip hire services can be tempting, but ultimately, it’s about making informed choices that not only benefit us but also protect our planet for future generations.
Here are three easy steps to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable service provider:
- Consult the UK register to check that your preferred waste management company is licensed and regulated (our two branches are listed as Hamptons Metal Merchants and Tidysite Skip Services).
- Enquire about the types of waste they can handle.
- Ask about their recycling rate statistic and where they send their residual waste.