At the same time, skip delivery drivers are heading out on their first runs of the day. Each driver has a route sheet with six to eight deliveries, and timing is everything.

A delayed drop-off can throw off the entire schedule.

Back at the yard, the phone doesn't stop. Customers want quotes, delivery slots, and advice on what size skip they actually need. It's not just about taking orders - it’s about problem-solving. Someone's got a narrow driveway and isn't sure a skip will fit.

Another customer needs same-day collection because their builder's finished early. Our office team juggles it all, keeping drivers updated via radio and rearranging schedules on the fly.

The Afternoon Grind

By midday, the yard's filling up. Skips that were collected that morning are being tipped and sorted. Our operatives separate wood, metal, rubble, and general waste, ensuring everything goes to the right recycling stream. It's physical work, and it's relentless. But it's also essential - proper sorting means we can recycle up to 90% of what comes through the gates.

Meanwhile, the scrap metal side of the business keeps ticking. A local plumber drops off a van load of old boilers. A homeowner brings in a pile of aluminium window frames from their home renovation. Each load is weighed, graded, and paid out. It's fast-paced, but there's a rhythm to it. The whole of our team knows their role, and we all work like a well-oiled machine.

The Unexpected Challenges

Of course, not every day goes to plan. A skip might arrive back contaminated with prohibited items - paint cans, asbestos, or worse.

That means extra time sorting and potentially a phone call to the customer.

Or a delivery driver might hit traffic on the A13, delaying the next three jobs. Our team has to think on their feet, rerouting drivers and keeping customers in the loop.

Then there's the weather. Heavy rain can turn the yard into a mud bath, and high winds mean we're unable to lift certain skips safely.

It's all part of our job, but it definitely keeps things interesting.

Winding Down

Usually by 4pm, things start to ease off. The last few customers trickle in, and drivers return from their final runs. The yard team does a final sort of the day's waste, and the office reconciles the day's bookings. It's not glamorous, but there's a real sense of satisfaction when everything's been handled smoothly.

At 5pm, the gates close. The yard falls quiet, and the team heads home - tired, but ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Why It Matters

A busy day at the skip yard isn't just about shifting waste. It's about keeping local projects moving, helping people clear out their homes, and making sure materials get recycled properly. Every skip we deliver, every tonne of metal we process - it all plays a part in keeping Essex ticking over.

So next time you book a skip or drop off some scrap, remember: there's a whole team behind the scenes making it happen. And on a busy Monday? We're working flat out to make sure your job gets done.