How much to hire a skip?

If you're looking to get rid of a large amount of household waste or rubbish, a skip can be a great choice. Skips come in different sizes and specialities - so how much does it cost the average homeowner to hire one? Why do skip hire prices vary so much? And when should you consider alternatives to skip hire?

How to decide what size skip you need

Skips come in a range of sizes, intended for a variety of uses. Use our simple guide to help you work out what size you need.

2-yard skip (20 bin bags)

Otherwise known as a mini skip, the 2-yard skip is designed for DIY tasks and garden clearances.

4-yard skip (40 bin bags)

The 4-yard skip is designed for small refurbishments like bathroom or kitchen refits.

6-yard skip (60 bin bags)

The 6-yard skip is ideal for building projects like driveway or patio work, clearing out garages, and larger refurbishments.

8-yard skip (80 bin bags)

Often referred to as a 'builder's skip', the 8-yard is designed for full-scale home renovations, medium-size building and garden projects.

How much to hire a skip

Based on our research, the average UK skip prices are as follows:

North Britain

South Britain

What affects skip hire costs?

Local skip hire prices are affected by a number of factors:

Type of waste

The type of waste you need to dispose of can affect the cost of a skip. Hazardous waste, which includes chemicals, and other harmful substances, is the most expensive, and general household waste is the least.

Please note that you need to work with a specialist disposal service to dispose of hazardous waste and these materials should never be disposed of in a standard skip.

Size of skip

The size of the container - or the amount of waste you need to dispose of - affects the final skip hire cost. Skips come in a number of different sizes: a 2-3 yard skip hire being smaller and cheaper, and a 6-8 yard skip hire being larger, and more expensive.

Licensing, permits and parking suspensions

If you can't fit a skip on your property or private land, you'll need to buy a licence or permit for it to be placed on public property, such as a road, curb or pavement. If the skip covers residential parking spaces or single yellow lines, you'll also need to purchase a parking suspension.

Skip hire companies add the cost of a skip permit and parking suspension to your bill.

Your location

Depending on where you are by region, skip hire prices may differ. Prices fluctuate with regional standards.

Duration

The length of time you need the skip for is reflected in the price. Longer durations tend to cost more than shorter. What's more, duration may also affect the prices of both licences and parking suspension applications.

What NOT to put in a standard skip

Most skip hire companies allow for household and demolition waste, but there are some things that standard skips do not cater for. Unless you pay extra or arrange a specific waste removal, you can't put the following unwanted waste into a skip:

1. Gas canisters and gas bottles
2. Clinical or medical waste (Syringes, sharps waste etc.)
3. Plasterboard
4. TVs and monitors
5. Batteries
6. Fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units
7. Hazardous and toxic waste
8. Electrical appliances
9. Oil, petrol, and diesel
10. Paint and cans of paint
11. Asbestos
12. Tyres
13. Liquids

How long can I hire a skip for?

On average, most homeowners are able to hire a skip for at least one week, but with some local skip hire companies, this can be extended for as long as four. Skip hire durations vary depending on several factors - including skip size, location, licensing and parking suspension.

If you want to extend the skip hire for longer, you may be able to get a local skip hire company to agree at no extra cost when you book. However, if your licensing or parking suspension are due to end after the specific period, you may have to pay extra to extend your permits.

Do I need a licence or permit for a skip?

If your skip is positioned on a curb or road, or otherwise positioned not on your property, you need a skip hire permit or licence. This has to be arranged before the skip's delivery.

Skip hire permits cost more than a standard skip hire, and take a week or so to arrange. If it's in a controlled parking zone, a single yellow line or in another resident's parking area, you'll also need a parking suspension.

most councils do not allow skips larger than 8 yards to be placed on a public highway

Negatives of hiring a skip

• Restriction on appliances: Skips can't be used to dispose of household appliances.
• Self-load requirement: You'll need to load the skip on your own. There's no service provided for loading.
• Predetermined capacity: Skip sizes are pre-defined, potentially leading to overpaying for unused space or requiring an extra skip.
• Risk of unauthorised use: There's a risk that neighbours or pedestrians may use the skip overnight without your awareness.
• Potentially higher costs: Skip services are typically costlier compared to hiring a man with a van for clearance, especially when accounting for expenses like skip licences or CPZ suspension.

Alternatives to hiring a skip

Not only are skips designed for 'bigger jobs' but they can be expensive. Here are some useful alternatives:

A man with a van

If you're not removing dense or heavy materials from your home, a man (or woman) with a van can be a great alternative to hiring a skip. As they only need to visit your home once, they charge considerably less than skip hires. They can also help you with the removal of waste from your home.

Before you hire a man with a van, it's worth checking their credentials. Some companies have been known to fly tip waste - and because it's your waste, you’ll be liable for it.

Hippo

Hippo is an alternative waste collection service that works similar to skip hires - only instead of giant containers, they drop off grab bags. Once you've filled the grab bags up, Hippo picks them up for you.

Ideal for homeowners who don't need to fill a giant skip, the service is both trustworthy and reliable. They also offer skip and men with van services. Hippo has locations in Birmingham, Guildford, London, Portsmouth and Reading.

Summary: Best for big projects, use bags otherwise!

Hopefully you now have a better notion of skip prices in your area. Remember to enquire about licensing and parking suspensions if you’re intending to put your skip on the road.

While skips are fantastic for large-scale renovations and building projects, you can save time and money by using a man with a van, or a bag delivery service like Hippo.