We have four skip sizes: 4 yards (small), 6 yards (medium), 8 yards (large) and 12 yards (extra-large). The most popular size is the 6 yard skip. Larger skips costs more than smaller skips, but assuming you have enough waste to fill them, work out better value. The best skip size for you depends on the quantity of waste you are disposing of and the amount of space available at your property for putting the skip. See our skip size guide for more guidance.
Only fill your skip up to the height of its sides because otherwise the skip driver may refuse to collect it. This is because transport laws make it illegal to move a skip which is not ‘level-loaded’.
Skips are designed for getting rid of non-hazardous waste, not specialist materials. Detailed guidance about what can and cannot be put in a skip is here, but in summary the main items prohibited includes:
We provide skips, not the labour to load them. If you need help loading your skip then perhaps you would prefer to use our man & van service instead.
Typical length of hire is between 7 and 14 days. You can hire a skip for longer but this may result in additional charges. If you think you may need a skip for more than 14 days, let us know and we will check with the supplier to clarify availability and any additional cost. Similarly, if you want the skip removed less than 7 days after delivery, let us know at booking so we can ensure this is scheduled in for you.
Skips are normally delivered on large 7.5 tonne lorries that are wider than a car. Make sure there is enough space for the skip lorry to access the place you want the skip to be located or consider changing the location. If road or gate access is narrow, check with us beforehand that the dimensions of the lorry will fit. Note that when the full skip is taken away, the lorry will need the use of its stabilisers – metal legs which exert significant pressure on the ground and can dent soft tarmac or break paving stones.
Skips can be located ‘on-road’ or ‘off-road’. On-road means the skip is parked on a public road, roadside or pavement. Off-road means the skip is parked on private property away from the road, for example in a driveway, yard, garden or field. On-road skips cost extra because they require a skip permit from the council (and possibly also a CPZ suspension).
On-road skips require a skip permit in advance from the council. A skip permit is written authority from the council that you can put a skip on a public highway. The cost of a skip permit varies by council and also by length of time the skip is left in the road. The skip supplier applies for the permit and that additional cost, together with a small admin fee, is added to your overall hire price.
In addition to a skip permit, if the location is within a controlled parking zone (eg. residents’ permit or pay & display), a CPZ suspension will also be required. CPZ suspension fees also vary by duration and postcode. Like permits, the skip supplier arranges CPZ suspensions and then charges the cost on to you as an extra. If you are unsure whether you need a CPZ suspension, contact your local council or ask our booking team.
Your skip is collected when you tell us to collect it. You can either specify a collection date at the time of booking, or tell us later once you know. Collection is normally within 2 days of your chosen date.