Do I need a skip permit?[Infographic]

Years of experience working in the waste disposal

If you’re thinking of hiring a skip, the first question you’ll need to ask is “Do I need a skip permit?” If you place a skip on a public road without obtaining this licence, you could face a steep fine. Read on to find out if you need a skip permit and how to get one.

When is a skip permit required? 

If you’re hiring a skip and you’ll be placing it on a public road or pavement, you’ll need to obtain a permit. However, if you’re putting it on private land such as your driveway, you won’t need one. Permits are necessary because skips take up space and can affect traffic flow and parking. They can help to control the number of skips are placed on the road, helping to avoid problems like traffic jams, accidents, and arguments.  

Do I need safety lights and markings? 

Sometimes, safety lights and markings are necessary either on or around the skip. These could include any combination of traffic cones, reflective markings, and night-time safety lamps. The name and telephone number of the skip hire company should also be visible on the skip. We recommend contacting your local council for exact rules on lights and markings for skips in your area.

What happens if I don’t apply for a skip permit? 

Not having a skip permit when you’re obliged to do so can land you in hot water with the law. A skip permit is a legal requirement for a skip on a public road, and so failing to obtain one can mean you face a hefty fine. This is likely to be in the region of £260. You’ll need to pay for the cost of the backdated permit too. Moreover, your skip can also be removed at any time if you don’t have the relevant licence, interrupting your rubbish removal project. 

Enforcement officers often check that skips on public roads have valid permits. Neighbours who are unhappy about a skip outside their property may also contact the local council to find out if it has a permit. Therefore, it’s simply not worth taking the risk. Making sure you have a skip permit can help you avoid paying a hefty fine.

How do I get a skip permit?

In most areas of England and Wales, skip hire companies are responsible for obtaining permits for their clients. However, in some areas, you’ll need to do it yourself. At Ward Bros, we can assist you with obtaining a skip permit for your project, applying to your local council ourselves to get this for you. You won’t need to worry about a thing when it comes to getting a skip permit. 

Since a skip permit application usually takes up to two working days to be completed, we recommend arranging skip hire in Washington as soon as possible. This will ensure that your project doesn’t face delays.

How much does a skip permit cost?

The cost of a permit varies depending on where you are in the UK. Typically, a permit costs around £30, however, this can be more or less. When the skip hire company arranges the permit for you, they will add the charge to the overall cost. If you’re looking for skip hire in Washington, we’ll apply to Sunderland City Council for the permit. The permit will cost £29 for the first 14 days and then £21.50 per week after that. 

Can my skip permit application be refused?

Sometimes applications aren’t always successful. Occasionally, a council may decline an application if the planned location for the skip isn’t acceptable. In this case, they will suggest an alternative site. If your application is refused, don’t panic. Our team will assist you in securing a permit for your skip, helping you to commence your project as soon as possible. 

Do I need a permit for skip bags on the road?

Many people think that permits don’t apply to skip bags or Hippo bags. However, this is a common misconception. Just like skips, if they are placed on a public highway, you will need one.  Placing skip bags on a road or pavement can land you with a steep fine. 

Skip hire in Washington

Ward Bros is one of the leading providers of skip hire in Washington. We’ve been helping people with their skip hire needs for many years, offering skips in many different sizes. Our skips range from smaller mini and midi skips to larger maxi skips and even RORO skips. Whether you’re clearing rubbish from your home or carrying out a minor kitchen or bathroom renovation or you’re embarking on a huge building project, we can assist. We can easily cater to all domestic and commercial projects.

We can supply you with the right skip for the job. If you’re not sure what size skip you need, talk to our team. We can discuss your project with you and recommend domestic or commercial skips to suit your requirements. Remember that we will take care of everything when it comes to applying for your permit. We’ll apply to your local council on your behalf, making sure you’re legally allowed to put a skip on a public road. 

Contact us 

For skip hire in Washington, get in touch with Ward Bros Skip Hire Services. Whether you’re still not sure of the answer to “Do I need a skip permit?” or you want to quote for a skip, we can assist. Call us on 0191 666 0167 to discuss your skip hire needs with one of our friendly team. Alternatively, send a message via the website. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.