Many of our customers have asked us whether they should use a skip or a grab lorry to remove waste from their homes and businesses. This article explains the key differences between grab hire and skip Hire, helping you choose the right option for your next project.
Table of contents (click a title to jump to a section):
What is Skip Hire?
A skip is an open-top metal container commonly used for removing construction and demolition waste, often seen around construction sites.
Skips are available in various sizes, typically 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 yards and are transported using a skip-carrying lorry.
When using a skip hire service, your supplier will deliver your skip to your site. You will then have use of the skip until a pre-arranged date, typically no more than two weeks from arrival.
Once you have filled the skip with waste and debris, the supplier will collect the skip and dispose of the waste.
The benefits of Skip Hire
Skips are a safe solution to waste removal as all waste is stored within the skip container until it is ready to be collected.
Skip containers come in sizes ranging from 2- 12 yards. Having a choice of sizes means you can book the skip size most suitable to your amount of waste.
Skip Hire is a cost-effective waste removal method for smaller projects removing smaller volumes of waste.
What is Grab Hire?
Grabs lorries are 8 x 4-wheeler vehicles that collect waste using a hydraulic grab arm and bucket.
Grab lorries make light work of waste removal, typically taking less than 20 minutes to clear a site.
With grab hire, there is no need to fill a container with your waste. Waste can be stored loosely in a heap, and the grab arm will collect the waste and deposit it into the trailer. The lorry will then dispose of your waste at a recycling centre.
Read our ‘Guide to Grab Hire’ to learn more about Grab services.
The benefits of Grab Hire
Grab hire is generally less work for site workers. The grab arm collects the waste from a heap on the floor.
Skips, however, require self-loading, which can be hard work having to shovel or wheelbarrow soil into a skip. Especially as the skip gets fuller, you must lift the material over the sides, which can be heavy.
Grab lorries have a bigger capacity than skips. One grab lorry holds roughly the same amount as two 8-yard skips. As a result, grab hire is around half the price of skip hire, making it better suited for larger projects.
Grab lorries can access waste in difficult places thanks to their 6-meter grab arms. The grab arm and bucket make lifting debris over walls, fences and obstacles easy.
Grab lorries don’t require permits. However, you would need a Skip licence to store a skip on the road. In addition, you may need to put safety lights and marking around the skip. Failure to meet local council safety guidelines can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
About the Author
Total Aggregate Recycling Solutions Ltd (TARS) are a family-owned and run business with over 30 years of experience and growth in the haulage and recycling industry. We supply our customers with innovative waste recycling solutions. We provide Grab Hire services across the southeast.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, please get in touch with our friendly service team by visiting our contact page or by calling us on 01206 307030.
Did you find this article useful?
Share it with a friend or colleague using the handy links below.