Skip

A skip is similar to a dumpster, being a huge container into which mostly dirt and other junk is dumped. This container is specially shaped and designed to be mounted onto a garbage truck. Being open at the top, the skip can be loaded with just about anything. Mostly used by government public sanitation departments, the skips are installed on the backs of garbage trucks with the help of overhead mechanized contraptions.

The skip holders, mostly hydraulically or pneumatically powered, or using a motor, function to either lift the skip onto the back of the truck or lower it back to the ground. The skip is loaded with all the trash when it is at ground level after which it is lifted onto the truck mechanically. Thus, garbage can be quickly picked up and taken to the junkyard.

Some skips are even attached to tipper vehicles that elevate the skip from one side only. The garbage then slides off the container. Besides the public garbage-collecting vehicles, skips are also used in construction and demolition sites for speedy removal of rubble. The skip’s contents are either taken to recycling plants or to landfills. Some skips have a hinged door at one side. Besides the skip trucks, skips can also be lifted by cranes. Skips are also available for hire as and when needed in UK cities like Lancashire and Surrey.