Last edited 25 Jan 2021

Getting a skip hire permit

In construction, a skip is a container used to hold waste and debris produced by works such as building, demolition, landscaping, and so on. Hiring a skip can be an important part of site waste management and efficient waste disposal.

For more information, see Hiring a skip.

Skip hire permits, also known as a skip licences, are required if a skip needs to be placed on a public highway. They are generally issued by local authorities. A permit is not required if the skip is placed on private land. Permits are also required for hippobags and other skip bags.

If a skip is to be placed in a controlled parking zone (i.e. on a single yellow line, a resident’s parking bay, or a pay and display parking bay), a parking suspension will also be required.

It may be necessary to put safety lights and markings on or around skips, such as; reflective markings, traffic cones, night-time safety lamps and the name and telephone number of the skip hire company. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Skips must not block access to property or apparatus within the highway, restrict visibility at junctions, accesses and crossing points or reduce highway widths to an unacceptable extent.

Applicants may be required to indemnify the local authority against liability, loss, claims and other proceedings and may be required to have public liability insurance cover.

The charge for skip hire permits varies according to the local authority and the amount of time it will be needed for. Parking bay suspension fees are an additional charge, which also vary depending on the local authority. The typical cost of a skip permit is £20 to £60 a week. If the skip operator applies for a permit on the client’s behalf, which the majority of councils allow, they will often add a mark-up to cover admin costs. Councils will usually issue permits for 1-2 weeks, after which they can be extended at an additional charge.