Cost GuidesUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·9 April 2026·Updated 12 April 2026·5 min read

Skip Hire Costs UK 2026: Sizes, Prices & What You Can Dispose

Hiring a skip is the easiest way to dispose of renovation waste. Here is a guide to skip sizes, costs and what you can and cannot put in them.

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Skip Hire Prices by Size

Skip Size	Capacity	Best For	Average Cost
Mini (2 yard)	20–30 bin bags	Small clearouts	£80–£150
Midi (4 yard)	40–50 bin bags	Garden/room clearance	£130–£220
Builder's (6 yard)	60–70 bin bags	Bathroom/kitchen refit	£160–£280
Large (8 yard)	80–90 bin bags	Major renovation	£200–£350
Maxi (10-12 yard)	100–120 bin bags	Extension/demolition	£250–£450
Roll-on-roll-off (20-40 yard)	Bulk waste	Major projects	£300–£600

Prices vary by region — London costs are typically 20–30% higher.

What Can and Cannot Go in a Skip

You CAN put in a skip: General waste, rubble, timber, metal, garden waste, furniture, carpets, ceramics, plastic.

You CANNOT put in a skip: Asbestos, gas canisters, batteries, clinical waste, chemicals, paint, tyres, electrical items (WEEE), food waste, liquids, plasterboard (needs separate skip).

Do you need a permit? If the skip is on your driveway or private land — no. If it is on a public road or pavement — yes, you need a council permit (£20–£50). Your skip hire company can usually arrange this for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep a skip?

Standard hire is 7–14 days. Extended hire is usually available for an additional fee. If the skip is on a public road, the permit may limit the duration.

Is a grab lorry cheaper than a skip?

For large volumes of heavy waste (soil, rubble), a grab lorry can be more cost-effective — £200–£400 for a 12-tonne load. They are also quicker as they load from your driveway without needing a permit. However, for mixed general waste, a skip offers more flexibility.