Skip Hire Permits and Regulations | The Skip Company

Skip Hire Permits and Regulations

Clearing out junk and rubbish from the home and garden should be a simple process but there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration.

Clearing out junk and rubbish from the home and garden should be a simple process but there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration. Hiring a skip is the obvious starting point but even that needs to be planned and thought through. Even filling the skip is not as simple a procedure as it sounds as there are rules, regulations and guidelines that MUST be followed.

Do I Need a Permit for a Skip?

In all likelihood the answer is YES! A permit or licence is required by law if the skip is going to be placed on a public road. In most cases the skip hire company will take care of the paperwork and include the licence fee in the total price charged. However, this is not the case with all local councils and you may have to apply in person. If you have enough space to put the skip in a driveway or on your own land a permit is not necessary. In congested urban areas it may not be possible to place a skip on the road and your skip hire company can offer alternatives such as skip-bags or wait while you load up. Be aware that unlicensed skips can be removed and will likely incur a fine.

How Much Does a Skip Permit Cost?

Prices vary greatly depending on where in the United Kingdom you live. London, as expected, tops the list with permits averaging around £50 while it can be as low as £10 in Liverpool. On top of this the skip hire company can add an administration fee of £10 and there may also be a VAT charge. Another possible expense to be aware of is “parking suspension fees”. These occur when skips are placed in controlled parking zones and can cost £80 a day in London.

Are There Other Costs?

The cost of hiring a skip depends on the size you require, the length of time it is required for and the price of the local council permit. This will be stated in the quote from the skip hire company but further costs may arise in fines if you fail to follow required safety regulations or dispose of prohibited items. For example, you cannot overload the skip or leave items protruding from the sides. Safety lights and reflective markings may also be required for skips placed on the road. There is also a long list of items that cannot be placed in a skip including some everyday objects such as light bulbs and paint tins.

Don’t risk hiring a skip from unlicensed companies who may offer their services at extremely low rates. If something goes wrong you are responsible and could end up paying massive fines. Skip hire companies should be registered with the Environment Agency if they are to deliver a legitimate and approved waste disposal service. Be sure you understand exactly what can and cannot be placed in a skip. Mistakes are easy to make but can be costly so always ask if you are not sure!