Enforcement officers regularly check that skips have valid permits, and if an unlicensed skip is found without one you will face a fine.  This fine is normally issued to the skip company, but if the local council requires the customer to organise the permit and the customer has told their supplier that it’s been sorted, the skip company can push the fine to the customer.  This is why it’s important to always make sure your permit covers your skip hire period.

Before situating a skip on a public highway or road, including pavements, it is essential to obtain a skip permit from the local council. The purpose of skip permits is to regulate the placement of skips on roads due to their space occupation and potential impact on parking and traffic flow. Failure to acquire a skip permit is against the law and may result in fines, as well as the possibility of the skip being removed. Conversely, no permit is needed if you place a skip on private property, like your driveway, field, or private road.

Typically, skip hire companies handle the organization of skip permits, although certain councils may require the person paying for the skip to request the permit directly.

A skip permit usually remains valid for one or two weeks, contingent on the council. Most councils offer the option to extend this initial period (for an additional fee), so it's advisable to contact them in advance if you need an extension. If you retain a skip beyond the timeframe stipulated by your permit, you may incur fines.

The cost of a skip license varies based on your location in the UK, with an average cost of around £30. When the skip provider arranges the permit on your behalf, they include the permit cost in the overall hire charge, sometimes with a minor administrative fee. The table below compares skip permit costs in the regions we cover.

Typically, it takes a few days for a council to process a skip permit application. It's crucial to account for this processing time when scheduling your skip order and determining when you need to have all your waste prepared. The waiting period for a permit depends on the specific council and their workload.

While a permit from the council is not necessary if the skip is placed on your driveway, you may still need consent from your landlord (refer to your lease) or anyone you share the driveway with (e.g., neighbors). If obtaining permission is a challenge, you could consider persuading them by offering to share the skip.