All you need to know about hiring a skip
Skips Info Made Simple
Everything you need to know before hiring a skip
Hiring a skip should feel easy, not confusing. This page gives you clear skip hire info so you know exactly what to expect before booking. Whether you are clearing your home, running a building site, or managing waste for a business or council project, this guide helps you make the right choice.
Our skip hire guide explains skip sizes, waste rules, permits, delivery, and loading options in plain language. No guesswork. No surprises.
Choosing the Right Skip for Your Waste
Understand skip sizes before you book
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What skip size do I need?” Picking the right size saves time, money, and space on site. Our skip sizes cover small home clear-outs to large commercial jobs.
Here is a clear skip size chart to help you decide
Skip Sizes Available
4 Yard Skip (Midi Skip)
- Best for small home projects, garden waste, and light building work.
- Size: 1.1m high × 2.4m long × 1.5m wide
6 Yard Skip (Builder’s Skip)
- The most used skip by builders. Suitable for heavy waste like rubble and soil.
- Size: 1.1m high × 3.3m long × 1.8m wide
8 Yard Skip (Large Skip)
- Good for larger home jobs and light mixed waste only.
- Not allowed for rubble or soil only.
- Size: 1.2m high × 3.4m long × 1.8m wide
10 Yard Skip
- Used for big building projects and commercial waste.
- Not allowed for rubble or soil only.
- Size: 1.3m high × 3.4m long × 1.8m wide
12 Yard Skip (Extra Large)
- Best for major clear-outs and large sites with light waste.
- Not allowed for rubble or soil only.
- Size: 1.6m high × 3.6m long × 1.8m wide
Understanding skip sizes helps you follow skip hiring rules UK and avoid extra charges.
What You Can and Can’t Put in a Skip
Clear rules to keep your waste legal and safe
Knowing what you can put in a skip helps avoid delays and extra costs. It also ensures we meet skip hire regulations.
Waste Allowed in Skips
You can place the following items in your skip:
- Bricks
- Rubble and hardcore
- Soil (not mixed with oil or asbestos)
- Wood
- Furniture and furnishings
- Metal
- Plastic
- Cardboard and packaging
- Polystyrene
- Solidified paint
- Non-electrical fittings
- Gas cookers
Always match your waste type to the right skip size.
Waste Not Allowed in Skips
There are strict skip waste restrictions. The following items are not allowed:
- Mattresses
- Electrical items like TVs, microwaves, and toasters
- Computer screens and towers
- Fluorescent tubes
- Batteries of any kind
- Paint tins unless fully empty
- Oils and chemicals
- Medical waste
- Plasterboard
- Tyres
- Gas cylinders
- Solvents
- Explosives
This list explains what you can’t put in a skip under UK law. If you are unsure, always check before loading.
Know when a permit is required.
Clear rules to keep your waste legal and safe
Understanding skip permit info is important, especially for roadside placement.
Wait & Load and Grab Lorry Options
- Skip is placed on your private driveway
- Skip is placed on private land
- Skip is placed on a private verge
When You Need a Permit
Fast waste removal without leaving a skip on site
If you do not want a skip left on your property, we offer other options.
Skip Delivery and Placement Tips
Prepare your site before the skip arrives
Our skip delivery guide helps you plan ahead.
Skip lorries are large and heavy. Before delivery, consider:
- Can your driveway support the weight of the skip and waste?
- Is there enough space for the lorry to turn safely?
- Is access clear of cars, walls, or low branches?
The driver will place the skip where requested, but damage to private property is the customer’s responsibility. If unsure, speak to our team before delivery.
These skip placement tips help protect your property and keep deliveries smooth.
Skip Sizes
| Type | Size | Height | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midi – Ideal for home or small building jobs. Mixed or Heavy waste. | 4 yd | 1.1 m | 2.4 m | 1.5 m |
| Builders – Standard skip used by builders. Mixed or Heavy waste. The is the largest skip available for heavy only waste. | 6 yd | 1.1 m | 3.3 m | 1.8 m |
| Large – Ideal for large domestic jobs and building sites for their lighter mixed waste. CANT BE USED FOR JUST RUBBLE OR SOIL | 8 yd | 1.2 m | 3.4 m | 1.8 m |
| Large – Suitable for a very large building projects or industrial waste. CANT BE USED FOR JUST RUBBLE OR SOIL. | 10 yd | 1.3 m | 3.4 m | 1.8 m |
| Extra Large – Suitable for larger projects. CANT BE USED FOR JUST RUBBLE OR SOIL. | 12 yd | 1.6 m | 3.6 m | 1.8 m |
Wait & Load and Grab Lorry Options
Fast waste removal without leaving a skip on site
If you do not want a skip left on your property, we offer other options.
Wait & Load Service
The Wait & Load service is available on all skip sizes. It is ideal when:
- You do not want to apply for a road permit
- You want waste removed the same day
- Space is limited
You get 30 minutes to load the skip. Extra time is charged per minute. This service must be booked for the next working day and confirmed by phone.
Grab Lorry Service
Our Grab lorry service is perfect for loose waste, soil, or large piles. The driver loads the waste for you. This service is priced on request and cannot be booked online.
Skip Hire Period Explained
Know how long you can keep your skip.
The standard hire period is 14 days. You can choose a collection date during booking. If no date is given, contact us later to arrange collection.
Need more time? Extensions are available by calling the office.
FAQs About Skip Hire
What skip size should I choose for home waste?
For small clear-outs, a 4-yard skip works well. For renovations, a 6-yard skip is often best.
Do I need a permit for skip hire?
You only need a permit if the skip is placed on public land or a council road.
What happens if I put banned waste in a skip?
The skip may not be collected, and extra charges may apply due to legal waste rules.
Can I use Wait & Load instead of a permit?
Yes. Wait & Load avoids permit costs since the skip is not left on the road.
How long does skip permit approval take?
Most councils take around three working days to issue permits.