Before deciding to hire a skip, you’ll need to think about where to put it. This is easy enough if you have adequate space on your property; a driveway, patio, or lawn can all hold a skip, and you won’t need to seek permission to place it on your land.

However, if you don’t have the space to put the skip on your property or easy access due to a narrow or awkward driveway entrance, you will have to get a permit from your local council to place it on a public highway.

Skip vehicles need a 10ft wide entrance for unloading and loading, which includes the the route to to the drop off point, so you should check any narrow lanes and gates before booking your skip.

Yes, you’re free to put a skip in your front garden! Your property, your rules. Bear in mind that a skip can dry out and damage grass during a two-week stay, and the skip hire company is not responsible for this.

The most ideal spot for a skip is your driveway. If you have space for two cars, you may be able to squeeze it into the second slot and still park on your driveway - just be mindful of accidental damage by workmen if there's not plenty of space.

A skip should always have plenty of room for you to move around it and safely place items in through the dipped edge. You should also make sure that your skip can be collected at the end of its stay: don’t overload it with excess waste, block it with a closed gate or a parked car.

If you don’t have a garden or driveway, or simply don’t have space to fit the skip due to say a narrow driveway entrance, don’t despair - you can put a skip on the road outside your house. However, you should always consider the location: is your road a single lane or a busy road? Are there blind corners? Be mindful about creating a hazard with your skip.

Before you place a skip on the road, you will need a permit from your local council. Skips placed on public roads must have an official permit and be supplied with safety lights or cones. This keeps traffic flowing safely around the obstruction, especially at night.

When placing a skip on a road, you should take into account how the extra distance from your property may impact project timelines if disposing of lots of waste.

No, you cannot put a skip on the pavement. Care should be taken not to block the route for pedestrians under any circumstances. You should speak to your local council if your road is too busy for a skip and you do not have the space to have a skip on your property - it’s possible that you can place a skip further away from your home. 

Can You Put a Skip on a Grass Verge?

Yes, you can place a skip on a public grass verge if it’s the most convenient place to put it. However, if the skip damages the grass, you may be liable for additional fees from the council. This can happen if the skip stays in the same location for more than a few days, so you should factor the additional cost into your skip hire budget as standard. Make sure you get a permit, too!

Can You Place a Skip on Your Neighbour's Land?

You could ask to use your neighbour's property, although you should discuss placement and the length of time you are hiring the skip for. You should ensure their lawn or driveway is protected from damage using wood battens or sheets, as you would your own. Discuss this with the skip hire company prior to hiring the skip so you and your neighbour are happy and reassured with the plan.

Choosing the Right Surface

To ensure the skip remains stable once positioned, it is imperative to place it on a level, hard surface. Soft or uneven ground can cause the skip to shift or tip, especially as it gets filled. If a suitable surface isn’t available, consider using sturdy planks or similar supports under the skip to distribute its weight more evenly and prevent shifting.

Minimising Wind Exposure

If you live in a particularly windy area, think about orienting the skip so that its smallest side faces the wind, reducing the risk of it being shifted. Position the skip in a location where it is shielded from strong winds. High winds can destabilise a skip, particularly when it is empty or filled with very light materials.

Additionally, if you have waste that could be blown out of the skip, you should ensure it is securely contained within the skip. Waste like internal doors or wooded fences can easily be picked up by gusts of wind and damage surrounding property or people.

Safe Access

Ensure there is sufficient space around the skip for safe access. This includes enough room for you to load the skip without needing to perform risky manoeuvres, such as climbing on the skip or stretching over its sides, which can lead to falls or other injuries. Clear access helps in maintaining balance and stability as you fill the skip.

It’s easy to get frustrated with skip misplacement, but it’s also an incredibly avoidable issue. The simplest step is to plan!

Decide On a Size

Decide on the size of your skip before you do anything else, and make sure you read up on its capacity, so you don’t produce too much or too little waste to put in it.

Making a firm decision now is important as changing your mind later on will mean going through the planning process again, and you will have to pay any additional costs that may be incurred if the skip has already been delivered.

Measure For Placement

The measurements of your skip will always be readily available online. A trusted skip hire company will never let you hire equipment blindly. Once you have the measurements, it’s time to grab a piece of chalk and head outside. Plan by drawing an outline on the ground: it’s easier to erase and redraw chalk lines than to move your skip.

This process is particularly helpful, if as mentioned previously, you still intend to park a car on your driveway still alongside the skip - otherwise the skip hire company may place the skip in the middle of the driveway, thinking it gives you plenty of room to navigate around the skip when loading it with waste.

Communicate

The final step is communication! When the vehicle rolls up with your skip, you’ll get the best results by talking to the professionals.

Show them where you’d like the skip to be placed, and take their advice into consideration if they suggest any changes.