Posted on 24th February 2023 by Hintons
Have you ever heard the term “skip diving” and wondered whether it’s illegal or not? In the UK, the legality regarding skip diving can be a little unclear. Many freegans use skip diving to reduce their waste and, in turn, their environmental impact, but if you’re keen to go down this route you need to be fully informed on the legalities.
In this article, we will explore skip diving, its legality, and its connection to freeganism.
What is skip diving?
Skip diving involves rummaging through bins or skips in search of discarded items that are still useful. These items can range from food and clothes to furniture and electronics. Freegans often practise skip diving as a way of reducing their ecological footprint and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
What are the laws surrounding skip diving?
In the UK, skip diving in general is not necessarily illegal. However, it is important to note that removing items from a skip that is on private property without the owner’s permission is considered theft and is very much illegal. Additionally, local authorities may have specific laws that prohibit skip diving, so it is advisable to check with your local council before you start rummaging through your neighbour’s bins.
Freeganism
What is freeganism?
Freeganism is a lifestyle that involves reducing waste and living sustainably by adopting practices such as skip diving, composting, and recycling. Freegans often reject consumer culture and try to live off the grid as much as possible.
What is the difference between freeganism and skip diving?
While skip diving and freeganism are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. Freeganism is a lifestyle, whereas skip diving is an activity that contributes to the freegan lifestyle. Skip diving is just one aspect of freeganism, and while many freegans practise skip diving, not all skip divers are freegans.
How To Prevent Skip Divers?
Not everyone wants their waste to be searched through. To prevent skip divers from rummaging around your skip, you’ll want to make it as difficult as possible for them to gain access. This can be done by locking the skip or storing it in a secure location. Alternatively, you could arrange for your waste to be collected by a professional skip hire service. This not only ensures that your waste is disposed of properly but also reduces the risk of skip divers accessing your property.
To prevent skip divers from accessing your property, we highly recommend using a professional skip hire service. That’s where Hinton’s Waste comes in. We provide affordable and flexible skip hire services for domestic and commercial customers. Choose from a wide range of skip sizes and enjoy quick and simple delivery. We will arrange all permits on your behalf and deliver your skip straight to your property. As soon as you are finished filling your skip, we can collect it from your property and take it to our dedicated recycling facility for processing.
Get your free skip hire quote now.