What is a skip license and do I need one? L&S Waste Management

What is a skip licence and do I need one?

If you’re renovating part of your house, or if you’re in the trade and are undergoing a demolition or refurbishment project, then you’ll more than likely be in need of a skip! But depending on your property and where you intend on keeping the skip, depends on whether you need to acquire a skip licence or not.

How do I know if I need a skip licence?

If you do not have a driveway to keep your skip on, it’ll more than likely end up on the public road throughout the duration of your use. If this is the case, then you will definitely need a licence, also sometimes known as a skip permit.

Licence costs are specific to which county the skip will be located in, (roughly £60 in Hampshire) and are valid for a 2-week period. If you book your skip via L&S Waste we will take care of licencing requirements as part of the hire agreement – please note this usually takes 4 days to process.

If you have the skip for any longer then 2 weeks, this will need renewing. Please note an application must be submitted for a renewal and you should allow a further 4 working days for it to be processed and approved.

Highways are other areas that require a permit, as highlighted in the Highways Act 1980. By law, anyone who places a skip on a highway and fails to hold a permit can be prosecuted, and a permit will only be given if there has been consideration in the following areas:

The dimensions
Care and disposal of its contents
The siting of the skip
The manner in which it is made visible (paint, lighting etc.)
Its removal at the end of the hire period.

Skips on highways should NEVER contain explosives or flammable materials and the contents should be covered to prevent any spillage onto the highway.

If the skip is staying entirely on private land i.e your driveway, then you do not need a permit.

However, if you intend on keeping the skip in a public place, then you need to surround the area with safety precautions in order to ensure it is clearly visible.

Reflective markings
Safety lamps
Traffic cones

What are the consequences?

If the above safety measures are not implemented, you could potentially be fined anything up to £1,000. Similarly, if the Council demands your skip be removed or moved to another location, you must do so within 24 hours.

For more information on the rules and regulations around skip licences, please contact your local council.