If you’re thinking of hiring a skip, you may be wondering: do you need a permit for a skip? Many people aren’t sure if or when a council permit is required, especially as rules can vary between local authorities.
Essentially, if you don’t have available private land on which to put your skip—such as a driveway or front garden—the only alternative is to place it on public land. In that situation, you’ll need to get permission from the local council before the skip is delivered. A skip permit confirms that approval has been granted, allowing the skip to remain on the road for as long as the permit allows.
To help make things clearer, the Skip Hire Network team have put together a simple FAQ. Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about skip hire permits, including how to get a skip permit and how much skip permits cost.
1. What is a skip hire permit?
A skip hire permit is a type of authorisation you can get from your local council if you want to place a skip on public land—that is, land owned by the government, rather than a private individual or company. The permit confirms that the skip can be positioned there for a set period and that the placement meets local safety and access requirements. Without a valid permit, skips aren’t usually allowed to be placed on public roads.
2. When do I need a skip permit?
If you’re wondering when you need a permit for a skip, the answer depends on where it will be placed. You’ll usually need to obtain a skip hire permit if the skip needs to go on the public highway, which usually means the road outside your property. This may be the case if you don’t have a driveway, or there isn’t enough space on your own land to place the skip.
If the skip can be placed entirely on private land, no permit is usually needed. But if any part of the skip needs to sit on a public highway, a road permit for a skip must be in place before delivery.
There can be less clear-cut situations, such as shared access roads or privately owned roads that are still maintained by the council. In these cases, permit requirements can vary, so it’s best to check in advance to avoid delays or issues on the day of delivery.
3. Can’t I put my skip on the pavement?
In most cases, no. Pavements are intended for pedestrian use, and placing a skip on one can create safety and accessibility issues. Councils generally don’t allow skips to be placed on pavements because they can block foot traffic, restrict access for wheelchair users and prams, and create hazards for people with visual impairments.
For these reasons, skips are usually only permitted on private land or on the road, where placement can be properly managed and approved by the council. Any exceptions are rare and would need explicit permission as part of the permit process.
4. How can I get a road permit for a skip?
If you’re wondering how to get a skip permit, the good news is that we can usually take care of this for you as part of our services. If there isn’t enough space on your driveway and the skip needs to be placed on the road, we’ll arrange the permit on your behalf before delivery.
In most cases, councils will only accept applications from licensed skip hire providers, which is why we handle the paperwork and approval. Some councils may require you to apply directly via there website, but this is no longer common.
When applying for a permit, councils will usually ask for details such as the exact location of the skip, its size, and how long it will be in place. This is one reason councils prefer to deal directly with licensed skip hire providers, as we’re responsible for ensuring these details are accurate.
5. How long does it take to get a skip permit?
It will often take at least three or four days for you to receive your skip permit, so remember to account for this. Like many things to do with permits, the exact timeframe varies depending on your specific local council, so it’s best to double-check during the application process.
Approval can also take longer during busy periods, such as when there are ongoing roadworks, local events, or high demand for permits. If approval is delayed for any reason, delivery may need to be rescheduled until the permit is granted, which is why it’s always best to apply early if the skip will need to be placed on the road.
6. How much is a skip permit?
How much a skip permit costs depends on your local council. In some areas, the fee can be as little as £20, while in others it may exceed £100. Some councils charge a flat fee for the full permit period, while others price permits by the week, with additional charges if the skip needs to stay in place for longer. Costs also tend to be higher in towns and cities, where road space is more limited and traffic management requirements are stricter.
It’s also worth noting that the skip permit cost is separate from the cost of hiring the skip itself. Depending on how your booking is arranged, the permit cost may be listed separately or included within the overall price you’re quoted.
7. How long is a skip permit valid for?
Most council skip permits are issued for a set period, usually between one week and a month. The exact length depends on the local council and how long the skip is expected to stay on the road. If a permit expires while the skip is still in place, the council may treat it as unauthorised, leading to fines or requests to remove the skip.
If you need the skip for longer, permits can usually be extended, but this often comes with additional fees. Extensions aren’t automatic, and approval can take time—so it’s best to request this before the permit runs out, rather than after.
We normally supply skips for a two-week hire period and can arrange delivery shortly after your booking is confirmed. Because permits must be approved in advance, it’s important to have everything in place early to avoid delays. Make sure the agreed space is clear on delivery day so the skip can be dropped off without any issues.
8. Are there any rules for positioning my skip?
Yes, there are several rules that govern where and how a skip can be positioned on the road. These include:
- You can’t block pavements or prevent access to driveways and properties, unless specific permission has been granted by the property owner
- You can’t block or cover utility access points, such as manhole covers
- As a general rule, skips cannot be placed within 15 metres of a junction
- If the skip needs to be placed on yellow lines or in a pay-and-display bay, a separate parking suspension or parking permit may also be required from the local council. Costs for this vary, so it’s best to check directly with the council
These rules are in place to ensure safety, maintain access, and avoid disruption. If you have any more concerns about skip positioning rules, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
9. How can I make my skip safe?
At Skip Hire Network, we’ll take care of everything for you when it comes to making your skip safe. But if you’re dealing with a different skip hire company, here’s what you should look out for:
- The skip must be positioned lengthways along the road, not poking its nose out into it
- The name and contact number of the skip hire company must be prominently displayed on the side of the skip
- Appropriate lighting and road markings must be set up and installed around the skip. If they’re not, you could be fined up to £1000
- Traffic cones must be placed around the skip to guide traffic around it
When it comes right down to it, hiring a skip is really quite simple—especially as we do most of the heavy lifting for you here at Skip Hire Network.
If you have any more questions about the skip hire process, visit our FAQ page. Or, if you’re all set to go, you can get straight to hiring a skip on our website by entering your postcode for a free quote!
