Introduction

Hiring a skip doesn’t mean your waste management can’t be environmentally conscious. Here are practical ways to minimize your environmental footprint during your next project.
All waste collected through our same day waste removal service is processed responsibly.

1. Choose the Right Skip Size

Ordering the correct skip size reduces unnecessary trips and emissions:

Too Small:

• Multiple collections needed
• Extra vehicle journeys
• Increased carbon footprint
• Higher total cost

Too Large:

• Temptation to add unnecessary items
• Wasted capacity
• Higher disposal costs

💡 Get Expert Advice: We’ll help you estimate the right size based on your project. Most domestic renovations need a 6-8 yard skip.

2. Donate Before You Dump

Many items don’t belong in a skip – they still have life left:

✓ Furniture in good condition → Charity shops
✓ Working appliances → Community groups
✓ Books & toys → Libraries, schools
✓ Clothing & textiles → Textile banks
✓ Building materials → Reclamation yards

Local Greenford Donation Points:

• British Heart Foundation – Greenford Road
• Salvation Army – Oldfield Lane
• Ealing Reuse & Recycling Centre
• Freecycle/Freegle online groups

Rule of thumb: If it works or can be easily fixed, don’t skip it!

3. Segregate Your Waste

Pre-sorting materials dramatically improves recycling rates:

Metal Skip:

• 100% recyclable metals
• Higher value = potential discounts
• Copper, aluminum, steel separated

Wood Skip:

• Clean timber only
• 90%+ recycling rate
• Becomes chipboard or biomass

Inert Skip:

• Concrete, bricks, tiles
• 98% recyclable
• Becomes aggregate for roads

Mixed Skip:

• Everything else
• Still 85%+ recycled
• Requires manual sorting

💡 Ask us about multiple skip discounts for segregated loads!

4. Salvage & Reuse First

Before filling your skip, consider:

Building Materials:

• Bricks can be cleaned and reused
• Timber can become garden projects
• Tiles for craft projects or mosaics
• Doors/windows for sheds or workshops

Garden Waste:

• Create compost heap instead
• Use as mulch around plants
• Chip branches for garden paths
• Offer to neighbors with gardens

Aggregates:

• Use rubble as hardcore for paths
• Fill in garden holes or borders
• Create raised beds foundations

One person’s waste is another’s resource!

5. Avoid Prohibited Items

These items harm the environment and prevent recycling:

❌ Hazardous Waste:

• Chemicals → Household waste centers
• Batteries → Supermarket collection points
• Paint → Let dry, then household waste
• Asbestos → Licensed removal only

❌ Electrical Items (WEEE):

• TVs, computers, phones
• Small appliances
• Take to council recycling centers
• Many retailers offer take-back schemes

❌ Special Items:

• Tyres → Tyre dealers accept old tyres
• Mattresses → Special collection services
• Fridges/freezers → Gas recovery required

These items contaminate skips and reduce overall recycling rates.

6. Time Your Project Sustainably

Project timing affects environmental impact:

Optimal Scheduling:

• Fill skip steadily over hire period
• One collection is better than multiple
• Coordinate with other projects nearby
• Share skips with neighbors when possible

Weather Considerations:

• Cover skip in rain (water adds weight)
• Dry materials are lighter to transport
• Less fuel used for lighter loads

Planning Benefits:

• Reduced vehicle movements
• Lower emissions
• More efficient resource use

7. Load Efficiently

How you pack your skip impacts sustainability:

Break Down Items:

• Flat-pack furniture before disposal
• Dismantle where possible
• More fits = fewer skips needed

Strategic Loading:

• Heavy items on bottom
• Fill gaps with smaller waste
• Maximize capacity
• Don’t overfill (safety + legal limit)

Smart Packing:

• Nest items inside each other
• Remove air from bags
• Compress cardboard boxes

Better packing = more efficient transport = lower carbon footprint

8. Choose a Green Skip Hire Company

Not all skip companies are equal. Look for:

✓ High Recycling Rates:

• We achieve 90%+ (industry average is 70-80%)
• Ask for proof and certificates

✓ Modern Fleet:

• Euro 6 emission standards
• Regular maintenance
• Route optimization software

✓ Local Operations:

• Shorter transport distances
• Lower emissions
• Support local business

✓ Transparent Practices:

• Clear waste transfer notes
• Traceable disposal methods
• Environmental accreditations

✓ Community Involvement:

• Local charity partnerships
• Educational programs
• Green initiatives

9. Consider Alternatives

Skips aren’t always the most eco-friendly option:

Man & Van Service:

• For smaller loads
• Direct to recycling centers
• More selective disposal

Council Collection:

• Bulky waste services
• Usually recycled properly
• Cheaper for single items

Grab Hire:

• Efficient for large volumes
• Less time on-site
• Good for pure loads (soil, rubble)

DIY Trips:

• Small amounts to local recycling center
• Free for residents
• You control sorting

Each option has its place – we’ll recommend the greenest solution for your needs.

10. Track Your Impact

Understanding your environmental contribution:

Request Information:

• Ask for waste transfer notes
• Get recycling rate breakdown
• Understand where materials went

Calculate Benefits:

Average 6-yard skip (3 tonnes waste):

• ~2.7 tonnes recycled (90% rate)
• Equivalent to ~1 tonne CO2 saved
• Same as taking car off road for 3,000 miles

Share Success:

• Use data in project reports
• Promote sustainable practices
• Inspire others to follow

📊 We provide detailed recycling reports for all our commercial customers and can offer them for domestic customers on request.

Our Green Commitment to Greenford

At Greenford Skip Hire, sustainability isn’t just marketing:

🌱 Current Achievements:

• 92% average recycling rate
• Zero waste to landfill target
• Euro 6 fleet by 2025
• Solar-powered office & depot
• Paperless booking system

🎯 Future Goals:

• 95% recycling by 2026
• Electric vehicle trials
• Community education programs
• Partner with local green initiatives

💚 Your role matters. Every eco-conscious choice you make when hiring a skip contributes to a greener Greenford.

Questions about sustainable waste disposal? We’re always happy to advise on the most environmentally friendly approach for your project.