Skip Permit

At ClickaSkip, we find many people are surprised to learn that they may require a skip permit when obtaining skip hire.

To help, we’ve put together answers to our most frequently asked questions on skip permits.

Before reading on, please note that a skip permit (or skip licence) is not required if it is placed on private land such a driveway or field. If a permit is required and you order your skip with ClickaSkip, the skip permit is arranged for you.

Why do I need a skip permit?

Skip permits are required under UK legislation (the Highways Act 1980, Section 39). This law states that it is an offence to place anything on the highway unless authorised by a licence in writing.

The legislation ensures that skips are positioned in such a way that they do not cause an obstruction to other road users. This applies to both skips and jumbo waste bags, placed on public places for e.g. paths and roads.

How to obtain a skip permit?

Rest assured if you book your local skip hire with ClickaSkip, your permit will be arranged for you.

Alternatively, you can contact the relevant department in your local council for full details and procedures.

Do I need to light up or mark the skip?

In some areas, skip companies are required to put markings on the skip such as reflective markings, and the name of the skip company and their telephone number. Another requirement may be for safety lights or traffic cones to be placed on or around the skips. Again, this depends on the area and it is essential to check with your local skip hire company for full details, as the onus is on the hirer to ensure the skip company complies accordingly. Failure to comply with any of the given requirements, can result in a £1000 fine.

If booking through ClickaSkip, rest assured our compliance procedures ensure this is done for you.

Are there any other requirements?

Yes. Again, these depend on the requirement.

Typical examples include:

“The skip shall be positioned so that it does not impede the surface water drainage of the highway nor obstruct access to any manhole or the apparatus of any statutory undertaker or the local council”.

“Where more than one skip is on the highway at any one time, the skips shall be positioned as closely as possible to each other, but not so as to obstruct access to any premises unless the consent of the occupier of those premises has been obtained”.