Hippo Bag Guide

3. What sizes do Hippobags come in?

Below is a table showing the size of each different bag and how much waste can fit in it.

 

	Builders Bag	Hippo Midibag	Hippo Megabag	Hippo Hipposkip
Cubic Yards	1.0 cubic yard	1.0 cubic yard	1.5 cubic yard	4.5 cubic yards
Size	900 x 900x 900mm	900 x 900 x 900mm	1800 x 900x 700mm	2100 x 1650 x 1000mm
Bulky rubbish that takes up similar volume	Washing machine	Washing machine	Tall Fridge or Bath	Bathroom or small kitchen ripout

 

4. Do Hippo bags have weight restrictions?

Hippowaste use crane style lorries to remove the filled bag, and for health & safety reasons have the following weight restrictions:

• Midibag – 1 tonne
• Megabag – 1.5 tonnes
• Hipposkip – 1.5 tonnes

However, if you arrange your collection with a waste contractor that does not use a mechanised arm to collect the bag (or for that matter use an alternative Hippo bag), but instead empties it by hand – then no weight restrictions apply. 

 

5. What jobs are skip bags suited to?

Skips bags are good for garden, builder or DIY waste (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, carpet, rubble etc).  They’re a great alternative if you don’t have the space for a skip, or if there is limited access.  However, it’s worth noting that if a crane lorry is collecting your skip bag, it’ll need easy access which means it will have to sit on a driveway/front garden/public highway.  If you don’t have the space for this, you can opt for a man and van as they will remove the waste from anywhere on your property.

If you have enough waste to fill a skip, a skip bag isn’t the ideal choice because it is more economical to hire a skip. 

Additionally, if labour and loading the skip bag is an issue, you may be much better off using a man & van clearance company because labour is included in the price. For a full discussion of all the bulky waste collectiion methods check out this article.

 

6. What can and cannot be put in a Hippo bag or skip bag?

You can put almost any type of non-hazardous waste in a Hippobag, including bathroom and kitchen rip-outs, carpet/flooring, DIY waste, broken tiles, soil, glass, furniture, and general junk. However, the following items are typically prohibited:

• Asbestos
• Batteries
• Mattresses
• Fire extinguishers
• Fluorescent tubes
• Fridges/freezers
• Tyres
• Pianos
• TVs and computer/laptop screens
• Paint cans
• Gas bottles
• Liquids (ie. oil, cooking oil, petrol, diesel, paint)
• Food waste including raw meats and fish
• Human/animal waste and clinical waste
• Bulky appliances (dishwashers, washing machines etc) – however it is allowed if the bag is collected by a private waste contractor

Use the following link to read our very detailed post of exactly what you can and cannot put in a hippo bag.

 

 

7. Can you put plasterboard in a Hippobag?

Plasterboard can be put in a Hippo bag but should not be mixed in with other waste. So, place it in its own bag and label it clearly or tell the collector when you arrange the collection. This is because plasterboard has to be recycled separately at the disposal facility. 

 

8. How much does it cost for a Hippo bag collection?

The price of a Hippo bag collection undertaken by independent waste companies ranges from £80 – £250 including VAT.  Check out example Hippo bag collection prices .  Exact cost depends on the size of the bag, the amount and type of waste in it (note: heavy waste costs more to dispose of unless it is highly recyclable like earth or sawdust and not contaminated with lots of other waste), location of bag, access / proximity to the road, and how urgently you require collection (same day jobs tend to cost more).  Hippo also offers discount codes to save money on collection.

Hippowaste charge the following for collection:

• Hippo Midibag (1 yard) – £144.99 (max 1000kg)
• Hippo Megabag (1.5 yard) – £174.99 (max 1500kg)
• Hipposkip bag (4.5 yard) – £244.99

 

9. How do I arrange a Hippobag collection?

If you are happy using an indepedent waste contractor to collect your Hippobag, you can Google around to get quotes or (and this is much easier btw!) simply create a free listing on LoveJunk to find your cheapest available licensed collector.

However, if you would prefer to use Hippowaste to collect (which is likely to cost quite a bit more), you can order your collection online via their website.

 

10. Are Hippo bags collected on weekends?

If you use an independent waste contractor to collect, your Hippo bag can be picked up any day of the week. Although, bear in mind that many waste companies don’t work weekends and most disposal facilities are shut on Sunday, so if you require a Saturday or Sunday collection, it is likely to cost a bit more.

11. How long does it take to collect a Hippo bag?

The amount of time it takes to collect depends on who you use.  Just like calling up a plumber to fix a leaking pipe. Hippowaste state on their website they aim to collect Hippobags within 5 working days. But if you list your job on LoveJunk, you can choose the most convenient day for you and you’ll be matched to a collector who can remove your waste on that date.  Note that same collections or very narrow pickup windows tend to cost more.

 

12. Can you take a Hippobag to the skip?

You can take your Hippobag or skip bag to the tip – it’s a great way to keep your car clean from any messy, loose waste.  Bear in mind that once full, skip bags can be pretty heavy so moving the bag into the back of your car may be tricky.

 

13. Where do I leave my skip bag?

If your skip bag is being collected using a crane lorry, you’ll need to leave it somewhere with easy access.  This could be on a public highway, front garden or driveway.  If you do choose to place your bag on the road, be aware that you’ll need to pay permit fees.

If you choose to use a man and van collection service, you can keep your bag leave your bag anywhere on your property.

 

14. How do man & van Hippo bag collections work?

A man and van collection of a Hippo bag is easy. It is the alternative to your Hippo bag being collected by Hippowaste.  They turn up and empty your bag by hand (assuming it isn’t light enough to be carried filled to the van). They load the waste into their truck. They sweep up where the bag was and any rubbish/ dust that fell around it. And that’s it.

 

15. What is a Hippo bag or skip bag?

A Hippo bag (sometimes called a skip bag) is a heavy-duty plastic bag used to dispose of bulky waste.  It’s basically a canvas bag version of a small skip.

 

Other resources:

• Hippo bag collection cost examples and discount codes
• Bulky waste collection guide
• Hippobag collection examples and prices