Everyone knows what a skip is and to many, it is essentially a large container that enables you to dispose of large volumes of waste quickly and easily. However, there is more to skips than you might realise, so in this article, we are going to give you some interesting facts that give you the opportunity to learn more about them.

Where Does Skip Come From?

When you stop and think about the word skip, it doesn’t necessarily tie in with the purpose of a skip. However, the word skip has origins from old Norse as it has links with the word skeppa which translates to basket. As these people began to move around during the Early Middle Ages, they eventually brought the word skeppa to the UK which eventually became skip. So, a skip is essentially a large basket in which we place our waste.

Why Are Skips Yellow?

Skips have been around for many years but they are quite large and so, the UK Highways Act placed certain regulations on them to ensure they remain safe. The aim is to make sure that skips can be easily seen and should be easy to spot in the dark and this is the reason why they were painted yellow and have remained that way since. However, some companies choose to paint skips in the colour of their business but the majority keep them yellow.

Are There Any Restrictions on Hiring a Skip

It is really important that skips are used safely and in accordance with the regulations that are in place. Therefore, any skip that is placed on a public highway must have a licence or a permit while they will need safety lights and markings. If you fail to do this, then you might find that you have a fine of as much as £1,000. This permit or licence can be obtained from the local council and can last for up to 15 days. Also be sure to fill your skip the right way to avoid additional charges.

Why Do We Use Skips?

We use skips because they offer us a convenient solution for disposing of large volumes of waste. It is easy to remove waste without the need to transport it to your local recycling centre and they can be collected from your property. It is also a cost-effective way of getting rid of waste which is why they are used and once the waste is collected, it’s transported to a waste transfer station where it is sorted into different materials.

When Were They First Used?

Before the 1960s, people still had a need to dispose of waste but they would do this using wagons or carts but essentially, they did the same thing as a skip. However, skips started to be used after the 1960s as this tied in with the introduction of machinery that made it possible to lift and transport skips to and from specific locations.

So, if you thought that a skip was just a large metal container then you might want to think again. There is a history behind skips and where they originated from but there is no denying that they are extremely useful!