How long can you keep a skip?

Do you need to dispose of substantial quantities of bulky waste? Whether you’re clearing out a house or tackling a major landscaping project, having a skip on hand can make the process much smoother. When you hire a skip, there’s no need to worry about taking endless trips to the tip; instead, you can quickly clear all the rubbish from your site and dispose of it in one go. But how long can you keep a skip for?

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about skip hire durations and share our top tips for efficient skip use, so you can begin factoring your skip hire into your upcoming project timeline.

How long can I keep a skip for?

Most skip hire companies offer a standard skip hire period of 14 days, which is enough time for the majority of domestic and commercial clearout projects. However, at McCarthy Marland, we offer a flexible approach to skip hire and allow our customers to hire skips for up to one month.

We understand that every project is different, and sometimes you might need to hire a skip for longer. We’re always happy to discuss extended hire options and can tailor the hire period to your project timeline. When you submit your online skip booking form, just let us know how long you’ll need it for – and we’ll take care of the rest.

Do I need a permit for longer skip hire?

Where your skip is placed can also affect how long you can keep it for. If your skip is going to be placed on private property, such as your driveway or a construction site, then you generally won’t need a permit and can keep the skip for as long as agreed with your provider. 

However, if you plan to place your skip on a public road or pavement, you will usually need a skip permit. Permits usually last between 7 and 14 days, depending on your local council’s regulations. If you need your skip permit for longer than 14 days, your local council may issue you with an extension, which could come at an additional cost. 

If you do need to obtain a permit when hiring one of our skips, we will handle the application process on your behalf. That way, you can spend less time worrying about paperwork, and focus all your attention on completing your project safely. 

How can I get the most from my skip?

We’ve pulled together some essential tips to help you make the most of your skip hire period:

• Plan ahead – Make sure that you have a clear understanding of the quantity and types of waste you’ll be disposing of before your project starts. You could begin to sort and gather your waste before the skip arrives on-site to avoid wasting valuable hire time.
• Hire the right skip size – It’s vital that you choose the right skip size to match your predicted waste output. If you hire a skip that is too small for your waste, then you could end up wasting money hiring an additional skip. Discover more in our guide to choosing the right skip size.
• Load your skip strategically – Place flatter items at the bottom of your skip (like wood and plasterboard), and then stack heavier or bulkier items on top. You can then fill in the gaps with smaller debris to maximise space. Read our blog post on ‘the best way to fill a skip’ for further information. 
• Don’t overfill your skip – It’s illegal to transport a skip that has been filled beyond the rim. If you overfill your skip, your skip provider may charge an additional disposal fee, or they may refuse collection altogether. Make sure that everything fits neatly within the skip’s edges.
• Know what can and can’t go in – Some hazardous materials, such as asbestos, tyres, fridges, and electric items require specialist disposal and can’t be placed in your skip. You should always check this with your skip company beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises.
• Think about access – Your skip provider will need unobstructed access in order to deliver and collect your skip. Make sure you place your skip along a clear access route and avoid placing it where parked cars or gates might get in the way. 

Where can I hire a skip?

At McCarthy Marland, we pride ourselves on offering cost-effective and convenient skip hire services to individuals and businesses across the South of England. We offer a wide range of skip sizes, from 2 yard (mini) skips for small domestic jobs to 12 yard (open or enclosed) skips for heavy-duty commercial clearout projects. 

When you hire a skip from us, we clearly outline the skip hire duration and associated costs. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden surprises. We offer fast, reliable delivery and collection services to keep your project on track. And once your skip is collected, we make sure your waste is handled responsibly, with a strong focus on recycling and recovery wherever possible. 

Are you ready to hire your skip? Simply fill in our online skip booking form and one of our expert team members will get in touch to arrange your delivery ASAP.