Skip Hire FAQs
What size skip should I hire?
If you have not hired a skip before, then selecting the right size can be confusing. Skip sizes are referred to by the cubic yardage, so you will commonly see 2 yard, 4 yard etc. Most companies advise the customer to select a slightly bigger size than they think they need as it can be expensive if a second skip is required later. Take a look at our guide on skip hire sizes to help you reach the right decision.
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What if I underestimate the size that I need?
With the attached guide, plus advice from your skip hire company then you should be able to select the correct size.
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It is illegal to overload a skip and a customer would be charged for the removal of any excess waste if a larger skip is required. However, be realistic and make sure you have sufficient space to site a larger skip and your own property has the right access for a delivery vehicle.
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How high can I fill the skip?
Skips can be filled level to the top. The volume of the skip must not be artificially increased by the use of boards or other materials extending the sides of the container. Suppliers face prosecution for overweight or unsafe loads.
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What is the maximum size that I can use for a domestic job?
If the skip is likely to contain soil or hardcore then the maximum size is 8 cubic yards. Larger skips can be used for domestic jobs but this is when you have bulkier items that are more volume than weight.
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What about access?
The vehicles delivering the skip are normally fairly large so they need sufficient room to manoeuvre safely. If space is a problem, some skip companies provide a ‘wait and load’ service to take the waste away or ‘grab lorries’ that are particularly useful over garden walls etc. You should be able to find a practical alternative to a skip if you have particularly restrictive access. Discuss any concerns that you with your proposed supplier. It is also useful to mention any access / time restrictions that could affect delivery and collection.
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How much does it cost to hire a skip?
It depends on the size of the skip and your location.
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How much notice do I need to give when ordering a skip?
Most suppliers will be able to deliver a skip within 24 hours, Monday to Saturday, providing you don’t need a permit. It is likely to be more difficult if you require a skip on a Sunday or Bank Holiday so try to plan ahead.
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How long do I have the skip for?
The standard hire period varies. Discuss with the supplier what is best for you.
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What if I am not finished by the time the skip is due to be collected?
Advise the skip supplier as early as possible that you are behind schedule. If the skip is on public land (link- Do I need a permit?) make sure that your permit is valid for the extra time that you require. If it is not, then the skip will have to be removed whilst a new permit is organised.
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Where will the skip be positioned?
Where possible, the skip will be positioned on your drive, so make sure you have the dimensions to hand when working out which is the right-sized skip for you. Are there any trees with overhanging branches, manhole covers or anything which makes access difficult? Make sure that you are placing the skip on your private land, i.e. there might be a grass verge outside of your house, but does it belong to you or is it public land? Raise these issues with the skip hire company at the time of ordering and they should be able to help you.
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Will the skip damage my driveway?
Due to the stabilising equipment on a skip vehicle, there might be some damage where a skip has been positioned, especially if the driveway is block paved or soft tarmac. Also if you ask the driver to site a skip across a grassy area or over a manhole cover, then you might be asked to sign a document accepting responsibility. It is definitely worth discussing this during the initial consultation process with the skip supplier.
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I don’t have a drive so the skip will have to go on the road. Do I need a permit?
A permit is required by most local authorities if a skip needs to be placed on public land. Public land includes both the highway (roads) and footpaths besides the roads (the footpath is sometimes referred to as a berm). The permit can take up to 7 working days to arrange, especially if you are requesting permission to site a skip on either an ‘A’ or a ‘B’ road or where parking is particularly difficult or there is congestion.
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Who arranges the permit and how long does it last?
In most instances, the skip hire company will request the permit on your behalf and the permit should last for 28 days but again, check with your skip supplier.
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Is there a charge for the permit?
There is a charge which you are responsible for, although prices differ across varying local authorities. You may also be asked to supply and maintain lights and cones to warn other road users at night. In some cases your skip supplier will provide these for you.
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What if I cannot get a skip licence?
Although it is rare for a council to refuse a licence, some skip companies will provide a skip and a driver to wait with it, whilst it is loaded. Alternatively, depending on the amount of waste, some companies can provide skip bags which come flat packed and can be stored on your property until collection, (see other suggestions - What about access?)
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How can I check if a skip has a valid permit?
Most local authorities have a list of valid skip permits detailed on their website. You should also find a list of approved waste contractors on the same website.
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What waste types can I put in the skip?
Most general domestic, building, DIY and gardening wastes are acceptable.
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Is there anything that I cannot place in a skip?
Certain types of waste are classed as hazardous and cannot be placed in general waste skips under any circumstances. These include:
- Food Waste / Solvents / Pressurised containers, e.g. aerosols
- Paint Cans / Tyres / Batteries
- Gas canisters or cylinders / Any electrical products / Fluorescent Tubes
- Liquids of any description
- Asbestos / Dangerous chemicals / Medical or Clinical Waste
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There are many types of hazardous waste and this list is not exhaustive. If in doubt, please contact your selected skip hire company. It is also worth consulting the Environmental Agency Website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste for more information. You can also check on this website whether your contractor is an authorised waste carrier, or if necessary find an authorised waste carrier in your local area.
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So what happens to the waste after it is taken away in the skip?
Your waste will be transported to a waste recycling facility where it will go through a sorting process to identify and separate recyclable materials. Anything not suitable for recycling will be taken to landfill.
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Dislcaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to provide a useful and accurate guide, we cannot be held responsible for material contained in this document and any questions should be raised with the appropriate skip supplier or local authority.
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