FAQ’S

Below is a list of common questions about Skip Hire or exactly how Skip Hire Comparison service works. We have attempted to answer as many common questions we could think of.

What are the average skip prices across the main UK cities?

Below shows average* prices for skip hire in the UK for a selection of major cities.(Updated October 2016)

CITY OR TOWN 4 YARD SKIP 6 YARD SKIP 8 YARD SKIP
Birmingham £145 £179 £203
Southampton £192 £241 £266
Bristol £161 £237 £269
Nottingham £130 £186 £207
Edinburgh £142 £191 £234
Newcastle £170 £212 £245
Exeter £237 £257 £272
Manchester £142 £168 £205
Glasgow £124 £147 £192
Luton £201 £250 £284
Leeds £130 £152 £196
Liverpool £131 £157 £183
London £223 £288 £308

*Averages based on a sample of suppliers countrywide.

I have another question to ask.

If you cant find the answer your looking for above, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.

What does the cost of a skip include?

The cost includes the actual hire of the skip, and also delivery and collection. Bear in mind it does not include any other equipment, permits or subsequent costs that may be incurred.

How much do skips cost to hire?

Skip hire rates differ according to size, waste materials and where  you are based in the UK. Typically the average price for an eight yard skip is approximately £220, before the price of any skip permit.

What is a skip permit or skip license?

Prior to placing a skip on a road, you require a skip hire permit. Both of those cost money and take a minimum of a couple of days to organize.

Does the council need to be informed?

We would certainly always suggest contacting the local council and giving them as much detail as you possibly can. Generally, you don’t have to tell them – but if you have to leave your skip on a public road or sidewalk, you should get a permit.

How long can I hire a skip for?

A skip will in most cases be collected within One or two weeks after being delivered, but you can remove it sooner or later if you wish. Another thing to take into account is if the skip is placed in a position that requires a permit, you will need to extend the permit for the extra time required.

How can I avoid the use of cowboy skip hire companies?

All skip companies listed on our website are checked to make sure they are licensed to carry waste by the Environment Agency. We try our best to make sure these records are up to date, but its always a good idea to double check for piece of mind on the Environment Agencies website. If you do discover one that is listed on our site who’s license has expired, please inform us as soon as possible.  Additionally, it is a good idea to request a copy of their public liability insurance in the event they accidentally damage your property when delivering or collecting the skip.

What can I put in my skip?

Skips can be used for removing non-hazardous waste material for instance building waste, household items as well as green waste etc. If you want to get rid of hazardous waste you’ll need special permits and containers. Its against the law to mix hazardous waste material together with non-hazardous waste material.

Have a look at our list of Waste types that we can and cannot allow by clicking here.

What to do with hazardous materials?

Here is a list to assist you classify what is classed as hazardous material. Solvents, Corrosive liquid, Biological waste, Medical waste, Creosote (check older wood products), Laboratory waste, Batteries, Aerosols, Gas canisters, Pesticides, Anti-freeze, Paint, Waste oils, Motor oils, Vehicle batteries, Vehicle wheels, Fire extinguishers, Florescent tubes, Light bulbs, Televisions and computer monitors, Fridges, Asbestos, Plasterboard, Explosives. Click here to see our visual guide.

How full can I load my skip?

For legal reasons you should not over-fill your skip. To make sure the skip is safe to transport, you have to make sure that it’s not filled beyond the the top of the skip. If it is over filled, there is a chance it can’t be transported safely and excess charges may apply.

Where can the skip be placed?

It’s your choice to decide on the placement of the skip on your property. You do however have to keep in mind ease of access for the driver when he comes to deliver the skip. Make sure you don’t move the position of the skip once the driver has delivered it, as this might cause problems when they have to collect it again.

If you want to put the skip in a public place like a road or path you will need to get a permit.

What skip sizes are there?

Skips come as covered and open skips. They vary  in size from a two Yard skip, to a forty Yard Skip. The most used is a six yard builders skip. Its about the size of a small car.

To see the full range of skips our suppliers have available check out our Skip Sizes page for more information.

Where will my waste go?

Your waste material will always be processed at an authorised treatment facility in accordance with all UK and EU legislation.

What areas do you cover?

We cover every part of the UK.

Can the skip be placed over my wall?

This is possible depending on the supplier and the fence height. Fence’s can be no higher than 3ft for it to even be considered. You will need to ask us before ordering. Please be aware suppliers will not be held responsible to any damage caused.

Can the skip cause damage to my driveway?

It’s possibile that the skip could potentially cause damage to block paved and softer tarmac driveways. The stabilising arms of the larger skips might also damage your drive way.To reduce the risk of any damage taking place, you could place a large piece of chipboard panel underneath the skip itself.

What skip size do I need for soil and other hardcore?

If you have heavy inert (soil,  sand, shingle, hardcore, bricks, concrete) materials, the biggest skip you will be able to use would be a 6 – 8 yard, although this will also depend on the company and the size of lorries that they are using.

Larger skips such as 12 or 14 yard maxi skips must be used for light weight only (light bulky waste) as they can become too heavy for the skip lorry to pick up once it has been loaded or may cause damage the driveway, pavement or road.

There is a simple rule of thumb guide to knowing how much soil or hardcore your skip will accommodate. Try to remember that your skip will take roughly the same amount of tonnage as it will yardage. Therefore, a 4 yard skip will hold 4 tonnes worth of soil.