Blog>Hiring Guides>How to find the best skip hire company
Last updated: 19 March 2024
How to find the best skip hire company
Are you doing a home improvement project that has created a lot of mess? Perhaps you’re clearing out your house to prepare for some home renovations. If you want to get rid of household or DIY waste without multiple trips to the tip, have you thought about hiring a skip?
How to find the best skip hire companies near me
Finding the best skip hire companies near you is easy with help from Checkatrade.
The best thing about using Checkatrade to find skip hire companies near you is that all our members are fully vetted and approved by us!
At Checkatrade, we’ve got two easy ways for you to find the best skip hire companies working near you.
Option 1: Use our 'request a quote' feature
Let Checkatrade find skip hire companies for you. All you have to do is enter your details using our 'request a quote' feature to get quotes sent directly to your inbox.
Fill in our online form
Include information about the type of skip you need
We'll search our trade directory for skip hire companies
A selection of local skip hire companies will contact you to discuss your options
Option 2: Browse our online trade directory
If you’d prefer to find skip hire companies yourself, use our directory of approved tradespeople. Simply enter your postcode into the box below and press search to find skip hire companies in your local area.
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Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Hiring guide: Hire the right type of skip
If you’ve never hired a skip before, you’ll probably want some advice on how to proceed.
The first thing to know before you hire a skip is what can you put into it and more importantly what can’t you put into a skip.
What can’t I put in a skip?
Most household waste can be put in a skip as long as it doesn’t pose a hazard. To be on the safe side, here is a list of things that you CAN’T put in a skip.
Asbestos
Batteries
Clinical or medical waste
Electrical appliances & equipment
Fluorescent tubes
Fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units
Gas canisters and gas bottles
Hazardous & toxic materials
Oil, petrol, and diesel
Paint and tins of paint
Plasterboard
TVs & computer screens
Tyres
Please note that if you do put any of these items into a skip, then you will probably receive an additional charge.
The items may also be removed and left at your property.
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What size skip do I need?
The perfect sized skip for you will obviously depend on how much waste you need to dispose of.
This, however, can be difficult to estimate before you hire a skip. Skips usually come in the following sizes:
Mini skip – 2 – 3 yards
Midi skip – 4 -5 yards
Builder skip – 6 – 8 yards
The sizes above are the amount in cubic yards that a skip can hold. Skips with a capacity of 10 or 12 yards are also available.
For any skip with a greater capacity than 8 yards, however, you will need a permit from the local authority if you plan to place it on a public road.
How much does skip hire cost?
Now to the cost. To successfully plan any renovation project, you’ll need a clear idea of costs before you begin.
When hiring a skip, costs will be affected by the size of the skip, how long you want the skip for, and your location.
On average, a 2 yard skip will cost anywhere between £65 - £110if you’re based in the north. This cost will increase to around £90 - £150for homeowners in the south. If you live in London, costs will increase further to between £135-£175.
If your skip is going to be placed on a private driveway, there will be no additional costs. If, however, it is going to be placed on a public road, you will need to pay for a council permit.
Speak to your chosen skip hire company before you begin to ensure you are not surprised by any hidden costs.
Take a look at our skip hire cost guide for more detailed information about the price ranges to expect when hiring a skip.
Other considerations when hiring a skip
Cost, size, and restricted items are the most important considerations when hiring a skip.
However, there are some other points you may want to ask your skip hire company before signing on the dotted line.
Questions to ask a skip hire company
Will you arrange a CPZ (controlled parking zone) suspension permit?
Do you assist with loading the skip?
When will the skip be delivered and collected?
Do you need special access to deliver the skip? (important on narrow roads etc.)
Does the skip have a weight restriction?
How high can I load the skip?
Do I need to put down timber planks to protect my driveway?
Do you provide skip covers such as tarpaulin sheets?
Do I pay upon receipt of the skip or when it is taken away?
All professional skip hire companies will be more than happy to answer all these questions and others you may have about the skip hire process.
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Using a Checkatrade approved skip hire company
Now that you understand more about hiring a skip, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the best company for your needs.
By using our trade directory, you can find the best skip hire companies working in your local area.
Checkatrade member pages include:
Company details
Professional qualifications and credentials
Areas of speciality
Customer reviews
Photos of previous work
Checkatrade member’s business profiles are designed to show customers what to expect when they hire their services.
A skip hire company can use their business profile to promote their professionalism, highlight their experience, and post previous customer reviews and images of their equipment.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job