Whether you are having renovation work done on your property and need to dispose of construction materials or even a simple tidy up in the garden removing old branches, leaves and soil, a skip is an efficient solution for waste removal.
These bulky containers are large and easily accessible, making disposal quick and convenient without the need for multiple trips to the tip.
Once you have decided what type of skip you need and how long you will need it for, you need to figure out where the skip will be positioned next to your property. This will determine whether or not you will need a permit.
In this blog, ETM Recycling runs through all you need to know about skip permits in the South West, from regulations you need to be aware of, to costs and the process.
What are the Regulations for Skips on the Road in the South West?
In the South West, as in the rest of England, the placement of a skip on public land or a road requires a skip permit that has been issued by the local council to ensure safe and legal placement.
The clear visibility of drivers and pedestrians is a top priority when it comes to skip placement and there are regulations in place to avoid potential issues or risks, including:
Placement limitations
If your property has a driveway where you can position your skip, a skip permit won’t be necessary as it can be kept on your private land.
However, if your skip is placed on public land or a road, it cannot be positioned in a way that obstructs traffic flow or poses a hazard to pedestrians. For example, a skip cannot be placed on a pavement or block access to another property.
For optimal safety and convenience for loading and unloading, the skip should be positioned on a flat, stable surface.
Limited Duration
A skip permit is typically granted for 28 days. However, construction and demolition projects are unpredictable and you might find that you need to hire your skip for longer. Most councils are willing to extend the permit duration for an additional fee.
It is worth noting that if you keep your skip for longer than the agreed time, you could be issued a fine, so if you begin to suspect that you might need more time, ensure that you contact the council in advance.
Safety Measures
Skips that have been positioned on the road need to be clearly marked with reflective markings, lights or cones to ensure that they can be seen in low visibility.
If a skip is positioned on a carriageway with a width of less than 5.5 metres it must be guarded by temporary traffic signals.
How Much is a Skip Permit?
The cost of a skip permit in the South West can vary depending on your local council. For example, a skip permit issued from Bath and North East Somerset Council ranges from £68 to £115 if a retrospective application is made. Whereas a skip permit issued from Bristol City Council ranges from £74 to £124.
Please note that these figures are subject to change, and if you have any doubts about how much your skip permit could cost, we advise that you get in touch with your local council.
Generally, the fee for a skip permit covers the administrative costs for processing the permit and ensuring the skip position is compliant with safety regulations.
Additional factors that may affect the overall cost of your skip permit are the size of the skip and the placement of the skip in specific zones or during peak hours.
Remember that you need to apply for a permit to avoid legal consequences or face fines of up to £1000, so it’s best to adhere to local regulations.
How Do You Get a Skip Permit?
Obtaining a permit for your skip is a straightforward process which involves:
Contacting Your Local Council
The best place to start is to get in touch with your local council to inquire about their requirements for skip permits. You might also be able to find this information online on their website.
Provide the Necessary Information and Submit Your Application
On your application, you will need to provide all the necessary details about the skip you need for your project, including its size, where you intend to place it, and how long you need it. These details will help the council assess whether the placement is appropriate.
Once your application is filled in, ensure that all the details you have provided are accurate. In some cases, you will be able to apply online for your skip permit application or provide the relevant forms for you to print off.
Pay the fee and wait for approval
The payment of your skip permit fee can be done online or through payment methods outlined by the council.
Once your application and payment are processed, you will receive official approval from the council.
It is important that you do not hire and position your skip on public land or road before you have received this confirmation to avoid any legal repercussions.
Domestic and Commercial Skip Hire from ETM Recycling
Whether you are a homeowner working on a DIY project or a business in need of efficient waste management, ETM Recycling tailors its services to meet your specific requirements.
Our expertise covers both small-scale residential projects and large-scale commercial.
For more information about our recycling and waste disposal services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.
