FAQs

What size do I need? How long do I keep it for? What can I put in? We have the answers to all your questions.

Picking the right sized skip

Estimating the right size can be a challenge. Our Skip Selector can help you pick the right size based on your needs, but these are the common questions we get asked about skip sizes.

Skip lorries have a maximum weight. If you put too much heavy waste into one of our larger skips, the skip can be too heavy to be taken away.

Heavy waste is typically dense waste, such as ground waste, like soil, stone and sand, or construction waste like bricks, concrete and cement.

Just because a single item is heavy doesn't mean it's heavy. For example, items like sofas and wardrobes might be heavy due to their size, but are not dense.

A good rule of thumb is the bucket test. If the items in a bucket would be heavy (like a bucket full of soil) then it's probably heavy waste. If it's something like broken wood, a bucketload would be lighter, as the product is less dense and there is more opportunity for gaps of air between the products.

Selecting the right skip size can feel daunting. But don't worry, it is actually quite simple. All skips are sized in cubic yards. 1 cubic yard is roughly the size of a washing machine or similar household appliance. So if all your waste (when broken down) would be around the size of 8 washing machines, you'll need an 8 yard skip.

There might be other things to consider too, such as where you will keep the skip and what waste you'll be putting in the skip.

Our Skip Selector can help you find the right skip based on your waste type and volume.

Your skip must be 'level loaded' or more simply, not overflowing. Our drivers are not allowed to remove skips that are filled higher than the skip wall. If your skip is overflowing, our drivers will request you remove some of the excess waste, you will need to arrange for disposal of the additional waste separately. If you're not sure, we always advise to go a skip larger than you might need. The cost of a slightly larger skip is always less than the cost of additional waste removal and gives you full peace of mind.

Each skip hire includes one collection and disposal. If you fill the skip up faster than expected or simply underestimated the volume of waste you had, you can arrange an exchange. This means when we come to pick up your skip, we'll leave you an empty one, so there's minimal disruption to your project.

To arrange an exchange, click 'Return Skip', then select 'Exchange'. It is important that you book a skip and pay for it at the same time.

If when we deliver your skip you realise it is too small, please let the driver know. We will be able to exchange the skip for an additional delivery fee though this may not be the same day. To avoid this happening, if you are unsure then picking the next size up is almost always cheaper than scheduling an extra delivery. But if this does happen, don't worry, we will be happy to assist.

Skip collection & duration

Delivery and collection of your skip is usually easy. We work around you.

Our drivers are highly skilled and our trucks fitted with the latest technology to enable delivery into many complicated locations. However, we need to judge each issue individually. When you book your skip, you will have the option to add photos of your driveway and any concerns you might have. If we see anything that might present a challenge, we will give you a call to discuss. If for some reason we decide we can't deliver a skip we will find a suitable alternative to skip hire such as a caged vehicle.

Absolutely. We can pick your skip up once you tell us you're finished, usually within 2 business days. There's no minimum hire period. If on delivery you know you'll only need the skip for a short period, please let the driver know.

Our default is 14 days, and usually this is long enough for most customers. We can pick the skip up when it’s full - usually the next day. If you need to keep the skip for longer, we may be able to arrange this, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Our default is 14 days, but don’t worry, we’re very flexible! We can pick the skip up when it’s full - usually the next day.

Road Permits

If you need to keep a skip on public land, like a highway, you will need a permit. We can arrange this for you once your skip is booked but the following questions are quite common.

The cost of skip permits (or highway permits and road permits) varies significantly by local council across the UK. It can range from anything from £40 but can cost a lot more in some areas.  There are additional factors too. if you need to place your skip in a parking bay, you will also need to apply for a parking bay suspension. Councils will likely charge for any lost revenue. Many councils also have a range of requirements for skips place on public roads, for example cones, lights and covers. So the overall cost will depend not only on where you live, but your specific requirements. If you have questions, please do call our team on 0208 698 8000. They will be happy to help navigate this tricky space.  And if you decide a permit is either too complex, expensive or just not possible, we have a wide range of alternative options, such as grab lorries, caged vehicles that might suit your needs.

Many councils will only deal with registered waste businesses, like Norris. So we always advise you to book your skip first and we will help arrange the permit. Just tell us you need one as part of your booking. If after booking we need to make changes, for example if you book a skip bigger than your council will allow, the cost of the permit is not acceptable to you or the council will not allow a permit in your location, we'll be able to help find a suitable alternative for you.

We usually arrange a permit within 5-7 working days. Understandably, this can sometimes vary. We have been able to arrange permits very quickly but sometimes when the council is busy, things can take a little longer. Please remember we are not able to deliver you skip until your permit is ready.

If you're keeping your skip on Private land, such as a driveway or garden, you don't need a permit. You do however, need the landowners permission. You will likely need a permit if you plan on putting the skip on public land, such as a road or parking space. If you don't own the land you plan on putting the skip on, please call our office on 0208 698 8000 and our team can help you understand what is right for you.

Restricted items

To effectively and safely dispose of some items, we have to take extra steps to ensure disposal is safe and environmentally friendly.

Skip hire offers an efficient way to get rid of many waste types. However, there are some items you can not put into a skip. These items require specialist disposal. For many items we can dispose of them for an additional cost, but there are some items we cannot dispose of. There are 3 categories:

  • • Items that carry a fixed cost, such as household appliances, tyres.
  • • Items that are charged by weight, like plasterboard and astroturf
  • • Items we are unable to dispose of such as asbestos

You are responsible for what goes into your skip, so please read our full list of restricted items and if you have any questions on any items, please call our team on 0208 698 8000.

Weighted items are those items charged for based on the volume you dispose of. We can't provide an exact price until we get your skip back to the depot. When your skip arrives at the depot, we sort your items and weigh the restricted items. We will then call and advise you of the additional price, which can be paid over the phone by credit card, or added to your invoice if you're an account customer.

Give us a call on 0208 698 8000. We won't be able to give you a final price until the items have been returned to the depot and weighed, but we can give you an estimate based on the approximate volume, the type of material and other factors.

Some items require specialist disposal. Where additional care is needed for safe disposal, there is an additional cost for that disposal. There are many reasons why some items require specialist care. Household appliances have gasses and chemicals that need to be disposed of responsibly and carefully to protect the environment. Mattresses usually have springs in them meaning these have to be broken down to be disposed of as separate waste streams. However, whilst there is a small cost to some items, you can rest assured that your waste is being disposed of in the most ecologically, environmentally and sustainable way.