There is more to skip hire than many people realise. While it may not just be a case of choosing a company and getting them to deliver a skip, it doesn’t need to be a complex or stressful process either.
There are rules, regulations, permits and licenses you should be aware of if you’re thinking of hiring a skip. Batesy Skip Hire are here to help with this brief overview of the rules and regulations, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about when ordering your skip.
What is a skip permit and when do I need one?
Skip permits help control the number of skips on public roads and walkways at any given time. They’re necessary to ensure that the amount of space taken up and inconvenience caused by skips – such as impacts on parking and traffic flow – are kept to a minimum.
If you’re planning on keeping your skip on a public road or pavement, you’ll need to get a skip permit from your local council. If you fail to do so, you will be liable to a fine and the skip can be removed at any time.
You don’t need a permit if you’re placing the skip on private land, for example on your driveway or in your garden.
How do I apply for a permit?
Most skip hire companies will be willing to submit a permit application on your behalf, so long as you make sure they are aware of the need for one. Some councils require the customer themselves to request the permit, though, so be sure to check your local authority’s rules. If you’re using a local company, they will probably be able to inform you of the best course of action when it comes to permit applications.
How much do the permits cost?
Cost varies depending on where in the UK you are located. On average, skip permits will cost around £30. If your skip hire company is obtaining the permit for you, they’ll just add this cost to the total bill. They might also add a small administrative fee, so be sure to double check this with your company in advance.
Skip permit rules
There are some specific rules and regulations you should be aware of when getting a permit. These include:
- Location – your skip cannot be blocking any roads or entryways.
- Dimensions – some councils have strict rules about where certain sizes of skip can be placed.
- Paint – the skip needs to be painted a bright colour so it is clearly visible to oncoming traffic.
- Contents – you need to follow the rules about what you can and can’t put into your skip.
- Cleaning up – you’ll need to ensure there is no mess left on roads or pavements, both during and after your skip hire.
- Lighting and markings – appropriate lighting and road markings around the skip are a must.
- Duration – the skip can only be kept for as long as the permit allows.
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and high-quality skip service, Batesy Skip Hire provides skips for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes in the Greater Belfast area. No matter how big or small your project, we’re here to help with all your waste disposal needs. Get in touch today for more information.