Managing waste is an important part of any home and garden renovation or commercial project. If you have a large amount of rubbish to dispose of, chances are you’ve considered hiring a skip or using a Hippo bag.
But which is better? This guide will explain why choosing the right waste disposal is important and describe the crucial differences between skip hire and Hippo bags.
What is a Hippo bag?
A Hippo bag, sometimes called a skip or Rhino bag, is a large and strong waterproof bag that’s used like a skip.
Unlike skip hire, you usually purchase a Hippo skip bag upfront and then pay for an external waste removal service to take it away once it’s full. The Hippo bag collection involves using a lorry with a crane, which lifts the bag onto a large truck. Some companies may choose to empty the Hippo bag by hand instead, avoiding the need for heavy lifting.
How much is a Hippo bag?
Hippo bag prices depend on the size and where you purchase it from. Three Hippo bag sizes are available — 1 yard, 1.5 yards, and 5 yards. You can get them from large-scale DIY stores, including B&Q, Travis Perkins, and Wickes, or purchase directly from HIPPOWASTE.
It’s worth noting that while the initial cost of the Hippo bag is affordable, this does not include its collection, which you must arrange separately with a private contractor or HIPPOWASTE themselves.
What can you put in a Hippo bag?
A Hippo bag is best for regular household, garden, and building waste, such as bricks and rubble, soil, unwanted carpet, and furniture.
Like skip hire, you can’t put hazardous waste into a Hippo bag. Banned items include plasterboard or gypsum materials, asbestos, electrical goods, chemicals, or food waste.
Hippo bag vs skip
Depending on your project, hiring a skip is an excellent Hippo bag alternative and may be more cost-efficient and suitable.
With skip hire, your delivery and collection costs are already covered, meaning there are no nasty surprises, and you’ll know exactly when your skip is being taken away.
Skip hire companies will also help you with skip licences, so you’re not hit with hefty fines for putting your waste container on a public footpath or road.
Hiring a skip also gives you more peace of mind regarding security. Choose a lockable and covered skip to secure your waste from theft and protect the public from potentially dangerous items.
Hippo bags have a lower weight and fill level compared to skips. While these are suitable for smaller projects, hiring a skip is best if you plan to accumulate a lot of waste or dispose of bulky items.