|
Article Synopsis
This article looks at the principal reasons why businesses and private individuals might need a building waste clearance service offered by a professional company, such as ASAP Clearances.
This article will take between three and four minutes to read.
Building and construction waste in the UK increases significantly during the spring and summer months. The better weather sees far more landscaping, renovation and construction projects being carried out, leading to higher volumes of rubble and materials.
But what should you do with any leftovers? ASAP Clearances have been finding out some of the key reasons why you might need the services of a professional clearance company.
Building Waste Clearance in Highgate from ASAP Clearances
At ASAP Clearances, we offer building waste clearing across North London – including in Barnet, Highgate, Finchley, Muswell Hill and Hendon. For more information on our construction waste services, follow this link.
You Can’t Take the Waste to the Council Site
Local authority sites do allow construction waste, but usually only in small quantities. Even then, some sites may only allow a certain number of visits within a specified timeframe.
And any building waste you bring in must be from a domestic project – anything else could be classed as commercial waste. This is because construction waste can be larger than the usual household waste, and so many sites – which often have limited space anyway - would reach capacity extremely quickly if professional builders were allowed to use their facilities.
You Can’t Use a Skip
There may be access issues which mean using a skip isn’t feasible. Although most local authorities are prepared to issue permits for a small fee, the Highways Act 1980 says you can’t put a skip on a public highway where it could obstruct traffic or pedestrians, too close to a junction, or where it could create visibility problems.
So, skips may be impractical for logistical reasons if you live in the wrong place. And if you have an unlicensed skip (or even a licensed one that overstays the time on the permit), you could be facing a hefty fine. (And you aren’t allowed to put hazardous or dangerous materials in them either.)
When You Have Too Much Waste…
Sometimes people overestimate how much (in the way of construction materials) they will need for a job. Simply returning it to the supplier may not be an option under its conditions of sale; it could also have been spoiled or affected by the weather if it’s been left outdoors, so you could be stuck with it.
Again, hiring a skip might not be the answer. Remember, you must not fill a skip above the level-load mark (the top edge) to ensure safe, legal transport on the UK’s roads. Overloading with heavy materials like soil or rubble can exceed legal weight limits (for example, between six and eight tonnes for a 6-8-yard skip). Exceeding these limits can result in failed collections, fines, or extra fees from the skip hire company.
A clearance from a professional company may be the simplest solution if you need to get rid of your building waste quickly.
...or Too Little
Equally, if you only have a small amount of construction waste, it may not be financially viable to use a skip. A professional waste clearance company will be far more cost-effective as they are used to disposing of both small and large amounts of waste, as well as many different types.
Building Waste Clearing in Highgate from ASAP Clearances
At ASAP Clearances, we have a Waste Carriers' Licence and so can help dispose of doors, windows, plaster and drywall, broken paving slabs, glass, rubble, sand, and concrete. We also clear tiles, asphalt, carpet, wood, flooring and other left-over building materials, as well as storage items such as pallets, crates, and general rubbish.
As with all our other clearances, you can rely on us for a swift, efficient service which puts you, our customer, first.
If you would like to know more about any of our services, click here and fill in the online form. You can also call us on 020 3475 0508.
FAQS:
Q: Can ASAP Clearances recycle any items from a clearance?
A: Yes, we always donate as much as possible to individuals or charities. This ensures as little as possible goes to landfill. However, there will be exceptions, such as hazardous or perishable items.
Q: Are there any legal consequences if you don't clear out a property which has a pest infestation such as mice or rats?
A: If your local council becomes aware of an infestation, they can serve a legal notice requiring you to eradicate the pests and "proof" the building (block entry points) within a set timeframe. If you fail to comply, it is a criminal offence. The council can also enter the property, carry out the work themselves, and send you the bill (known as "works in default"). This is all part of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act of 1949.
Q: What about if a property is structurally unsound?
A: If a property is structurally unsound to the point of being a "dangerous structure," the local authority can take emergency action; that is, they are empowered to carry out emergency repairs or demolition and charge you for the costs.
The alternative is a Magistrates' Court Order, where the danger is not immediate, but still significant. Your council can apply for a court order requiring you to make the property safe or demolish it. Failure to comply with a court order is a serious legal matter.
All of this is covered in the Building Act 1984, covering Dangerous Structures.