Your Questions Answered About Skip Hire Permits

7th Jul, 2017

Depending on your situation, when hiring a skip it’s possible that you’ll need a skip hire permit from your local council. Now, sometimes there’s a bit of confusion surrounding this topic – not helped by the fact that various councils have different ways of doing things when it comes to dispensing them. Don’t worry though – at Skip Hire Network, we’ve put together a quick FAQ to explain skip permits as fully as we can.

The most frequently asked questions regarding skip permits include:

1. When will I need a skip hire permit?
2. Can’t I put my skip on the pavement?
3. What is a skip hire permit?
4. How can I get a skip hire permit?
5. How long does it take to get a skip hire permit?
6. How much does a skip hire permit cost?
7. How long is a skip permit valid for?
8. Are there any rules for positioning my skip?
9. How can I make my skip safe?

If you’re wondering the answers to any of these, then read on!

Essentially, if you don’t have available private land on which to put your skip – for example a front garden or a driveway – obviously the only alternative is to use public land. The polite (and legally required) action in that case is to let the council know. A skip permit is basically proof that you’ve cleared everything with the relevant authorities, giving you free reign to leave your skip there for as long as the permit allows.

1. When Will I Need A Skip Hire Permit?

By the strictest definition, you’ll need a skip hire permit from your local council if you intend to put your skip on a public highway – that is, a public road.

2. Can’t I Put My Skip On The Pavement?

Short answer: nope. It has to be either private land or a public road. We’ve got more information further below on the regulations governing how you can actually position your skip.

3. How Can I Get A Skip Hire Permit?

Good news on that score – we’ll usually be able to sort that bit out for you. Most local councils will only deal with skip hire companies when it comes to applying for permits, so let us know if you’ve not sufficient space in your driveway and we’ll leap into action getting a permit sorted.

Some local councils will require you to apply directly for a permit, but these are few and far between nowadays. There’s no standardised system, but in most cases it’s just a question of filling out a form on their website.

4. How Long Does It Take To Get A Skip Permit?

Often it takes 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.

5. How Much Does A Skip Permit Cost?

Costs vary depending on your local council. The average cost is between £20 and £30 (though the skip hire company you’ve chosen to deliver the skip might mark that up a bit).

6. How Long Is A Skip Permit Valid For?

Most council skip permits are valid from anywhere between one week to a full month. You can renew them if you need a bit longer, but be aware that you’ll be subject to additional fees, which could potentially end up making things expensive. If possible, it’s always best to stick to the originally agreed period as best you can.

We’ll provide your skip for two weeks, and can deliver it quite promptly after the booking has been made. Therefore it’s best to have the permit sorted well in advance, just so that you’re not scrambling around at the last moment. Remember to make sure that the space for your skip is actually clear for when the lorry gets there!

7. Are There Any Rules For Positioning My Skip?

There are indeed! Although you probably guessed that. We’ll sum them up:

1. 1. • You can’t block any pavements, or any entrances/exits to driveways and properties (unless specific permission has been explicitly granted by the owners)
      • You can’t block or cover any utility access points – like manhole covers, for example
      • As a general rule, you can’t place the skip within 15 metres of a junction
      • If your skip is on yellow lines, or in a pay and display bay, you’ll also need a parking suspension/parking permit from your local council. Again, the prices for this vary, so the best bet is to check with the council themselves.

8. How Can I Make My Skip Safe?

Once again, at Skip Hire Network we’ll take care of this stuff for you, but if you’re dealing with a different skip hire company, here’s what you should look out for.

1. 1. • 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 (got that covered!)
      • 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, it’s all quite simple stuff really – especially as we do most of the heavy lifting for you here at Skip Hire Network. You can find out more here about how our process works – or, if you’re all set to go, you can get straight to hiring a skip immediately by entering your postcode and phone number on our homepage.

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