starting a small skip hire business up

[ashley88]

Hello im looking to start up a small mini skip business for myself im looking to go the right way about it.
To start with i just want to see how it goes with 1 truck and about 8 skips. With the attention off upgrading if it all goes well. What sort of licenses do I need?

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[Andrew46]

Check the Environment Agency website as you are likely to have to register as as a waste carrier, broker or dealer. There is an online "tool":
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/wastecarriers.aspx

Also have a look at https://www.gov.uk/skip-operator-licence in relation to local authority licences for skips on the public highway.

The HSE has information on the health and safety aspects of skip operating http://www.hse.gov.uk

You will also need to look into the insurance cover, in particular employee (if you have any) and public liability as a minimum.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Some basic stuff here
https://www.alliance-leicestercommercialbank.co.uk/bizguides/full/skip/parkes-legal_matters.asp
Maybe talk to your local environmental health department as they will give you specific information for your area.
I don't think it's an "easy business" lots of paper work and licences to deal with!
Lots for sale here
http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/buy/service-businesses-for-sale/skip-hire

 

[ethical PR]

And do your research to understand your completion, customers and how you will promote your service.

 

[ashley88]

Ok thanks for your help. Most of my family are in the building trade so work shouldent be a problem.

 

[Mike W]

I wouldn't listen to any of them. They're all talking rubbish

 

[alasdair1982]

Hi

I have a few customers that operate skip lorries, The smaller owner drivers are finding things difficult at the moment with the cost of fuel, maintenance, landfill etc.. One of my customers runs 8 vehicles and has a recycling centre along side which is a massive benefit.

Remember you will need to allow for vehicle maintenance on a skip lorry which is considerably more than cars/vans. Depending on truck model and age i would expect anything up to £3500 per year barring any disasters. Honestly i deal with this every day don't understimate the running costs of a skip lorry. One bad trip to landfill and you could have a couple of punctures on your hand ( regular occurance ) and that's best part of £300 gone...

You will also need an operators license which will require proof of good financial standings, You need to provide proof you have access to £3100 for 1 vehicle, £4800 for 2 and so on

alasdair

 

[tomp1986]

Hi

I use skip companies all the time and they are finding things hard landfill tax is killing it skips are no longer good value for money

There is companies and I do quite a bit myself waste removal

We remove the waste do all the loading ect

And are a lot cheaper than a skip and I think people are coming round to this

A skip company has large trucks and they cost a fortune to keep on the road and they have 2 trips

Pick up and drop off

My advice would be do it small and also offer a transfer facility so people can come to you with waste and recycle as much as possible and sell what you can

Try going for the domestic market with a 3.5t truck and 4 yard skips also no vat it's a big thing

Hope this helps and I hope I'm not talking rubbish

Cheers tom

 

[businessfunding]

Also have a look at grab bags & grab trucks

A good starting lways to put cashflow projections together - it helps to focus your questions.point is a

 

[Talay]

Also have a look at grab bags & grab trucks

A good starting lways to put cashflow projections together - it helps to focus your questions.point is a

On sale in every DIY store for various prices. Whether the OP could beat B&Q, Homebase, etc. and advertise sufficiently to get the message across I am not sure.

Flyering at a cost of 8p delivered and a profit per bag of £20 would need a return rate of 1 in 250 or 0.4%. Is that achievable ?

 

[Darrenchase]

Also have a look at grab bags & grab trucks

A good starting lways to put cashflow projections together - it helps to focus your questions.point is a

I run a flooring company and when we carry out uplifts we use the hippo bags as there convenient or for larger projects we use man and a van as these are massively cheaper than skips and more convenient for us.