Do I need a permit to hire a skip in Derby?
If your skip is placed entirely on private property — such as your driveway — you don't need a permit. If any part of the skip is on a public road, pavement or council land, you'll need a Derby City Council skip permit. The good news is we handle the permit application for you — just let us know when you book and we'll sort it. Permits typically cost £30–£60 and take 3–5 working days to be approved.
What size skip do I need?
As a general guide: a 2–3 yard mini skip holds about 25 bin bags and is good for small garden or bathroom jobs. A 4 yard (40 bags) suits garages or loft clearances. A 6 yard (55 bags) is our most popular size — great for kitchens, bathrooms or garden landscaping. An 8 yard (70 bags) handles house clearances and bigger renovations. A 12 yard builders skip (100 bags) is for construction and large commercial jobs. When in doubt, it's better to go one size up — we can always advise you for free.
How long can I keep the skip?
Standard hire is 7 days. If you need it longer, just call us and we can arrange an extension. Additional weeks are usually charged at £10–£20 per week. We're flexible — just keep us in the loop and we'll work around your project timeline.
What can I put in a skip?
Most general waste is fine: household waste, furniture, garden waste (soil, turf, branches), wood and timber, bricks, tiles and rubble, bathroom and kitchen fittings, cardboard and packaging. Some items cannot go in a skip for legal or safety reasons: asbestos, gas cylinders, hazardous chemicals, paint tins, electrical items such as fridges and TVs, fluorescent tubes, tyres, and medical waste. If you're unsure, just call us — we'd rather you ask than put something in that causes problems.
Can I overfill a skip?
No — skips must not be filled above the top rim (the "fill line"). This is a legal requirement for safe transportation. If a skip is overfilled, we may not be able to collect it and a charge may apply to remove excess waste. If you think you might need more space, it's worth going up a size.
How quickly can you deliver a skip?
We offer same-day and next-day delivery across most of Derby and Derbyshire. Order before 11am and we can often deliver the same day. For larger skips or more remote areas, next-day delivery is our standard. Call us to confirm availability for your area.
Do you recycle the waste?
Yes — we recycle approximately 95% of the waste we collect. All waste goes through our licensed waste transfer facility where it is sorted and segregated for recycling wherever possible. This means less waste goes to landfill and your skip hire has a lower environmental impact.
What happens if I damage the skip?
Minor wear and tear during use is expected and not charged for. If the skip is significantly damaged — for example due to being loaded with excessively heavy or abrasive materials — we may need to discuss this when we collect. We'll always be upfront about any concerns.
Are you a licensed waste carrier?
Yes — we are a fully licensed Environment Agency waste carrier. It's a legal requirement for any company transporting waste in the UK. You should always check that any skip hire company you use holds a current waste carrier licence — if they don't, you could be held liable for fly-tipping even if you used a third party.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
Yes — just call us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate changes. We understand that project timelines change. Cancellations made with reasonable notice won't incur a charge.