If you’re preparing to renovate your home or garden, you’ll likely need quick and efficient removal of lots of waste. If so, obtaining skip hire permits and hiring a skip may be the most cost-effective solution.
Once you have decided on the size of the skip you need, the next step is to decide where your skip can be placed so it is easy to use and secure.
This could be on your property, either a front or back garden or on your driveway. If you don’t have the space for a skip on your property, then in most cases, it can be placed on the roadside in front of your house. But this may mean that you need a skip hire permit.
One of our most frequently asked questions is “Do I need a permit for my skip, and how much will it cost?”.
We have put together a guide to answer all your questions about the reasons for skip hire permits and how to get one.
When Do You Need A Skip Permit?
If you intend on placing a skip on your private property such as your driveway or garden, then you don’t need a permit. If you don’t have enough space on your drive or the front of your house, then it is likely that your skip may have to be placed on the roadside in front (or back) of your property.
Also, if the road where your skip is to be placed is classed as a public highway, then you will require a permit. There may also be restrictions on what size skips you can place on a public highway, especially if your road has limited access.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. You may not need a permit for a skip on certain roads that are not deemed to be ‘public highways’. This may include unadopted roads that do not have to be maintained by the highway authority.
Why Do You Need A Permit On A Public Highway?
It is illegal for a skip to be placed on a public highway without a permit. The purpose of a permit for a skip on a public highway is to ensure that the skip is placed safely and that it meets specific criteria, including appropriate licences.
When placed on a public highway, a skip must meet specific criteria:
- It must not endanger other road users
- It should not reduce highway width or visibility
- It must not block access to a property
- It should be visible at junctions and crossings
A local council may reject an application if it deems the placement of a skip would breach any of the above criteria.
Once in place, the skip should also have at least 4 traffic cones on each side (each corner) with night lamps to ensure that it is visible at all times.
How Much Are Skip Hire Permits?
If a skip permit is required, this is usually arranged on your behalf by the skip hire company. They will simply add the additional fee to the overall cost of your skip hire.
The cost of skip hire permits will vary from local council to local council. Council permits can cost anything from £15 up to £80 depending on where you live. The fee set by the local council is non-negotiable and must be in place to ensure that your skip can be delivered to you.
What If A Skip Doesn’t Have A Permit?
There are ways to check if a skip has a permit or not. If you believe that a skip has been placed on a public highway without a permit, you can contact the skip company that has delivered the skip as their details are usually visible on their skips. You can also contact the local council who will be able to inform you of whether the skip has a permit.
If a skip is placed on a public highway without a permit this could be removed without notice and you could incur a fine of up to £1000.
Skip Hire Permits at KCM Waste Management
At KCM Waste Management, we have you covered. Once you have decided on the size of the skip you need, we will consult with you to find out the best place for your skip to be placed for ease of use and safety.
We will then ensure that any permits that may be required are dealt with on your behalf so you can be sure that everything is in hand before delivery of your skip.
As a fully licenced waste management company with over 35 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing an easy and accessible service for all.