Can Builders Just Dump Building Rubble Adjacent to a Skip on a Road

Can Builders Just Dump Building Rubble Adjacent to a Skip on a Road

No, builders aren’t allowed to dump building rubble adjacent to a skip on the road. Instead, they should ensure that all waste is left inside the skip for proper disposal. If a skip is to be placed next to a highway, the necessary permits must be acquired first. The waste should be disposed of in accordance with the conditions specified on the skip permit. Failure to which, you will be liable for a fine. Here are some of the things that should be considered when it comes to skip usage and disposal of the contents.

White builder skip on a road with full of rubbish

Skip permits and conditions

If you’re planning on placing a skip on private land such as a driveway, most of the time you will not need a permit. However, if you want to place the skip on a public highway, you’re going to need a permit from the local council. You should always ensure that you confirm with your local authorities to know whether you will need any permit depending on the type of builders skip you opt for. Some of the conditions that apply when it comes to skip usage can be in relation to the following.

  • Where the skip will be placed
  • Dimensions of the skip
  • The skip coating or how to make it visible to oncoming traffic
  • The care and disposal of the skip contents
  • How the skip will be lit and guarded
  • Skip removal upon expiry of the permission

Red builder skip with rubbish in itIf you have been granted permission to place a skip on a road you should ensure that you adhere to the set conditions. If the skip is being placed on a public highway, you should ensure that you get permission from the highway authority. When hiring a skip, some of the things you should ensure are adhered to include the following:

  • The skip should be well-lit or marked at night and it can be done using fluorescent material
  • It should be clearly marked with the owner’s address, name and phone number
  • The skip should be moved once it has been filled
  • Ensure all conditions upon issuance of the permit are adhered to

General conditions for skip usage

Each area has restrictions on the type of skip that can be placed on a road. Generally, the skip shouldn’t exceed  5m in length and a width of 2m. The skip should be placed near the edge while ensuring it doesn’t block any surface water drainage or manholes. It’s also safe to place the skip at least 14m away from any road junction or authorised bus stop.

It’s advisable to ensure that the skip is placed where it doesn’t block the entryway to another property unless the owner has consented to it. If there are two skips being used, they should be placed next to each other.

For proper visibility, the skips should have broad red and yellow fluorescent diagonal strips reflecting and they should be clean at all times. The skip ends should be painted yellow and it should also have the owner’s information. There should also be red warning lamps between the cones and at each corner of the skip for proper visibility in the dark.

yellow skip

It’s also a requirement that builder’s skip shouldn’t be placed on footpaths. You should also consider the things that are placed in the skip. Some other things that shouldn’t be placed in a skip include inflammable materials, explosives or any other dangerous materials.

The skip should be emptied as soon as it’s filled or within a reasonable time. It should be removed upon expiration of the period stated in the permit and the spot left tidy and clean.

From the above, you can see that the guidelines for using builders skip are very easy to follow and adhere to. It’s advisable to ensure that your builders properly dispose of the rubble and waste to avoid any fines from the local authorities. It’s also an ideal way to ensure that your surroundings remain clean and tidy.