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 November 2024)
| CITY OR TOWN | 4 YARD SKIP | 6 YARD SKIP | 8 YARD SKIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | £240 | £300 | £340 |
| Bristol | £290 | £370 | £420 |
| Edinburgh | £244 | £288 | £340 |
| Exeter | £450 | £440 | £550 |
| Glasgow | £290 | £350 | £390 |
| Leeds | £240 | £418 | £320 |
| Liverpool | £200 | £250 | £290 |
| London | £310 | £340 | £390 |
| Luton | £270 | £320 | £380 |
| Manchester | £250 | £300 | £310 |
| Newcastle | £240 | £330 | £340 |
| Nottingham | £250 | £330 | £365 |
| Southampton | £280 | £340 | £380 |
*Averages based on or listed suppliers.
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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.
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 organise. Find our full guide on skip permits.
Does the council need to be informed?
Yes, if you’re placing the skip on public land, such as a road, pavement, or grass verge, you’ll need a skip permit from your local council. However, if the skip is going on private land, like a driveway or garden, you generally don’t need to inform the council.
Skip companies often arrange permits for you, but it’s wise to check in advance, as the rules and fees vary depending on your local council.
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 tell if a skip hire company is legit?
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 peace 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 are perfect for getting rid of non-hazardous waste like building materials, household items, and green waste. But keep in mind, hazardous waste requires special handling, permits, and containers—it’s against the law to mix hazardous and non-hazardous materials in a skip.
To make sure you’re clear on what’s allowed, check out our comprehensive guide on Waste Types We Accept and Prohibit.
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.
