
Do I Need a Skip Permit?
A skip permit is your licence to have a skip. You will not need one if you can place your skip entirely on private property. However, if this is not possible, you must obtain a skip permit from your local council to place it on public property, such as the road.
You risk additional costs, inconvenience, and even a £1,000 fine if you fail to get one.
Fortunately, getting a permit is usually a straightforward and cheap process. Permits will typically have some conditions attached, such as the period the permit covers, but may also include other conditions to ensure the skip remains safe for pedestrians and vehicles.
When do You Need a Skip Permit?
Perhaps the most important thing to know about skip permits is that local councils administer them. Each council may have different rules concerning the need for skip permits, how to apply, and any applicable conditions.
There is considerable standardisation among councils. However, it is essential to thoroughly check the rules as being just a few meters over a borough boundary may mean entirely different regulations.
Skips on Private Property
The one rule that all councils share is that you do not need a permit for a skip that is placed entirely on private land.
If you have room in a driveway or garden for a skip, you can place it there without all the hassle of applying for a permit.
Skips on the Public Highway and Public Land
You will need a permit when you have a skip or part of it on public land, whether a road, pavement, or verge. While this is a standard rule for all councils, what this means for you will vary depending on the council you are dealing with.
How Local Authorities Differ
Councils should issue skip permits when they are requested. However, they can place limits and conditions on the permits so the skips are safe and do not cause a nuisance. Each council will have different rules, often based on the nature of their area.
Common differences include the length of your skip permit, renewal options, and safety measures or loading and unloading restrictions to avoid disturbing nearby residents. Councils also differ on whether the application must come from the householder or the skip-hire operator.
How to Check if You Need a Skip Permit
The best place to check is your local council website. The UK government website can point you in the right direction based on your postcode, and simply putting your council’s name and ‘skip hire’ into a search engine will usually find the right page.
It is also worth asking us. We have a great deal of experience managing skip permits and know precisely what to look for and what issues to consider – even if this is the first time we have dealt with your council.
How to Apply for a Skip Permit
Your first step is to establish how you need to apply. Some councils operate licensing schemes. This means they limit skip permits to licensed, reputable companies like What Skip. Even if you can apply directly, letting us take care of it all for you might be easier.
Almost all councils have online application processes. If you decide to apply yourself, you will need to include details of the location and size of the skip and pay the fee. Most councils require at least a week's notice, and the application process usually takes a few days.
Once you have a permit, you must ensure you meet the conditions. Extending the permit is usually possible, but you must request the extension before it expires.
Skip Permit Costs and Durations
Councils can set fees and durations, so the exact amount can vary. Initial permits typically cost between £30 and £100 and are granted for one – two weeks. There may also be some variations based on the size of your skip and the duration of the permit.
What Happens if I Do Not Get a Permit
Not getting a permit is a big risk. Skips do not blend in, so the council will likely spot your unlicensed skip.
Many councils will issue an on-the-spot fine. These range between £100 and £1,000 depending on the council’s policy and the severity of the breach.
Some councils will also remove the skip and levy a charge for that in addition to the fine. Others may insist the skip be moved to a different location or removed until a permit is granted.
In both cases, an unauthorised skip will likely cause increased costs and delays to your project. These costs will far outweigh the price of a permit.
How to Avoid Needing a Skip Permit
The only way to avoid the need for a skip permit is to place your skip on private property. Spaces like driveways or gardens are ideal, not only because they avoid the need for a permit but also because it is closer at hand for your work.
If you do not have room for a full-size skip, another option is to consider using smaller skips or skip bags. These can fit into a limited space and avoid the need for a permit. However, consider whether the additional costs caused by using several smaller skips are more than you might save on a permit.
Final Tips
Getting a permit is relatively easy and far better than facing the fines, costs, and delays of using an unauthorised skip.
First, check whether it is possible to use private property to avoid needing a permit.
Second, thoroughly check your local council’s website to ensure you understand all their rules and regulations.
Third, work with a reputable skip hire company that can help you navigate the permit system and even apply for you.
What Skip is here to help every step of the way. Just give us a call if you have any questions about the process.

Contact us
To book a skip or other services, or just to have a chat about your requirements, please get in touch.