The UK has been battered by dismal weather recently, with Storm Bert bringing unrelenting rain, strong winds, and record-breaking conditions. Over the weekend, temperatures soared to an unusual 16.9°C on Sunday morning—6.6°C above the 40-year average—while winds reached a peak of 36mph, and 27.2mm of rain fell in 24 hours. The storm has left us all grappling with waterlogged grounds, stormy skies, and sodden soil.
With the centre of Storm Bert just off Scotland’s west coast, low-pressure systems continue to dominate, bringing tightly packed isobars and a severe pressure gradient. This means high winds and more unsettled conditions are likely to persist for a while.
If you’re planning to hire a skip in weather like this, careful preparation is key to avoiding complications. From choosing the right spot to protecting your waste from the elements, here’s how you can navigate skip hire during a stormy spell.
1. Choose the Right Spot for Your Skip
- Consider the Ground Conditions: If you’re hiring during a rainy spell, avoid placing your skip on soft or waterlogged ground, as it may sink or tilt. A solid, flat surface like concrete or tarmac is ideal.
- Watch Out for Windy Areas: Place your skip in a sheltered spot to prevent lightweight waste from being blown out, which can create litter and hazards.
- Avoid Flood-Prone Locations: If heavy rain is on the cards, avoid placing your skip in areas prone to flooding. Rising water could cause waste to spill or even shift the skip.
2. Protect Your Waste from the Elements
- Rain Protection: Use a tarpaulin or a fitted skip cover to keep rain out. Wet waste, especially items like cardboard, paper, or textiles, can get soggy and heavy, potentially increasing disposal costs if charged by weight.
- Wind Precautions: Secure lighter waste, like plastic and paper, under heavier materials or with a skip net to stop it from blowing away.
- Cold Weather Considerations: In freezing conditions, keep an eye on items like soil or garden waste that may freeze to the skip, making collection more difficult.
3. Prioritise Safety
- Slippery Surfaces: Snow and ice can make the area around your skip hazardous. Grit the ground to prevent slips and keep access safe for everyone using the skip.
- Visibility in Poor Weather: If your skip is placed near a road or public pathway, use high-visibility markers or reflective tape to ensure it’s easy to see in fog or heavy rain.
4. Ensure Easy Access
- Clear the Way: Snow, ice, or debris could block access to your skip, delaying collection or delivery. Regularly clear paths for both you and the skip lorry.
- Plan for Delays: Extreme weather, like storms or snow, might disrupt skip collection schedules. Be prepared to keep the skip a little longer, and check with your hire provider about their policy in such cases.
5. Weatherproof Your Waste
- Garden Waste Tips: Wet garden waste like soil or grass can become much heavier in the rain. Using waterproof bags for heavier items can help keep them manageable. For more advice, take a look at our guide on skip for gardening and landscaping
- Protect Dry Waste: Items like wood, furniture, or cardboard should be covered to stop them from getting soaked and damaged.
6. Check Local Rules
- Permits in Bad Weather: If your skip is placed on a public road, heavy rain or snow could impact the surrounding area. Local councils may have extra rules or precautions for skips during adverse weather, so it’s worth checking in advance.
7. Timing is Everything
Keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning your skip hire. A few dry days can make all the difference in avoiding unnecessary headaches. At SkipHireComparison.co.uk, we make it easy to find the right skip at the right time, so you can schedule around the weather with confidence.
Why Use SkipHireComparison.co.uk?
Whether it’s a sunny spell or the middle of a storm, we connect you with reliable skip providers across the UK. Our simple comparison tool helps you find the best price, size, and service to suit your needs—whatever the weather.
Ready to book your skip? Head to SkipHireComparison.co.uk today and get started!
