Planning a renovation in Glastonbury? When to hire a skip

Written by Nick Towens

Planning a home renovation?

Let’s be honest, when it comes to big deep cleans and property resets, it’s always surprising just how much clutter and junk we accumulate over time.

Whether you’re tidying your garden and need to get rid of an old wooden shed or clearing out large amounts of cardboard, plastics, and metals, hiring a skip is often the smartest solution.

At Towens, we offer Glastonbury skip hire with delivery straight from our nearby base in Weston-super-Mare. With a wide range of skip sizes available, you can trust us to handle your waste responsibly, recycling or reusing over 90% of the materials we collect.

In this blog, we’ll explore the situations where hiring a skip is most effective, outline which materials are permitted, and provide guidance on selecting the right size to make your renovation project smoother, cleaner, and more sustainable.

When are skips needed during home renovations?

Home renovations can generate a surprising amount of waste. Hiring a skip at the right stage can save time, reduce trips to the local tip, and keep your site tidy. Here are some situations where skip hire is especially useful:

During demolition or structural work

Removing old walls, floors, or extensions produces heavy materials like bricks, glass and timber. A skip provides a safe, central location for disposal and helps avoid clutter on your property.

For kitchen or bathroom refits

Even minor refurbishments generate mixed waste, including plastics, metals and paper. Using a skip ensures that all waste is safely contained and ready for responsible disposal.

Garden projects and landscaping

From soil and turf to branches and stones, garden clearances can quickly fill black bin bags. A skip keeps garden waste organised and makes removal straightforward.

House clearances

Moving out or clearing clutter? Skips are ideal for disposing of bulky items, light waste, and general household rubbish efficiently.

What types of materials are permitted in a skip?

Not all waste can go into a skip. Knowing what’s allowed can save time and avoid additional disposal fees.

Permitted materials include:

• Wood and timber
• Stone and soil
• Paper and cardboard
• Plastics
• Metals
• Sand
• General waste
• Paint tins (dry)

Materials requiring additional charges:

• Electrical items (fridges, freezers, TVs)
• Asbestos and hazardous waste
• Heavily treated wood (railway sleepers)
• Upholstered furniture, mattresses, and POPs (persistent organic pollutants)
• Tyres

Materials not permitted:

• Batteries and gas cylinders
• Food waste or liquids of any description
• Pressurised containers
• Fluorescent tubes

Understanding these rules helps you select the right skip for your disposal needs in lovely Glastonbury.

Typical waste volumes

Choosing the right skip size depends on the type and volume of waste you generate. At Towens, we offer skips in a range of sizes suitable for different projects:

2 yd skip: Small projects, garden waste, minor house clearances. Fits 10-15 black bin bags.

4 yd skip: Medium projects, bathroom refits, landscaping. Holds 25-30 black bin bags.

6 yd skip: Larger renovations, heavy materials, big garden clearances. Fits 30-40 black bin bags.

8 yd skip: Major construction work or commercial waste. Accommodates 50-60 black bin bags.

12 yd skip: Large commercial or industrial projects. Can hold 90-100 black bin bags.

Skip hire from Towens: How we can help streamline waste management operations

We make skip hire in Glastonbury simple and stress-free. Our trained team will help you choose the right skip size, advise on the waste type you can safely dispose of, and even handle skip permits if your skip will sit on a public highway.

The booking process is made incredibly efficient by using our online three-step booking tool.

When your skip is collected, your waste is taken to one of our Somerset recycling facilities.

Here’s what happens next:

• Soil, hardcore, and aggregates are processed for reuse in construction projects.
• Mixed construction waste is sorted by machinery and by hand, separating metals, plastics, wood, and other materials.
• Non-recyclable waste is responsibly taken to landfill.

By working with Towens, you get efficient waste removal, sustainable disposal, and a team that understands local needs, making your renovation cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

FAQs

Do I need a skip permit?

If your skip will sit on public property, such as a road outside your house, you’ll likely need a skip permit from your local council. Towens can arrange this for you, saving time and ensuring compliance.

How long can I hire a skip for?

Our standard hire period is two weeks. If you need the skip for longer, just call us, and we can extend your hire or arrange collection at a convenient time.

Can I dispose of hazardous waste in a skip?

We can arrange disposal of hazardous waste however, these cannot go in with a general waste skip due to contamination. If you require assistance with Hazardous waste please contact us on 01934 424242

Who are Towens?

Towens is a family-owned waste management company based in Weston-super-Mare, providing skip hire, tipper hire, waste management, and demolition services across Somerset and the South West for over 30 years.

We employ local people, invest in modern vehicles and plant, and recycle over 90% of the waste we handle. Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial client in Glastonbury, we provide friendly, reliable, and sustainable waste solutions.

If you have any queries about any of our services, we’ll be more than happy to discuss them with you on 01934 424242. Our skip hire can be booked easily here.