If you’re undertaking a spring clean or renovation project, it’s likely that you will have a lot of bulky waste that you need to get rid of. In this case, you’ll need a skip. But how much is a skip to hire, and does it differ depending on where you live? In this article, we are going to explore how much skips cost and give you a run down so you are prepared when you need one. Let’s get into it.
How much do skips cost to hire?
The amount you pay for a skip will depend on a number of different factors, such as the size of the skip you need, your location, and the length of time that you need it for. Skips are available in a range of different sizes, with the most popular choices being 4 yard, 6 yard, 8 yard and 10 yard skips. Larger skips cost more to manufacture and transport, and council permits are usually only valid for 14-30 days, so you will need to pay extra to get this period extended if you need to.
So that you get an accurate estimate or quote for your skip, you need to provide the skip company with a detailed explanation of your requirements.
| Size of skip (yards) | Lower Range | Upper Range | Average Cost |
| 2-3 | £60 | £150 | £105 |
| 4-5 | £120 | £260 | £190 |
| 6-8 | £210 | £400 | £305 |
When assessing the costs of skip hire, it’s important to take into account the weight of the waste you want to get rid of. Skip providers will want to know about the type of waste you’re getting rid of during the quoting process, as it’s them who are responsible for covering expenses related to recycling, incineration, and landfill. Large skips may not always be able to accommodate heavy items up to their brim, so make sure to ask the skip hire company beforehand!
What does the skip hire price include?
Skip hire prices include the delivery and collection of the skip, and disposing of the waste (recycling or landfill). Heavy waste costs more to get rid of, so skips that contain rubble, soil or concrete may cost more.
How much do skip permits cost?
If you are planning on keeping your skip on a public road, rather than on your driveway, you need to apply for a skip licence from your local council. These permits cost, on average, around £120, depending on where you live and how long you require the skip for. You may also need to get safety measures such as lights or traffic cones if the skip will be on a road overnight.
You may also require a parking suspension. Parking suspensions prevent parking on a specified length of road that was previously permitted. You will need to apply for one if your skip is left at an on-street location, and you can apply through your local council.
At EJ Shanley, we apply for the skip licence for you and can supply any lights, cones and signs that may be required under the terms and conditions of the licence being granted.
How to save money on skip hire?
If the cost of hiring a skip concerns you, you might be tempted to forfeit a skip altogether, and opt for taking your waste to the local tip instead. However, this is often just as expensive, if not more, than hiring a skip in the first place.
What if we told you there are some simple tricks that you can do to make sure you save money on your skip hire?
Choose the right size skip
Choosing the appropriate size skip for the amount of waste you have is a relatively easy way of avoiding unnecessary costs. A common mistake when hiring a skip is either under or overestimating the volume of waste you need to dispose of, both resulting in unnecessary extra costs.
Choosing a skip that is too large for what you need leads to overpayment for unused space. On the other hand though, underestimating the required size could result in extra fees for emptying the skip and getting a new one. As well as this, overfilling your skip could lead to fines or even legal penalties.
To help you choose the correct size skip for your requirements, read our handy guide on different skip sizes here.
Understand what is (and isn’t) allowed in your skip
Another easy way to avoid extra fees is by finding out and sticking to the guidelines of what is and isn’t allowed in the skip you have hired. There are some items of rubbish and waste that are allowed in certain skip sizes, but not in others. For example, you can fill a 6 yard skip with soil and garden waste if you need to, but a soil can only make up 50% of the waste you dispose of in a 10 yard skip.
There are, of course, items that aren’t permitted to be thrown in any skip – regardless of size or where you hired it from. Some of these prohibited materials are obvious, such as hazardous materials, asbestos and gas cylinders. Others though, are less clear, such as paint, batteries and general household appliances.
Be sure to check what is and isn’t allowed in the skip that you’ve hired before you fill it. Disposing of prohibited waste can violate company guidelines and therefore lead to additional fees or fines.
Follow location and loading guidelines
If the skip hire company needs to make an additional trip out to you due to issues such as blocked access or incorrect loading, you are likely to face additional call-out charges.
Make sure that you obtain the correct permit, that it is placed more than 15 metres away from any junctions, and that your skip isn’t restricting access to driveways, parked on yellow lines or blocking any utility access.
Making well-informed, educated estimations and adhering to company guidelines are important steps in making sure that you save money on your skip hire. For more information, explore our comprehensive article covering everything you need to know about skips and the hiring process.
How to hire a skip
Hiring a skip is a straightforward process that ensures efficient waste management for your project. After choosing a suitable skip size, choosing when you need it and how long for, and specifying the preferred drop-off location, all you need to do is reach out to a reputable skip hire company. From this point onward, the process becomes hassle-free.
Once you have chosen a company, their experienced team will be able to take charge of the logistics, streamlining the entire procedure for you. They are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of skip hire, ensuring that the skip is delivered promptly to the designated location on the agreed-upon dates.
They will inquire about your specific requirements, double-check the skip size, and confirm the delivery details to guarantee a seamless experience. Once all the necessary details are confirmed, the team will manage the transportation, placement, and removal of the skip according to your schedule.
How EJ Shanley can help
We have a range of different sized skips available to hire, depending on your disposal requirements. If you don’t need a skip, we also offer numerous other waste disposal options, such as scrap metal recycling, scrap vehicle disposal and our man with a van service.
For more information, please call our Trowbridge or Warminster office, or get in touch via our website.
