You need a skip, and your brain is burning with questions. Can they go on the road? Do you need a permit? How much do they cost?
Fear not. Because in this article, we’ll be answering every skip-related question you could possibly have, such as:
- Where Can a Skip Be Placed? (Driveway, Road, or Private Land Explained)
- Do I Need a Skip Hire Permit?
- Are There Any Hidden Costs With Skip Hire?
- What Types and Sizes of Skips Are Available?
- What Can You Put in a Skip? (And What You Can’t)
- How Much Waste Can You Put in a Skip?
- Can You Burn Rubbish Inside a Skip?
- What Is Considered Hazardous Waste in Skip Hire?
- Does Skip Hire Cost More in Rural Areas?
- Will a Skip Damage My Driveway?
- What Are the Access Requirements for a Skip Delivery?
- Can a Skip Be Placed Over a Wall or Fence?
- What Happens If Someone Else Puts Waste in My Skip?
- What If Something Is Blocking Access for Skip Delivery or Collection?
- Do I Need to Be Home for Skip Delivery or Collection?
- Can I Choose the Delivery and Collection Time for My Skip?
Core Skip Hire Basics
Here are the core skip hire basics you need to understand before booking.
Where Can a Skip Be Placed? (Driveway, Road, or Private Land Explained)
One of the most common questions people ask before booking a skip is: “Where am I actually allowed to put it?” The short answer is: you’ve got options. But there are a few legal boxes to tick depending on where that skip ends up.
Private land (like your driveway or garden)
No problem. If the skip sits fully on land you own or have permission to use, you don’t need any special paperwork.
Public roads, pavements, or verges
If the skip is going on a public street like the roadside or pavement outside your house, you’ll need a skip permit from the local council before it’s delivered. If you choose to book a skip with Skip Price, we’ll show you the best skip hire companies in your area that cover the legal process for you.
Other public land (like parks or car parks)
Skips generally can’t be placed here unless you’ve obtained explicit permission from the landowner or council.
In short, you can put a skip in the most convenient place for you, but if that place is public property, a permit is almost always required.
Do I Need a Skip Hire Permit?
If it’s public land, yes, you need a permit. If it’s your own private land, or someone elses who’s given you explicit permission to use their land to place a skip, then no, you don’t need a permit.
It is, however, always best practice to check the official gov.uk website to find out if you specifically need one, or, you can get in touch with us today and we’ll find a local skip hire company that will cover the legal side for you, for the best price.
Are There Any Hidden Costs With Skip Hire?
Skip hire prices are usually straightforward, but there can be a few extra charges hiding in the small print – especially if you’re not sure what to look for.
Here are the most common “surprise” costs people run into:
Skip permits
If the skip needs to sit on a public road or pavement, your local council will charge a permit fee. Prices vary by council, but they’re usually between £30 and £70.
Overfilled skips
If you load waste above the “fill line,” you may be asked to remove the excess or pay an additional fee before the skip can be collected.
Prohibited waste
Putting restricted items (like asbestos, tyres, fridges, or hazardous waste) in a skip can lead to extra disposal charges.
Extended hire
Most hire periods are 7–14 days. If you need the skip for longer, some companies will add an extra daily or weekly fee.
With Skip Price, we’ll help you find the most reliable, trustworthy skip hire companies in your area for the best price, who are always transparent about fees and costs.
What Types and Sizes of Skips Are Available?
Skips come in a range of sizes, each designed for different types of jobs. The right one for you depends on how much waste you’re dealing with and where you plan to put it.
Mini Skips (2–3 Yards)
Perfect for small household projects, garden clear-outs, or light DIY jobs. They hold around 20–30 bin bags of waste and are ideal when space is limited, such as on a driveway or small site.
Midi Skips (4–5 Yards)
A popular choice for medium-sized projects like kitchen or bathroom refits. They hold roughly 40–50 bin bags and offer a good balance between capacity and footprint.
Builder’s Skips (6–8 Yards)
The classic choice for construction and renovation projects. These skips handle heavier materials like soil, rubble, and bricks and hold around 60–80 bin bags of waste.
Large Skips (10–12 Yards)
Best suited for major clear-outs, large-scale renovations, or bulky waste. They’re often used on commercial sites and can hold up to 120 bin bags.
Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Skips (15–40 Yards)
These industrial-sized skips are used for significant construction, demolition, or commercial projects. They’re ideal when you need to dispose of high volumes of waste quickly and efficiently.
What Can You Put in a Skip? (And What You Can’t)
There are some rules about what you can and can’t throw into a skip, and they don’t just depend on what you’re getting rid of. The type of skip you hire, what you’re using it for, and even where it’s kept (private land vs public road) can all affect what’s allowed.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you stay on the right side of the law:
What You Can Put in a Skip
Most everyday household, garden, and construction waste is perfectly fine. That includes:
- Wood, plasterboard, bricks, rubble, and tiles
- Soil and green waste (e.g. branches, leaves, plants)
- Plastic, cardboard, and general packaging materials
- Furniture, non-electrical household items, and fixtures
- Metal, scrap, and non-hazardous building materials
You can also mix different types of general waste (e.g. garden and construction) as long as none of it is classified as hazardous.
What You Can’t Put in a Skip
Some items are either hazardous to health, harmful to the environment, or require specialist disposal. These should never go in a standard skip:
- Batteries, electrical appliances (WEEE waste), and fridges/freezers
- Gas cylinders, aerosols, and pressurised containers
- Paint, solvents, fuels, or oils
- Asbestos, plasterboard dust, or insulation materials
- Medical waste, sharps, or contaminated materials
- Tyres and vehicle parts
Hazardous waste must be disposed of through a licensed specialist. If you’re unsure about an item, always check with your skip provider before adding it.
Need a reliable skip provider? Check out the best-rated skip hire companies in your area.
How Much Waste Can You Put in a Skip?
That depends on the type of skip you want. Mini-skips can hold 20-30 bin bags of rubbish, with larger skips holding upwards of 120 bin bags.
Most skips also have a “fill line” that stops you from overfilling them, so make sure to check with your skip provider before overpilling your skip.
Can You Burn Rubbish Inside a Skip?
No, you absolutely can’t. And it’s not just a bad idea, it’s illegal in most cases. Burning waste inside a skip can damage the container, void your hire agreement, and even land you with fines under local environmental laws.
On top of that, many materials (like treated wood, plastics, or household rubbish) release toxic fumes when burned, which is dangerous for people and the environment.
If you need to dispose of burnable waste, your safest option is to let the skip provider collect and process it through licensed waste facilities.
Don’t know which provider is best? Skip Price has the best library of the highest-rated skip hire companies across the UK. They’ll sort, recycle, or dispose of any waste properly without the legal risk. Click here to find a skip provider in your area.
What Is Considered Hazardous Waste in Skip Hire?
In short, anything that could harm people, animals, or the environment if not handled correctly counts as hazardous waste, and none of it can go in a standard skip. These materials require specialist disposal and must be collected separately by licensed waste carriers.
Common examples of hazardous waste include:
- Asbestos: often found in older buildings and roofing materials.
- Paints, solvents, and chemicals: including cleaning agents, thinners, and adhesives.
- Batteries and electrical components: especially those containing lithium or heavy metals.
- Fluorescent tubes: which contain mercury.
- Gas cylinders and pressurised containers: even if they appear empty.
- Medical or biological waste: including sharps, contaminated items, or pharmaceuticals.
If you’re unsure whether something counts as hazardous, check with your local council or the skip hire provider before disposing of it. They can arrange safe collection or advise on alternative disposal services.
Find the best skip hire companies in your area here.
Costs, Location & Access
Now that we’ve tackled the most common skip hire questions, let’s clear up a few that don’t get asked as often, but still matter just as much when it comes to planning your project.
Does Skip Hire Cost More in Rural Areas?
In most cases, skip hire prices stay the same whether you live in a busy city centre or a quiet village. However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
Some providers may charge a small additional fee if your property is far outside their usual delivery radius or requires extra travel time to reach. This is rare, but it’s worth checking before you book.
The easiest way to avoid unexpected costs is to use a comparison service like Skip Price, where we connect you directly with local providers already operating in your area, keeping delivery times fast and prices as low as possible.
Will a Skip Damage My Driveway?
It’s possible, but with the right precautions, you can usually avoid any serious damage.
Because skips are made of heavy-duty steel and can weigh a lot (especially once they’re full), there’s always a risk of scratches, scuffs, or small cracks if they’re placed directly on a driveway. This risk is higher if your drive is made from softer materials like tarmac or block paving, which can mark more easily under pressure.
The good news is there are simple ways to protect it. Most providers recommend placing wooden boards or sheets of plywood underneath the skip to spread the weight and prevent direct contact with the surface.
It’s also worth thinking about access and placement, for example, if your driveway is on a slope or has limited space, the skip may need to be dragged or manoeuvred, which increases the chance of marks.
Taking these steps in advance will help you make sure your driveway stays in good condition while you get the job done.
What Are the Access Requirements for a Skip Delivery?
Before you book a skip, it’s important to make sure there’s enough space and clearance for the delivery truck to safely drop it off and collect it later.
Most skip lorries are larger than people expect. You’ll generally need around 3 metres (10 feet) of width for the vehicle to get through and at least 4 metres (13 feet) of vertical clearance to allow the lifting arms to operate. Overhanging trees, low cables, or tight gateways can all cause problems, so it’s worth checking the access route before booking.
You should also think about where the skip will sit once it’s delivered. It needs a flat, stable surface with no obstructions, and ideally enough space in front for the truck to reverse and load it safely. If you’re placing the skip on a road, make sure you’ve arranged any required permits beforehand, or just use Skip Price to find a skip hire company that’ll do it for you.
Can a Skip Be Placed Over a Wall or Fence?
In most cases, skips can’t be lifted over obstacles. Skip lorries use hydraulic arms to lower the container directly onto the ground, and they need a clear path to do it safely.
If there’s a low wall or small fence, some operators may be able to manoeuvre the skip into place, but it all depends on the available space for the truck. Anything more than about 1 metre (3ft) high will usually make placement impossible without specialist equipment.
Responsibilities & Common Scenarios
Here are some extra questions people often have once they’ve booked a skip, from unexpected visitors filling it up to what happens if you’re not around on delivery day.
What Happens If Someone Else Puts Waste in My Skip?
It’s frustrating, but it happens more often than you’d think. Especially if your skip is placed on a public road. Unfortunately, you’re legally responsible for anything inside the skip, even if someone else put it there.
To avoid problems, try to:
- Place the skip on private land if possible (like a driveway).
- Use a covered skip or cover it overnight with a tarpaulin.
- Book collection as soon as it’s full to reduce the chance of extra waste being added.
If you do find unwanted rubbish inside, you’ll need to remove it before collection or pay for the additional disposal costs.
What If Something Is Blocking Access for Skip Delivery or Collection?
The skip lorry needs a clear and unobstructed path to safely deliver or collect your skip. If a car, gate, or any other obstruction is in the way, the driver probably won’t be able to complete the job.
If that happens, you could be charged a wasted journey fee, so it’s always best to make sure access is clear ahead of time. Move any vehicles, unlock gates, and let neighbours know in advance if the skip will require shared access.
Do I Need to Be Home for Skip Delivery or Collection?
Not usually. As long as the skip location is clearly marked, easy to access, and payment has been made, the driver can complete delivery or collection without anyone being there.
However, if you want the skip placed in a very specific spot, or if there’s anything unusual about the access, it’s a good idea to be there on delivery day to avoid misunderstandings.
Can I Choose the Delivery and Collection Time for My Skip?
Most skip companies will try to accommodate preferred time windows, but exact times can’t always be guaranteed. Routes and schedules are planned based on efficiency and traffic, so the driver may arrive earlier or later than expected.
If you need the skip delivered or collected at a specific time (for example, if you’re coordinating it with a builder or clearance team), let the provider know when booking, and they’ll do their best to arrange a time slot that works for you.
Where Can I Hire a Skip?
We saved the best ‘til last. The most commonly asked question is: “Where can I get one?” And that’s exactly why Skip Price was born.
We’ve scoured the country to find the best skip hire companies in every area. Best prices, fastest service, and done-for-you permits and legal.
If you want to avoid wasting time looking for a reliable skip hire company, use Skip Price to find the best skip provider in your area.