Skip Licence

If you're having work done within your property that needs materials, rubbish, solids etc to be removed and stored temporarily on your street then this must be done using a skip.

A skip is a large open-topped waste container designed for loading onto a special type of lorry. Instead of being emptied into a bin lorry on site, as a wheelie bin is, a skip is removed, or replaced by an empty skip, and then tipped at a landfill site or transfer station.

To place a skip onto a public road you will need a skip licence.

In most areas, skip hire companies are responsible for getting skip licences, also sometimes called skip permits. In some areas you’ll need to do it yourself.

The skip owner or supplier is responsible for ensuring that all appropriate regulations are adhered to.

Please note – A skip licence is not required on private property

To apply for a skip licence, all applications must be made via your local council.

Information on how to do this and what local authority to contact can be found on the Official UK Government Website.

How long does it take to get a skip licence?

Often it takes at least three or four days for you to receive your skip licence. However, the exact timeframe varies depending on your specific local council.

When your local council receive your application for a skip licence they will normally consider the following during the application process.

These conditions normally include:

traffic on the street where you'd like the skip

danger and disruptions caused

width of the road

access to the property

planned or existing roadworks

Please note – The council has the right to refuse skip permit applications on certain restricted roads and locations where skips may cause on obstruction e.g. restricted parking areas and narrow roads.

Fines and penalties

It is an offence under The Highways Act to put a skip in the road without a permit and this may result in prosecution.

If you place a skip onto a public road with a skip licence, you could be fined up to £1,000.