A Guide to Hiring a Skip

If you want to hire a skip then there are many things that you will need to consider. It’s not as simple as just getting the skip and filling it. There are different sizes, restrictions and even permits for you to think about! Here, we explain everything that you will need to know before you consider hiring a skip.

What do I need to know about hiring a skip?

There are so many different factors that you need to consider before hiring a skip. First of all, you need to find out if you have the space to temporarily house a skip. You will need to look into getting yourself a skip permit, choose what size you need and you will also need to be aware of what you can and can’t put inside a skip.

Skip sizes

Skips come in several different sizes. The size you will need depends on the waste that you are needing to get rid of. The skips that we offer come in five different sizes:

The ‘Midi Skip’ – 4 cubic yards

The Midi skip is the smallest skip that we supply. This size is perfect for any small home, garden or construction projects. This size can be placed on or off the road depending on where you need it. It’s usually fine to fill these skips with heavy and dense waste such as bricks, rubble and soil. It’s best to put the heavy items at the bottom.

The builders skips – 6 and 8 cubic yards

We sell both of these skip sizes separately, although both sizes are not always available in all areas. These are usually the largest skips which can easily go on the road and will require a permit. The 6 yard skip is the one that you’re likely to see on a driveway and happens to be our best seller. These skips are great ‘all rounders’ as they are suitable for heavy and dense waste as well as bulky waste.

Maxi and XL skips – 10 and 12 cubic yards

These two sizes are perfect for large projects such as a house or office clearance. Due to their large size, they cannot usually be placed on the road. They are not suitable for heavy and dense waste as the weight could be too great for the lorry to lift, but are great for bulky waste and light installation waste.

Where can I put a skip?

Before you have your skip delivered, you must make sure that you have a flat and stable surface for it to be placed on. You can put a skip anywhere on your property that is easily accessible. You need to make sure that there are no obstructions and it is easy to get to from the road. If you want to put your skip on the road or pavement, then you will need to get yourself a skip permit. Make sure that there is enough room for you to get to the skip and fill it up with ease.

Do I need a skip permit?

A skip permit (or a skip licence as it may also be known) is required if you are going to be placing a skip on a highway (a public road) or pavement. Skip permits exist as skips are large, bulky items and can take up a lot of space on the road sometimes causing inconvenience. You won’t need a skip permit if you will be placing the skip on your property (such as in your garden or on your drive). However, if you don’t own the property you will need to seek permission from your landlord. If you don’t have a skip permit then your skip can be removed at any time without notice and you may be liable for a fine. You can expect to be issued with a fine if your skip hasn’t been removed once your permit has expired.

If your skip needs to be placed in a controlled parking zone ie. in a resident’s parking bay in a car park (whether it’s your own home or a commercial property) then you will also need to apply for a parking bay suspension. Again, the cost of these differs from area to area so you will need to get in touch with your local council for a cost or more information. The costs vary from free to up to £80 a day in some parts of London. If you don’t get a parking bay suspension and you need one, you may be liable for a hefty fine.

If your skip is to be placed on the road, you need to ensure that the outside has been painted for visibility. It may also need cones around it. Failure to ensure that the skip is visible to road users could result in a fine.

How much does a skip permit cost?

The cost of skip permits differ depending on the area and how long you will be needing the skip. Skip permits usually last between one and four weeks. However you may be able to extend the period should you require the skip for a longer period. This of course will incur an additional fee. The average price of a skip permit in the UK is £30. Do check with your local council for an exact cost.

Where can I get a skip permit?

If you require a skip permit, then they can be obtained from your local council. Once you have requested and paid for the permit, it takes at least four days to go through. You must remember this when you are planning. Make sure that you don’t have your skip delivered before you have the permit, otherwise you could be liable to fines. Some skip companies are able to apply for the skip permit on your behalf which makes the process easier. Please note, this may come with an additional admin charge.

What can’t you put in a skip?

The above graphic shows some of the items that you are unable to put in a skip. You would be best to contact us if you are unsure. Our friendly team are only a phone call away!