Skip Permits - Everything You Need to Know when Hiring a Skip

A Guide to Skip Permits

If you are thinking of hiring a skip but are not sure if you will need a skip permit or not, this page will aim to answer all of your questions.

When it comes to deciding on the best location to have your skip delivered, there are basically two options – private property or public property. If you are having your skip delivered on to private property, such as your driveway, front garden or on your company premises, you don’t require anybody else’s permission. As long as the skip lorry can get access to where you want the skip to be dropped, you are free to choose where it will go.

However, for many people, having a skip on private property might not be an option. You might not have a driveway, or perhaps you’re a tradesman doing some work for a shop within a town centre. If this is the case, you will need to get permission from the local authority before you can have your skip delivered.

Getting permission to have a skip delivered on public property is known as a skip permit. This will be required if you need to have a skip delivered on to the road or a grass verge.

If you need a permit, we will arrange this for you with your local authority. Simply let us know if the skip will be going on public property during the booking process, and we will take care of the rest.

How much does a skip permit cost?

The cost of your skip permit will depend on your particular location. Local authorities around the UK charge different amounts to issue a permit, which can vary from £15 to over £50.

When placing your order, our system will automatically calculate the skip permit cost based on your delivery address. Below are some examples of how much councils across the UK charge:

Birmingham City Council – £21 per week
Somerset County Council – £65 (valid for 28 days)
Northamptonshire County Council – £19 per week
Manchester City Council – £32 per week
Newcastle City Council – £30 (valid for 28 days)
Hampshire County Council – £49 per week
Cardiff Council – £37 per week
City of Edinburgh Council – £29 per week

In some cases, the council may charge a slightly lower fee for any additional periods required. The City of Edinburgh Council, for example, charge £29 per permit for the first week and then £23 for each extra week.

How long does it take to get a permit?

Like with the charges detailed above, how long it takes to get a skip permit will depend on the council responsible for the area. The average time to organise a permit from the date of placing the order is around 2 to 4 days. But keep in mind that some local authorities require a longer notice period to issue a license, which will impact how quickly you can hire a skip.

How long does a skip permit last?

Again, this will depend on where you are having your skip delivered. Many councils will issue permits on a weekly basis, but in other areas, a skip permit will last for 28 days.

If you are having your skip delivered on to public property and require a skip permit, we will notify you about the permit duration during the booking process.

Can I get an extension to keep my skip for longer?

Yes, in most cases, it will be possible to extend your permit for a longer period if required. To do this, we will need to apply for an extension with the council, and they will charge you a fee for this.

Further information about getting a skip licence in your area can be found on your local council website. Alternatively, feel free to contact a member of our team who will be happy to help.