Skip Hire FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Got questions about hiring a skip? You’re not alone. At Skip Hire Team, our mission is to make skip hire booking simple and stress-free.
Most of our customers are looking for answers to questions such as what skip size to choose, whether a skip permit is required, whether there is an additional skip hire fee, and more. We put together this handy guide to answer your most common questions.
If you can’t find the answer for what you are looking for, just give our team a ring on 0800 260 5989. We’re always happy to chat!
What types of skips are available for hire?
We've got skip sizes for every job - from mini skips perfect for garden clearouts to huge roll-on-roll-off containers for major construction work. Not sure what you need? Give us a call at 0800 260 5989 and we'll talk you through the options.
How do I know what size skip I need?
It's depend upon what are you disposing of. As a rough guide our midi skips (4 yard skip and 6 yard skip) work well for bathroom renovations. Builder's skips (8 yard skip and 10 yard skip) handle most home improvement projects.
For larger clearances or bulky waste, a 12 yard skip offers extra capacity, and for commercial or industrial-scale waste, our RoRo skips (20-yard and 40-yard) are the way to go.
Still not sure? Ring us for a chat - we've been doing this long enough to help you get it right first time.
How long can I hire a skip for?
Mostly skip hire companies offer skip hire durations range from 1 day to 14 days. But we offer flexible skip hire option. If you need the skip for a longer period or extend skip hire period. It will cost you around £30 for 5 days. Just let us know and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can I place a skip on the road?
You can, but you'll need a council permit. Don't worry about the paperwork though - we'll sort that for you. Just give us a few days' notice if possible.
What can I put in a skip?
Most household, garden, and construction waste can be disposed of in our skips. Common items include: Household rubbish, Garden waste (branches, soil, grass, etc.), Construction debris (bricks, wood, tiles, etc.)
Some items can be accepted but may incur an additional fee due to special handling or recycling requirements. These include:
- Mattresses – from £25 each
- Fridges and freezers – from £45 each
- TVs and monitors – from £15 each
- Tyres – from £10 each
- Plasterboard (in large quantities) – from £30 per load
- Carpet or underlay (in bulk) – from £20 per load
- Electrical items (WEEE waste) – varies, starting from £10 each
If you're planning to dispose of any of these, just let us know when you book your skip. We’ll confirm the exact fee and ensure everything’s handled safely and legally.
What can't I put in a skip?
Certain materials are prohibited from being placed in skips for health, safety, and environmental reasons. These include: Hazardous waste (asbestos, chemicals, solvents, etc.), Electronics (TVs, computers, etc.), Paints, solvents, and liquids, Medical waste or batteries
If you're unsure about any items, Skip Hire Team is happy to help clarify what you can and cannot dispose of. You can also read our full guide here: What Can and Can't You Put in a Skip?
How much does it cost to hire a skip?
The cost of hiring a skip depends on several factors, including:
- The size of the skip
- The duration of the hire
- Your location
Skip Hire Team offers competitive pricing and will provide you with a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs. On an average skip hire cost ranges between £150 to £350.
Please note: To get exact skip hire cost for your postcode, use of skip size and price calculator online.
Can I fill the skip to the top?
The golden rule is "level load" – nothing should stick up above the sides or top of the skip. An overloaded skip may not be collected by our team, and additional charges could apply. If you find that you need more space, feel free to contact us to arrange for a replacement skip or an extension of your hire period.
How is the skip delivered and collected?
After booking, our professionals arrange a delivery time that works for you. We'll place the skip in the location you’ve requested, whether that's on your property or on a public road (with a permit). When you're finished filling it, just let us know, and we'll come back to collect it.
Can I change the delivery date or cancel my booking?
Yes, you can change the delivery date or cancel your booking, but please note that a £30 + VAT cancellation fee applies once your order has been processed. Any council permits already applied for are non-refundable.
Do you offer same-day skip delivery?
Yes! Skip Hire Team offers same-day or next-day skip delivery, depending on availability in your area. Please contact us 0800 260 5989 early to ensure your skip arrives when you need it.
What payment methods are available for skip hire?
Skip Hire Team accepts a variety of payment methods, including: Credit/debit cards, Bank transfers, PayPal. You can pay securely online when booking or upon delivery.
What happens if my skip is filled before the end of the hire period?
If your skip is filled before the end of the hire period, you can call us at 0800 260 5989 or
Please ensure the skip is not overfilled, as this may prevent collection or result in additional charges. We’re happy to help schedule a pickup that suits your needs.
What should I do if there’s an issue with my skip delivery or collection?
If there’s any issue with your skip delivery or collection, please contact our customer service team or call at 0800 260 5989 immediately. Skip Hire Team will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
What if I need to dispose of bulky items like furniture, mattresses, or fridges?
For special or bulky items like furniture or fridges, please let us know your waste disposal needs in advance. Skip Hire Team arrange a special skips to dispose of these items.
What should I do if I accidentally put prohibited items in the skip?
If you realize you've accidentally put prohibited items in the skip, please contact us as soon as possible. Skip Hire Team will guide you on how to properly remove these items to ensure compliance with disposal regulations.
Are there weight limits for skips?
Yes, there are weight limits for each type of skip. Larger skips can handle heavier loads, but exceeding the weight limit may result in additional charges or non-collection. Below are the typical weight limits for various skip sizes:
- 4-yard skip: up to 4 tonnes
- 6-yard skip: up to 6 tonnes
- 8-yard skip: up to 8 tonnes
- 10-yard skip: up to 8 tonnes
- 12-yard skip: up to 8 tonnes
Please note: Skips like 10 and 12 yards are generally not suitable for heavy waste such as soil or hardcore. Always check with Skip Hire Team to ensure you choose the right size for your waste type.
What happens if the skip is blocked or inaccessible?
If the skip is blocked or inaccessible on the scheduled collection day, Skip Hire Team will attempt to contact you to resolve the issue. If the skip remains inaccessible, an additional charge may apply for a second collection attempt.
What happens if the skip is damaged?
If skip got damaged during the hire period, please try to contact us immediately. Our team will assess the situation and ensure that any necessary repairs or replacements are taken care of promptly.
Are there any additional charges?
Additional charges may apply in certain circumstances, such as:
- Permit Fee: between £30 – £80, depending on your local council.
- Overfilled Skip: between £20 – £100 extra.
- Extended Hire Duration: cost £30 for 5 days
Skip Hire Team will always inform you of any extra costs upfront, so there are no surprises.
How far in advance should I book?
For the best choice of delivery slots, 2-3 days notice is ideal. But if you're in a rush, don't hesitate to call - we often have same-day availability.
Do I need to be present for skip delivery or collection?
Not always. As long as clear access is provided and instructions are given at booking, our team can deliver or collect skips even if you're not on site.
Do I need to prepare the waste before putting it in the skip?
Yes, please ensure waste is safe to handle and doesn’t contain any prohibited items. Flatten or break down bulky items where possible to maximise space.
Do you offer alternative waste disposal options if I can't hire a skip?
Yes, If hiring a skip isn't the best option for your needs. Go with our cheap grab hire services without permit stress.
Can I dispose of tyres in the skip?
No, tyres cannot be disposed of in the regular skips and require special disposal methods. We advise you to check with your local council or recycling center for tyre disposal services. If you're unsure where to dispose of tyres, feel free to contact our experts for guidance.
