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Skip Hire UK

Are you thinking about hiring a skip in the UK? Then you may wonder what different types of skips are available and which one would best suit your needs. If you’ve never used a skip hire service before then you’ve probably got lots of questions. Below we offer our quick guide to UK skip hire and answer your questions.

If you require a bin for commercial waste collections visit our bins page. Or if you want to use a skip bag instead, head to our page about skip bags. For further help and advice, you can learn more about waste collection.

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Get a fast FREE quote for your waste 0800 211 83 90

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What are the different 
skip sizes?

There are five main skip sizes to choose from, which you can explore below or within our guide to skip sizes. The best size skip to hire for your business depends on your chosen job and the type of waste.

  • Mini Skip

    2 cubic yards/4 x 3 x 3 feet

    These smallest sized skips are usually used for general waste and small DIY jobs. Mini skips can hold up to 20 bin bags. Due to their small size, some people opt to use a skip bag instead of a mini skip.

    DOMESTIC WASTE
  • Midi Skip

    4 cubic yards/6 x 4 x 3 feet.

    This size skip is also used for general household waste and for jobs such as a kitchen renovation. Midi skips can hold up to 25 to 35 bin bags.

    DOMESTIC WASTE
  • Small Builders’ Skip

    6 cubic yards/10 x 4 x 4 feet.

    A small builders’ skip is the most common type used in residential areas. It’s the ideal size for general and heavy waste like concrete and rubble. It’s ideal for house refurbishments or renovations. This size skip can hold up to 40 to 55 bin bags.

    DOMESTIC WASTE
  • Large Builders’ Skip

    8 cubic yards/12 x 6 x 4 feet.

    This size skip is the largest available for heavy waste and is most commonly used for commercial refit jobs and office fitouts. This size skip can hold up to 60 to 75 bin bags.

    DOMESTIC WASTE
  • Large Maxi Skip

    12 cubic yards/13 x 6 x 6 feet.

    The largest skip available for domestic use, but some councils won’t allow it on the road. It’s mostly used for house refurbs, big renovation projects and house clearances. Unlike the other skips, you can’t put heavy waste like soil and bricks in this skip. This size skip can hold up to 90 to 110 bin bags.

    DOMESTIC WASTE
  • Skip bags

    Skip bags are available in three sizes. These range from the smallest MIDIBAG (90cm x 90cm x 90cm) to the largest HIPPOSKIP bag (210cm x 165cm x 100cm), which can hold up to 1.5 tonnes of waste.

    CONSTRUCTION _DEMOLITION WASTE

UK skip hire FAQs

  • What is a skip bag?

    Skip bags are large, heavy duty, and waterproof bags that do the same job as a skip, but in bag form. You can usually buy these bags from DIY shops, then use a waste collection service to remove the bag when full and dispose of the waste. This is either done by placing it on the back of a lorry or emptying the bag’s contents into a skip truck.

  • How big are skip bags? And how much do skip bags cost?

    There are two types of skip bags – the generic skip bag and the Hippobag. A Hippobag is a branded skip bag. These bags come in three sizes:

    • Midibag – 1-yard bag – 90cm x 90cm x 90cm – holds up to 1 tonne
    • Megabag – 1.5-yard bag – 180cm x 90cm x 70cm – holds up to 1.5 tonnes
    • Hipposkip – 4.5-yard bag – 210cm x 165cm x 100cm – holds up to 1.5 tonnes

    Generic skip bags are also available in these same sizes. The main difference between these two types of bags is that the Hippobags tend to be stronger and therefore more suitable for heavier and bulkier waste. This is because they’re collected on special trucks that lift them via their handles.

    When it comes to the costs, Hippobags are more expensive. Generally, the generic skip bags cost half the price compared to Hippobags. The best option to use depends on the type of waste you have and if you want Hippowaste to collect the bag – as they will only collect Hippobags. Contact Business Waste for much lower costs on skip bags.

    Learn more about skip bags

  • How high can I load a skip?

    Every skip has a skip level, and waste cannot go above this line. This ensures the safety of the driver who removes the skip and the safety of other road users. By law, the skip driver can refuse to take the skip if it has been overfilled as it is not level loaded, which is illegal.

    Removing the skip could result in a fine. If you overfill a skip, you may be asked to remove items before it’s moved by the skip company. So, make sure you hire the correct size skip.

  • How much does hiring a skip cost?

    This is a tricky question to answer as there are many different factors that affect skip hire costs in the UK. Where you live is one factor, as skip hire prices are more expensive in the south – especially the southeast – than in the north of England.

    Skip hire costs are also more expensive if you need a skip permit. The type of waste also has an impact on skip hire prices, as general waste is cheaper to remove than specialist or hazardous waste.

  • What waste cannot go into a skip?

    There are various waste types you can’t put in a skip and should instead use the relevant bins, bags, or containers for storage and disposal. These include:

    • Full paint tins – you can put empty paint tins into a skip, but tins containing any amount of paint must be disposed of in a different way. Your local council can advise on this.
    • Mattresses – placing mattresses in general waste skips will result in a fine. Most councils will collect and dispose of old mattresses.
    • Plasterboard – plasterboard is prohibited from general waste or mixed waste skips due to its high sulphate bearing waste levels, so it needs disposing of separately.
    • Tyres – when you need to dispose of old tyres contact your local council or a nearby garage, as some collect tyres.
    • WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment regulations stipulate that all electrical items, from batteries to televisions and fridge freezers, need to be disposed of in a specialist way. Your local council can advise you on what to do, with many running recycling schemes or free collection. Others will advise you to take your electrical item to a collection site.
    • Asbestos – you cannot dispose of asbestos in a skip or recycle it. This hazardous material needs disposing of by a specialist hazardous material company. Contact your local council.
  • Do I need a skip permit?

    If you plan to put a skip, skip bag, or Hippobag on a pavement or public road then you will need a skip permit – sometimes called a skip licence. If you’re going to place a skip on private land or a driveway, then you don’t need a permit. In most cases, the skip company will sort this out for you.

  • How long do skip permits last?

    Most skip permits last anywhere between one to two weeks. It depends on your local council, so do check the details on the skip permit. Most councils also allow you to extend the length of permit, but there will be an additional fee to pay. Keeping a skip for more than the permit allows will result in a fine.

  • Do I need a CPZ suspension?

    A Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) suspension is needed if you plan to place the skip in a parking bay. Cost is usually calculated on a daily basis and per 5m of space. Every council has different payment systems.

  • What is a mixed waste skip?

    As the name suggests, you can place different types of waste materials into this skip. This could include household waste, garden waste, paper, plastics, and rubble.

  • What is an inert waste skip?

    An inert waste skip is used to collect demolition and construction waste.

  • What are the road safety rules for skips?

    When your skip is on the road then the yellow ends need to face any traffic. Traffic cones should surround the skip and at night it should be well lit via night lamps that are attached to the skip.

  • Do I need a waste transfer note for a skip?

    When a skip is moved from your property to a refill or disposal waste site, then you need a waste transfer note. Most waste companies provide this for you – at Business Waste we provide your waste transfer note for free.

    Here at Business Waste, we have a range of waste disposal services for you to choose from, including delivery of free bins. If you have any questions or simply want to find out more about using our services, then simply get in touch with us today.

  • What is skip hire comparison?

    Skip hire comparison is a simple tool that allows you to compare skip hire prices easily and effectively from skip providers in your area. All you need to do is input a few details, such as the type of skip you’re looking for and how long need it.

    The skip hire price comparison will then generate quotes for you from other local waste specialists, allowing you to easily find the best deal for you. It’s the easiest, fastest, and most hassle-free way to affordably hire a skip.

  • What is a skip permit/licence?

    A skip permit is a permit that allows you to place a skip on a public piece of highway. You only need a skip licence if the skip is going to be placed on public land – such as the road outside your house. If you have a piece of private land, a front garden, or a driveway where the skip will be placed then you won’t need a permit.

    You apply for skip permits via your local council and generally need to pay for them. Prices vary from council to council, so be sure to check with your local authority before applying. Skip permits often last between 1 and 2 weeks.

  • What is the difference between a skip and a wheelie bin?

    The difference between a skip and a wheelie bin is generally its size and construction. A wheelie bin is made of plastic, has wheels, can be moved relatively easily by one person (even when full), and is designed to carry general waste.

    A skip is much larger, heavier, and normally made of iron. Skips are designed for higher volumes of garden waste/general junk and cannot be moved without the assistance of a specialist vehicle. A skip lorry has a dedicated winch and harness system designed to safely move and remove a skip.

  • How do I get the best prices for local skips?

    If you want to find the best price for skip hire near you, use a skip hire comparison company such as Business Waste. There’s no need to accept a bad deal just because it’s from the only provider in your area or to waste several hours phoning multiple skip providers and collating quotes yourself.

    Contact us today for a free quote for skip hire.

  • Do you offer national skip hire?

    Yes, we offer affordable and stress-free national skip hire all over the UK. We regularly serve clients throughout England and offer our service across every county, borough, and town. This means you’re able to benefit from our excellent customer service, affordable skip hire prices, and our efficient skip drop-off and collection.

    Get in touch with us for a fast and free quote – just tell us what kind of skip you need, when you need it, and how long you need it for, and we’ll provide an accurate estimate. We’ll then deliver and collect your skip, wherever you are in the UK.

    Call 0800 211 8390 or email [email protected] for your free UK skip hire quote today.

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Get a fast free quote

Get a fast FREE quote for skip hire in the UK

  • Free quote within 1 hr
  • Any type of waste
  • FREE skip delivery
  • We cover all of the UK