Partner Article

Ten Things About Disposing of Household Waste

If you live in a place for more than, say, a day, it will contain things you’d rather be without. Eventually, all these things mount up. They’re often put in garages, lofts and sheds – but they can also be in plain sight (like the old sofa that you really ought to get round to throwing away).

When you decide to de-clutter, you need to decide:

1. How much rubbish have I got? A car-load of rubbish can usually be disposed of at your local refuse and recycling depot – providing you have the time to do so and can visit the depot when it’s open. If you have more than a car-load of rubbish, consider using a ‘man and a van’ service or some sort of skip.
2. What rubbish have I got? We all need to play our part in looking after our planet for future generations – so we can’t be irresponsible about getting rid of our waste. If any of your rubbish could be classed as hazardous (for example, old paint or other chemicals; plasterboard; electrical equipment; light bulbs or batteries), you’ll need a professional waste management specialist to remove it and deal with it in an environmentally friendly way. If your rubbish is bulky (for example, sofas; concrete and brick rubble; tree trunks and so on), you’ll probably also need to get a professional waste management specialist to deal with it in an environmentally friendly way.
3. What safeguards have I got if I use a professional? You should make sure that the person (and firm) you choose is licensed by the Environment Agency to carry waste. Ask to see the firm’s waste carrier licence number - and check it on the Environment Agency’s website. This should ensure that the firm won’t fly tip your rubbish but it should also ensure that the firm will aim to recycle as much of the rubbish as possible and send only the minimum to landfill. Waste King, for example, guarantees to recycle at least 98 per cent of every load of rubbish it collects.
4. Can I segregate the rubbish? Separating the rubbish into different types will help it to be properly recycled. Moreover, if you’re getting a professional to remove the rubbish, separating the rubbish before it’s collected should make it easier (and quicker) to collect – which might be reflected in the price you pay.
5. If I hire a skip, what size skip should I get? Order the largest skip you feel able to fill with waste - since larger skips cost less per cubic yard than smaller ones.
6. What can I put in a skip? Some of your waste might not – legally – be able to be put into a skip (for example, see ‘2’ above). So it must be disposed of in a different – but, of course, equally legal - way.
7. Can my property cope with a skip safely and legally? You might need to buy a permit from your local Council in order for the skip to be parked near your property. In addition, if the skip is on public land – including the road - it’s your responsibility to ensure that the skip is visible at night, via the use of cones and electric beacons. It’s also up to you to make sure that the skip and its contents don’t pose a fire risk – and you must ensure that the skip doesn’t inhibit access to your or neighbouring premises.
8. Do I have to load the skip myself? No, but it may be cheaper for you if you – or your friends and family – do.
9. For how long can I have a skip? Usually a skip is delivered on the day after you order it. On average, most people rent a skip for between seven and ten days - although this period can be extended.
10. Where can I get expert advice? You can get advice, guidance and practical help on skip hire, as well as a ‘man and van’ service, from Waste King on 0800 141 2778 and 01442 210034.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Glenn Currie .