When you hire a skip, do you need to have a permit in place? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the regulations in place when it comes to skip hire.
Whether you’re having a spring clean or getting ready for a large construction project, hiring a skip makes it easy to keep track of your waste. Just fill it up, and your skip hire company will take it away for you… job done!
Customers often ask us if they need a permit in place when it comes to hiring a skip. The guidelines vary depending on where you’re putting it and where in the country you live.
Yes we can! In fact, at Hazell & Jefferies, all requests for skips and skip licenses must come through us directly as part of our Public Liability Insurance. We will apply and obtain for the permit for you, meaning there’s no need to worry about the potentially complicated or long-winded process of applying and successfully obtaining a permit. We’ll keep you up to date with how the application is going and let you know if there are any issues.
We’ll let you know how much the skip hire permit will cost and include the fee in the cost of the skip.
If you’re wondering what goes on behind the scenes, or are looking to apply for the permit directly for yourself, then look no further. Here is our comprehensive guide covering skip hire and what goes into obtaining the permits you need. And remember, if you have any additional questions, please get in touch!
Skips are bulky and take up a lot of space, so it’s important for councils to manage how many skips are in place at any one time.
For example, having two skips on a small stretch of road may impact parking and visibility, or skips may end up having to be placed on a drain which can affect water drainage.
Find out more about skip hire rules and regulations
Skip permits are managed by your local council’s licencing team. For example, in Oxfordshire, skip permits are handled by Oxfordshire County Council.
Most councils let you apply for a permit online, or you can pick up the phone and talk to someone in the licensing department. Some councils ask that the skip hire company requests the skip on the customer’s behalf. If this is the case, the skip hire company will arrange the permit and add the cost to your hire.
The gov.uk website will let you know which local council is responsible for skip hire in your area, how to apply, and any special considerations you need to bear in mind.
Applying for a permit is simple. You specify the address you want to place the skip, the dates the skip will be in place, and the skip hire company you’re using, along with your contact details. Bear in mind that the skip hire company must be registered with the appropriate council.
The majority of councils ask for the fee upfront; this will be returned to you if your application is refused.
Then, it’s just a case of waiting to hear back – more on that later!
Yes. You don’t need a permit if your skip is going to be placed entirely on private land.
For example, if you are going to place the skip in your company’s private car park or on the driveway of your home, you don’t need a permit.
(Bear in mind that if you’re placing a skip on your driveway, you might want to let your neighbours or landlord know as a courtesy!)
You only need a permit if a skip is going to be placed on the public highway. This includes (but is not limited to) roads, rear lanes, footpaths, back streets and verges.
Most of the time, however you will need to pay an additional fee for a parking bay suspension. Your local council will explain if this is the case and if you have to pay any extra.
Different councils charge different amounts for skip hire permits, with the most expensive permits found in London. For example, in Oxfordshire, the council charges £144 for each skip permit.
If your local council refuses to grant a skip hire permit, they will explain why this is the case. It might be that there are already skips on the same stretch of road or your road is on a list of unsuitable locations.
If the location you’ve suggested is refused, your council may recommend a different place where the skip can be placed. Alternatively, there may be an option to appeal.
Yes. If you’re found to have needed a skip hire permit but haven’t got one, you could be liable for a fine, typically up to £1,000. Your skip may also be taken away, with an additional fee attached.
Some councils let you apply for a retrospective licence (with a fine added to the cost), but not all councils do this.
Council enforcement officers regularly check skips to make sure they have a valid permit in place.
This can vary from council to council. Most councils are aware that skip hire permits often come in at short notice, so they do try and turn permits around in as quick a time as possible.
In our experience, you can expect a four to seven day turnaround time, but your council will be able to give you a more specific timescale.
Give them as much time as you can – your local licencing team will thank you!
Anything from 7 to 28 days, depending on the council. Most councils will let you extend the permit for an additional fee if needed.
This depends. Some councils work on the premise of ‘tacit consent.’ This means that if you don’t hear back about your application after a set time period, you have the right to act as if your application has been successful. However, other councils advise that your application is not granted until they say so.
It’s always worth checking the guidelines with your council so you know if you can go ahead with placing your skip. And if you haven’t heard back, it’s always worth giving the licensing team a call to see how things are progressing.
We hope this guide has answered all your questions when it comes to skip permits.
Remember that different councils have slightly different rules and regulations, so if in doubt, get in touch with your local licencing team.
If this article has inspired you to hire a skip, we’re here to help.
We provide a wide range of skips for both commercial and domestic premises. So whether you need a four cubic yard skip for a home renovation project or a 40 cubic yard roll–on, roll-off bin for a construction project, we’re the company for the job!
Our team of experts will provide everything you need to ensure your skip hire follows health and safety guidelines, including reflective markings, traffic cones and safety lamps.
We’re fully accredited and insured for your peace of mind and work to ensure that as much waste is recycled as possible. What’s more, you can book your skip hire and receive a quotation online.
Contact us today and find out about the reliable, sustainable skip hire service we offer across the Oxfordshire area.
