How long can you keep a skip for?

Posted 9 hours ago

When you’re planning a home renovation, garden clearance, or just a big tidy-up, hiring a skip is one of the most convenient ways to keep the project tidy and organised. But one of the most frequently asked questions is: how long can you keep a skip for? Whether you’re trying to stay within legal boundaries or just want to plan your project efficiently, knowing the rules and norms about hire durations is important. In this blog, we’ll answer everything you need to know, including how long you can leave a skip outside your house and what affects how long you can keep it.

Standard skip hire duration

Most skip hire companies offer a standard rental period, which typically ranges between 1 to 14 days. Here at Hurleys Skip Hire, you can rent one from just 1 day to up to 14 depending on your exact requirements. 

If you need it for longer than the standard hire period, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements further. 

How long can you keep a skip on private property?

If it is going to be placed on your driveway or other private land, you generally have a lot more flexibility. There are usually no strict legal time limits if it is on your own property, although you’ll still be bound by the duration you chose at checkout.

So, if you’re wondering how long can you keep a skip when it’s on private land, the answer is: up to 14 days with Hurley’s Skip Hire. 

How long can you leave a skip outside your house?

If you don’t have space on your property and need to place it on the road or pavement outside your house, this is where things become more regulated. In the UK, placing a skip on a public road requires a permit from your local council.

These permits usually last between 7 and 14 days, although this can vary depending on your local authority. If your project runs longer than expected, most councils will allow you to renew the permit, often for a small additional fee.

So it depends on your local council’s rules and how long your hire provider is licensed to keep it there.

It is important to note that a permit or licence is required when the it is to be placed on the public highway or road, including some parking bays. Permits are obtained by Hurleys, on your behalf, from the local authority for your area as part of the booking process.  

There is an additional cost which is added to the price of your skip hire. Please be aware that the local authority has the right to decline a permit, and in some cases, additional inspection fees are applicable.  We advise that you contact us should you require any more information.

Factors that affect how long you can keep a skip for

Several factors can affect the length of time you can keep a skip:

• Location: As discussed, if it is on private property, you’re much more flexible than if it’s on a public road.
• Local council regulations: Permit durations vary across councils. Some are stricter than others, so always check.
• Hire company policy: Some companies offer flexible terms, while others may have a maximum hire duration.
• Type of project: A short DIY project might need a skip for just a few days, while a full house renovation might require it for several weeks.

Tips to avoid extra costs or fines

If you’re trying to figure out how long you can keep a skip for without incurring extra fees, here are a few practical tips:

Plan ahead

Estimate how long your project will take and make sure you book for the exact length of time you’ll need it. It’s always best to leave some extra time. Especially for any unforeseen circumstances such as weather delays, supply issues or project overruns.

Avoid overfilling

Overfilled skips can’t be collected and might require extra charges. Legally, all waste needs to be contained within the sides of the skip for health and safety reasons. So, they must all be level loaded. Our drivers are unable to collect overfilled skips.

Choose the right size

Make sure you choose the right size skip for your project to avoid having to get another skip or overfilling it. Use our handy skip size guide to choose the right size for your project.

Clear communication

If you need to extend your hire, inform us in advance rather than waiting until the last minute, and we can check whether it is possible.

Can you keep a skip indefinitely?

In short, no, you can’t keep a skip indefinitely. Even on private land, the hire company will have scheduling and logistical constraints. They’ll need it back to service other clients.

Plus, keeping a skip for an excessive amount of time can cause practical issues such as:

• Neighbours using it without permission
• A build-up of unpleasant smells
• Attracting vermin or illegal dumping

Most skip hire companies won’t let you keep a skip longer than 14 days without a specific agreement.

What happens if you exceed the hire period?

If you keep it longer than agreed without notifying us, you could face penalty fees. This is especially important if it is on public property, where overstaying your permit could also result in council fines.

So, how long can you keep a skip for? The simple answer is: up to 14 days as standard. If it is on private property, your flexibility increases. However, you’ll still need to stay within your agreement with the hire company. If it’s on the road outside your house, you’ll need a permit. Remember to stick to its time limit, which is usually also around 1 to 2 weeks.

Whether you’re doing a quick garden tidy-up or a full-blown construction project, knowing how long you can keep a skip (and where you can keep it) is key to staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary costs. If you’re looking to hire a skip for same-day delivery, let Hurley’s help. Get in touch with our team today or book a skip for hire for up to 14 days. 

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