The Only Skip Hire Guide You’ll Ever Need in Dorset

Let’s be honest, dealing with waste isn’t the most exciting part of any project. Whether you’re sprucing up your garden, renovating your home, or managing a build, rubbish piles up fast. That’s where skip hire comes in, simple, quick, and surprisingly satisfying when done right.

But with so many skip sizes, rules, and companies out there, it can feel like there’s more to it than just “book a skip and fill it up.” So, if you’re in Dorset and want to get it right the first time, here’s your no-nonsense guide to hiring a skip the smart way.

Step 1: Know What You’re Getting a Skip For

Start with your project. Are you clearing out an old loft? Redoing the kitchen? Handling construction rubble? The type and amount of waste decide which skip size suits you best.

For example:

• Mini skips (2–3 yards) – perfect for small home clear-outs.
• Midi skips (4–6 yards) – good for kitchen or bathroom renovations.
• Builder’s skips (8 yards and above) – best for heavy waste like concrete, soil, or bricks.

If you’re unsure, your skip provider can help you estimate the right size, it’s better to go slightly bigger than book twice.

Step 2: Pick a Reliable Skip Hire Company

Not all skip services are equal. When comparing companies in Dorset, look for:

• A valid waste carrier licence (proof they dispose of waste legally).
• Transparent pricing with no sneaky extras.
• Clear recycling commitments some recycle up to 90% of collected waste.
• Prompt delivery and collection, especially if your project is on a tight schedule.

A good provider will also handle road permits if your skip needs to sit on public land, saving you a trip to the council.

Step 3: Check What You Can (and Can’t) Put in a Skip

Skips aren’t a free-for-all. You can safely load general household junk, garden waste, wood, bricks, or metal. However, hazardous items such as paint tins, tyres, electrical goods, or asbestos need special disposal, they can’t go in your skip.

Your skip hire company should give you a quick rundown of what’s allowed. Following the rules keeps your load legal and recyclable.

Step 4: Plan Your Skip Placement

Before delivery day, pick a safe and accessible spot. Make sure there’s room for the lorry to drop it off and enough clearance for collection later. If you’re placing the skip on a public road, Dorset Council requires a permit and your skip provider can usually sort that for you.

Step 5: Think Green

Skip hire is more than a convenience, it’s an opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint. Choose a skip provider that sorts and recycles most of the waste collected. The less that ends up in landfill, the better for Dorset’s stunning coastlines and countryside.

Hiring a skip doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s about finding the right fit for your project, using a trusted company, and following a few simple rules. Once you’ve done that, you can focus on what really matters: finishing your project without the mess.

If you’d like a full breakdown of skip sizes, pricing, and permit details, check out the complete guide here: Complete Guide to Skip Hire in Dorset