We know that many people who visit our website have never ordered a skip, so please find below our uncomplicated guide to some of the Frequently Asked Questions:-


How do I order a skip?

Simply select  the skip that you require using our size guide, then call us on 0208 807 8777 and speak to one of our friendly office team; or alternatively enter your details in our contact form on this website and we will call you straight back.

Do we provide the skip hire service?

Yes we are a family run, independent business. Therefore you will be dealing directly with us not a skip broker or national skip hire agent. We have our own large fleet of lorries that will deliver the Mini Skip, Builders Skip or Large Skip to your door without fuss and on-time.

What size do I need?

We offer a full range of skip sizes from 4 cubic yards to 40 cubic yards. The skip size guide on this website will give you an idea of what's best for you.

So the skip can be safely transported, all skips must be level loaded and Large Skips must not be fully loaded with heavy inert materials. If you need advice please call our sales team on 0208 807 8777 who will be more than happy to help.

How long does it take to get a skip?

Always Next Day but frequently Same Day Delivery depending on your location and when you order it. However, if a skip permit is required we would need some advance warning as this process can take up to three days. The amount of time required to arrange a permit varies depending on your Local Council or London Borough.

Do I need a skip permit?

Permits are required by most Local Councils and London Boroughs for skips that need to be placed on public land or the public highway.

Permits can be arranged for a maximum of 28 days. In most cases we gladly arrange the permit for you. A few councils stipulate that the hirer must apply for the permit; in this case we will advise you during the booking process if you are required to arrange the permit yourself.

When and how do I pay?

Paying for your skip is easy. Most skip orders are paid for at the time of ordering. Our friendly sales staff will take your payment details over the phone. We accept payment by all major credit cards. Alternatively you can pay the driver on delivery of the skip and a receipt will be given at the time of payment. If you are a company that requires multiple skips you can simply set up a business credit account with Howard Waste Skips Ltd.

Where can the skips be placed?
We will place your skip in the most convenient location which might be on your driveway or on the road. If we need to place the skip on the road you will need a skip permit and lights. Please contact us if you cannot place on your private land (remember the grass verge outside your house may not be owned by you!) and we will organise the permit for you.

Alternatively,if your street is too congested we offer a Wait & Load Service This is where you load your waste into the skip whilst our driver is present so no skip permit is required!

How is my skip delivered?

Your skip will be delivered by our skip loader which are rather large, although we also have smaller 7.5t loaders to deliver to tricky locations.

There needs to be approx 2.4 metres wide access for a normal truck carrying a Builders Skip (standard size). Please advise us of any access difficulties at the time of ordering.

Please make sure that there is sufficient access to allow your skip in and out safely. If you are unsure, simply contact us and we will provide the approximate dimensions required.

What can I put in it?

Skips are for general waste, inert waste, wood, metal, builders waste

No Fridges/Freezers, No TV's, No Gas Cylinders, No Tyres, No Fires.

NO HAZARDOUS WASTE including paints, solvents, chemicals, asbestos.

If you are unsure whether the waste is suitable, give us a call as we can also offer bespoke hazardous waste collections

How high can I fill the skip?

Do not overload your skip. The waste inside should not exceed the top of the skip walls. If the waste is higher than the fill-line we cannot transport the skip – it's the law.

How long can I keep the skip?

You are paying for the skip not a period of time, so our price is the same for one day as it is for one week. The normal skip hire period is over two weekends but this can be extended to suit your needs. If you require a permit for a skip these can be acquired for up to 28 days at any one time.

Will my drive be damaged by the skip?

Block paved and soft tarmac drives can be damaged when placing skips on them. Heavy skips, which require stabilising equipment, may also potentially cause damage.

While we will take every care to prevent damage, please be aware that once we leave the highway you agree to indemnify us for any damage that occurs whilst on your property.

Do you recycle my waste?

At Howard Waste Skips Ltd we endeavour to recycle up to 90% of our skips waste. After collection all skips are taken to our purpose built waste recycling facility. We strive to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill so anything that can be recovered will be recycled. Howard Waste Skips are fully registered with the Environment Agency (Certificate Reg No: CB/WN5771MC)