Skip, Tip Run or Clearance Team? Choosing How to Get Rid of Rubbish

A spring clear-out, a house move or a big tidy of the garden usually ends the same way: a pile of rubbish that will not fit in the wheelie bin. There are three main ways to deal with it, and the right one depends on how much there is, what it is and where it is.

A run to the tip

For a car boot of small items, a trip to the local household recycling centre is the cheapest option. It quickly becomes impractical with wardrobes, mattresses, fridges or sofas, which will not fit in most cars, and many sites now ask residents to book a slot first.

Hiring a skip

Skips suit building work and loads of heavy rubble. They come in sizes from small 2 to 3 cubic yard mini skips up to 6 to 8 cubic yard builder's skips, but they have drawbacks:

• A skip on the road needs a permit from the council
• Mattresses, fridges, TVs, plasterboard, paint and asbestos are usually not allowed
• You do all the lifting and loading yourself
• Everything goes in together, so less of it gets reused or recycled

A clearance team

A clearance company does the lifting, loads the van and sorts the waste as it goes, so furniture in good condition can go to charity and more of the rest can be recycled. It also suits homes with no room for a skip. For one or two large items, a bulky waste collection in Bridgend or your local area is often quicker than waiting for a council collection.

Do not forget the garden

Gardens often end up as a temporary store for old furniture during a house clear-out, alongside sheds, broken fencing, play equipment and green waste. A specialist garden clearance service can take the lot in one visit, and cutting branches and hedge trimmings down beforehand takes up less van space and can bring the price down.

Before you book

• Check the company is a registered waste carrier
• Ask for a waste transfer note so you know where your rubbish went
• Send clear photos of everything for an accurate quote
• Point out anything heavy, hazardous or hard to reach

Choosing the right option saves time, money and a lot of lifting. For more advice on household, garden and bulky waste, see our waste and rubbish clearance category.