Hiring a skip can be daunting, especially if you have never ordered one before. That being said, it doesn’t have to be this way when using Penny’s Group as your skip-hire company of choice. Although our waste management specialists will take care of the majority of the process, it’s still a wise idea to get an understanding of how ordering a skip works. 

That’s why we have created this simple, easy-to-understand guide on how to order a skip. We have summarised our process in 6 simple steps, so be sure to keep reading to understand how it works. We have been providing our skip hire services since 1960, over 60 years ago. This has allowed us to truly become experts in the waste management sector, specialising in skip-hire. 

Step 1: Hiring the Right Skip Size 

The first step in hiring a skip is working out what size skip you require. This step is important because the last thing you want to happen is order one size, it not being big enough and having to order a second. Ordering the correct size to start with will make the process much easier and more cost-effective. 

With so many different skip sizes available, it can be difficult to choose the correct one. That’s why we have simplified the process by comparing each skip size to the maximum capacity in full bin bags. Please bear in mind, that if you aren’t placing the skip on private property, such as a driveway, you will need a skip permit from your local council. Most councils don’t allow a skip bigger than 8 yards to be placed on a public footpath.

Step 2: Acquire a Skip Permit (If Necessary) 

If your skip is going to be placed on public property, such as a pathway, you’ll need to obtain a skip permit from your local council. This needs to be organised before the delivery of the skip – we won’t deliver an ‘on-road skip’ if the correct permit isn’t in place. 

The cost and timeframe for your skip will depend on your local authority but the permit cost in Bath and North East Somerset starts at around £68, typically for 28 days. That being said, an extension for your permit can be requested when necessary, which will result in additional costs. Check with your local council for the cost of a skip permit in your area. 

To apply for a skip permit, contact your local council. Pennys Group can help with this stage if necessary. Call us at 01761 700960 for more information. 

Step 3: Booking Your Skip 

Once the correct skip size has been chosen, and any permits required are in place, it’s time to book your skip. Pennys make this process very simple. The skip can either be ordered over a phone call with one of our waste management specialists, or the skip hire online form can be completed on our website. 

Whether you choose to speak with us directly or complete our convenient order form, a series of the same questions will be asked. These include:

• What’s the postcode for delivery?
• Where will the skip be placed? (driveway or roadside)
• Do you need your skip to be open, or enclosed? (most choose open)
• What are the skip contents? (mixed waste or soil and stone) 
• What size skip do you require? (anything larger than 12 yards will have to be enquired separately using our RORO enquiry form) 
• Type of booking (new booking or exchange)
• Delivery date for your skip (24 hours notice is required and we are closed Saturday and Sunday)
• Collection date for your skip (48 hours notice is required for collection)
• Full delivery address and payment process 

Step 4: Delivery of Your Skip 

Once the skip has been ordered and payment has been completed, we will then deliver your skip at the time chosen when the order was placed. Our waste management specialists will deliver the skip to the agreed location, whether that be the roadside, your driveway or somewhere else on private land. If you have any questions or queries, our experts will be able to help at this stage. The skip will be delivered to the correct location so there’s no need to worry about having specialist equipment to move the skip. 

Step 5: Filling Your Skip 

Now the fun part, filling the skip. While our job isn’t to help you fill the skip with your waste, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for a helping hand from a friend or family member! Just ensure that the skip isn’t filled past the maximum fill line. If this line has been surpassed upon collection, we won’t collect the skip due to safety reasons. 

Filling the skip past the recommended line can be a safety hazard to pedestrians walking past or when the skip is in transport. It can also result in fines and penalties. This is why ordering the correct skip size at the beginning is important.

Most household waste is accepted in our mixed waste skips, but there are forbidden products including:

• Liquids
• Food waste 
• Asbestos 
• Gas cylinders 
• Cooking and engine oils
• Solvents 
• Medical waste 
• Furniture 
• Batteries 
• Electrical equipment 
• Paint cans 
• Tyres 
• Mattresses 
• Soil and stones (a skip specific to these materials would be required)

These materials are strictly forbidden from being added to a mixed waste skip. If these materials are found at the sort through the waste stage, additional fines will be implemented, especially if they are hazardous. 

Step 5: Skip Collection 

Once the agreed collection date arrives, our team will come and collect the skip, ready to be sorted out at our recycling centre. If you require an extension, contact us in advance and we will rearrange the collection period but it’s worth bearing in mind that additional charges may be applied. The same goes for an early collection, if you have finished with the skip before the agreed collection date, contact us and we will collect your skip at an earlier date. 

Step 6: Waste Management 

Once the skip has been collected, it will then be taken to our very own recycling centre, based in Bath. This is where the skip contents will be separated into different material groups, ready to be recycled. At Pennys, we aim to be as sustainable as possible, contributing towards a greener world. 

Using Pennys for Your Skip Hire 

Now that you are aware of how our skip-hire process works, you are now ready to hire a skip. We offer our skip hire services in Bath and across Wiltshire and Somerset including Frome, Trowbridge, Westbury, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, North Somerset, Paulton and the surrounding areas. 

Need a skip? Call us at 01761 700959 or complete our online enquire form on our skip hire page.