How much does it cost to hire a skip?

Posted 2 months ago

If you’re wondering, how much does it cost to hire a skip? Or perhaps how much does it cost to hire a small skip for a smaller job – you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll look into the factors that influence the cost and give you a clear idea of what you can expect to pay, so you can plan your next project with confidence.

Hiring a skip is a simple and convenient way to get rid of large amounts of waste, whether you’re tackling a home renovation, a garden project, or just doing a big spring clean. A skip is an open-topped container that you can rent from a waste management company to temporarily store and dispose of everything from building rubble to green waste and household junk. Once it’s full, the company comes and collects it, handling the disposal and recycling for you.

How much does it cost to hire and skip and what affects this cost?

When it comes to skip hire, there are a few things that can impact the cost, and it’s important to know what to expect. The main factors that influence how much you’ll pay include the size of the skip you need, how long you plan to hire it for, the type of waste you’re disposing of, where you’re located, and if you need any permits or extra transport costs. On average, skip hire in the UK can cost anywhere from £125 to £320 per week, depending on those factors. 

Common skip sizes

Choosing the right skip size is key to making your project as efficient and cost-effective as possible. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to hire a skip, it largely depends on the size you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the sizes you’ll find with Hurleys Skip Hire:

Mini Skip (2 yards): This little skip is perfect for smaller jobs like clearing out your garage, doing a garden tidy-up, or getting rid of a few bits of household waste. It holds around 20-25 bin bags, so it’s great for lighter tasks that don’t need much space. 

Midi Skip (4 yards): If you’ve got a bigger project in mind, like a kitchen or bathroom renovation, or a larger garden clearance, the Midi Skip is the way to go. It holds about 40-45 bin bags of waste, giving you a little extra room to work with without breaking the bank.

Builders Skip (7 yards): The Builders Skip is a popular choice for both home renovations and construction projects. With enough space for 60-65 bin bags, it’s perfect for bigger clear-outs, major DIY work, or commercial projects. Plus, many of these skips come with a drop door, making it easier to load heavy or bulky items.

Maxi Skip (12 yards): If you’re dealing with a large-scale project, like a big construction job or a major commercial clean-up, the Maxi Skip is your best option. This massive skip holds up to 120 bin bags, so it’s perfect for clearing out tons of waste quickly and efficiently.

How much does it cost to hire a small skip?

As you might expect, the larger the skip, the more you’ll pay. So, if you’re asking how much does it cost to hire a skip, you’ll need to consider the size as the main factor. The price goes up with the skip size, as bigger skips take more space for delivery and collection. So, it’s always a good idea to choose the size that’s just right for your need – too big, and you’re paying for unused space; too small, and you might need an extra skip.

For an accurate cost based on your location and the skip size you need, simply enter your postcode and requirements on our website, and we’ll provide you with a tailored price. It’s quick and easy!

Duration of hire

When it comes to skip hire, how long you hire the skip will directly impact the cost. As you might expect, the longer you keep a skip, the more you’ll pay. However, some skip hire companies now offer unlimited hire periods, giving you more flexibility for larger projects that take a little extra time.

But keep in mind, a longer hire period can also lead to increased costs, especially if your skip is placed on a public road or footpath. In such cases, the skip hire permit costs may rise, as council fees can vary depending on the duration of the permit. Typically, a skip hire permit lasts between one to two weeks, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with your local council, as this can differ from one town to another.

If you need the skip for longer than the permit allows, you can usually extend it for an additional fee. However, if you exceed the permit period without extension, you may face a fine, so it’s important to stay on top of these dates to avoid any unwanted charges.

Cost of Council permits

If you’re planning to place your skip on council land, such as a public road or footpath, you’ll need to pay for the relevant skip hire permit. The cost of a skip hire permit typically ranges from £15 to £60, but the exact fee depends on your local council. In most cases, the skip hire company will handle the permit application for you, and the cost will often be included in the price you’re quoted for the skip hire. This makes the process easier, saving you the hassle of dealing with local authorities yourself.

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to hire a skip with a permit included, it’s always a good idea to ask the company upfront so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Overfill charges

Overloading your skip can lead to some extra charges, which is something you’ll want to avoid. These weight charges can vary depending on the skip hire company and the terms of your hire agreement, but fines for overloading can range from £50 to £150, depending on how much you’ve exceeded the capacity.

In some cases, your skip hire company might give you extra time to get the skip to the correct weight, but they could charge you for that additional time as well. To avoid this, it’s important to keep the waste level within the height of the skip’s sides. These ‘walls’ act as a clear guide to the skip’s capacity. If you stack waste higher than these lines, you risk the skip hire company refusing to collect it, and they might charge a penalty fee. Worst-case scenario, you could end up needing to unload some waste and hire another skip to finish the job. To keep things smooth and avoid extra costs, always make sure you don’t overfill your skip!

Tips for reducing how much it costs to hire a skip 

Hiring a skip doesn’t have to break the bank if you follow a few simple tips. Here’s how you can save some money and make the most out of your skip hire:

Choose the right skip size

One of the easiest ways to save money is to choose the right skip size for your project. If you hire a skip that’s too big, you’re paying for unused space. If you hire one that’s too small, you may end up needing an extra skip. So, be honest about how much waste you’ll have and select the size that’s just right. This can prevent you from paying for unnecessary space and help you keep costs down.

Separate your waste

A standard skip is often used for ‘mixed general waste,’ which means you can throw most things in – except hazardous materials. However, separating some types of waste can save you money. Materials like metal, inert waste, green waste, and cardboard are often cheaper to dispose of because they’re recyclable. In fact, some skip hire companies may even offer a discount if you separate these materials out. If you have enough of these recyclable materials to fill a whole skip, let your skip hire company know in advance, and see if they’ll adjust the price for you.

Protect your driveway

If you’re planning to place the skip on your driveway, it’s a good idea to take steps to protect it from potential damage. Driveways, especially if they’re soft tarmac or block-paved, are more prone to marking or damage. To prevent this, you can ask your skip provider to place wooden planks under the skip, which helps spread the weight and keeps the skip from directly touching the surface. This small investment can save you from costly driveway repairs later on.

Off-road, not on-road

If you have enough space on your property, it’s always cheaper to place your skip off the road – such as on your driveway or in your yard. Putting a skip on a public road requires a council permit, which can cost around £50 and sometimes even more. Additionally, if you need to place the skip in a controlled parking zone (like a pay-and-display or resident permit area), you may face extra charges. In some London boroughs, the CPZ suspension fee can be over £100 per day! By keeping the skip on your property, you can avoid these additional costs and save yourself a pretty penny.

So, how much does it cost to hire a skip?

The cost of hiring a skip can depend on a few different factors, like the size of the skip, how long you need it, where you’re located, and what kind of waste you’re disposing of. Generally, you can expect to pay between £125 and £320 per week, but the exact price will vary based on your specific needs. By picking the right skip size, separating recyclable materials, and considering placement options (like protecting your driveway), you can keep costs down.

For a personalised quote or some friendly advice on choosing the right skip, reach out to Hurleys Skip Hire today. We offer a wide range of skips for hire across Enfield, Barnet, Potters Bar, North London, and Hertfordshire. Whether you’re clearing out a small space with a Mini or Midi Skip, or tackling a big project with a Builder’s or Maxi Skip, we’ve got you covered.

If you’ve got any questions or need more details, get in touch with our friendly team! We’re always happy to help.

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