How much is a skip? A rough guide to calculating costs

Whether you’re clearing out a garage in Stowmarket, refitting a kitchen in Cambridge, or managing a building job in Ipswich, hiring a skip is usually the simplest way to get rid of waste in one go (unless you fancy wrestling an old mattress into the back of a hatchback, which we definitely don’t advise).

* All prices quoted here are correct at the time of publishing, and are subject to change.

So, how much does a skip cost for your project? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The final price will depend on the size you need, where you’re based, what you’re throwing away and how long you need the skip. You may also pay extra for certain types of waste or a permit if the skip has to be placed on a public road.

In this guide, we’ll look at the typical costs of skip hire in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, as well as the additional charges that can apply for permits, specialist waste and longer hire periods.

How much is a skip? Price examples by size and location

Before you can work out the cost, you’ll need to know what size skip you need. The amount of waste you have and the space available at your property will help you choose the right container.

One important thing to keep in mind: don’t underestimate how much waste you have. A skip that’s too small could mean paying for an additional collection, which may cost more than hiring a larger skip from the start.

Take a look at our handy skip hire size guide if you’re not sure which size is right for you.

As a rough guide, prices vary depending on the size of the skip and location. Here are a few example prices to give you an idea of what you could expect to pay:

What affects skip hire prices?

There isn’t one fixed price for skip hire. The amount you’ll pay depends on several factors, so two people hiring the same size skip can receive different quotes.

• Skip size: Larger skips hold more waste and generally cost more to hire. Again, choosing the right size is perhaps the most important step, as a skip that’s too small could mean paying for a second container.
• Location: Skip prices vary by postcode. Delivery, collection and local disposal costs can all affect the price, which is why the cost of hiring a skip in Cambridge may differ from the price in Ipswich or Stowmarket.
• Type of waste: Different materials have different disposal and processing costs. Some waste, including plasterboard, electrical items and POPs waste, requires separate handling and may incur an additional charge. Refer to our guide on what can and can’t go in a skip for more specific information.
• Permit requirements: If your skip needs to be placed on a public road, you’ll usually need a permit. The cost varies by council and is added to the cost of your skip hire.
• Hire period: SunSkips’ standard hire period is 14 days. If you need to keep your skip for longer, additional charges may apply.

What size skip do I need?

Choosing the right skip size can make a difference to your overall skip hire cost. The smallest option isn’t always the cheapest if you have more waste than it can hold, while hiring a much larger container than you need means paying for space you won’t use.

As a general guide, a 4-yard skip is suitable for smaller clear-outs and home improvement projects, while an 8-yard builder’s skip provides more capacity for larger renovation and construction jobs. For substantial amounts of waste, larger 10-, 12- and 14-yard skips may be more suitable.

Not sure which size you need? Take a look at our skip hire size guide or contact our team for advice.

Additional fees for special waste items

Most standard waste can be included in your skip hire quote, with VAT included and no hidden fees. However, some items require separate handling and cannot be disposed of with general skip waste. These items may incur an additional removal or disposal charge.

This includes TVs and monitors, fridges and freezers, tyres, dry paint, fluorescent tubes, batteries, plasterboard, microwaves and kettles. These materials require specialist treatment or disposal to ensure they are handled safely and in line with waste regulations.

Upholstered furniture, including sofas and armchairs, also requires separate handling because it can contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and cannot be placed in skips with general waste.

So, if you hire a skip in Stowmarket but also have a television to get rid of, you can expect to pay £255* for a four-yard skip, plus an additional £19* (excluding VAT) for the removal of the TV.

RELATED: How to get rid of an old sofa the right way

If you have a large quantity of one type of waste, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your options. We may be able to offer a better rate for single-stream waste disposal.

Why do skip prices vary by location?

When you search for skip hire, the price you see can vary depending on your postcode. This is because the cost of delivering, collecting and processing waste can differ from one area to another.

One of the main factors is transport. The distance between your property and the nearest SunSkips depot or waste facility can affect delivery and collection costs. A skip supplied to a location farther from a depot may cost more than one delivered closer by.

MORE: 5 simple ways to save money on your skip hire cost

Waste disposal costs can also vary between areas. Different waste facilities have different processing and disposal costs, depending on the type of waste being handled. These costs can be reflected in the price of skip hire.

If your skip needs to be placed on a public road, local permit charges can also affect the total cost. Council fees vary between areas, so the cost of a permit in one location may be different from another.

For example, the price of a four-yard skip in Cambridge may differ from the price of the same size skip in Stowmarket or Ipswich because of differences in transport, disposal and local permit requirements.

For the most accurate skip hire price in your area, head over to our online booking system and enter your postcode. You’ll get an immediate quote for the available options for your area.

Are small skips always the cheapest?

A smaller skip will usually have a lower upfront price, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the cheapest option overall. If you have more waste than it can hold, you may need a second container or an additional collection, which can quickly increase the total cost.

For example, a four-yard skip may seem like the cheapest choice, but if your project generates enough waste to fill two, hiring a larger skip from the start could work out cheaper. It’ll also save you the hassle of arranging another collection.

Before you book, think about how much waste your project is likely to produce and choose a skip with enough capacity. Our skip hire size guide can help you choose the right size.

What does a skip hire permit cost?

Not everybody has a private driveway or front garden to safely place a skip for the duration of their clear-out, some people need to keep it out on the street – and to do that, you’ll need a skip hire permit.

So for skip hire in Haverhill that will require you to keep the container on the public highway, there’ll be an additional fee of £110* (including VAT) on top of the £255* for the skip (SunSkips takes care of ordering the permit on your behalf).

Permit costs can vary between local councils, so check the requirements for your area when booking.

So, how much does a skip cost? The answer depends on the size you need, the type of waste you’re disposing of and where you’re located. No matter what your requirements, however, choosing a local skip hire company that knows the area can help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your project running smoothly.

With 25 years of experience serving customers across East Anglia, SunSkips knows what it takes to make skip hire simple, from choosing the right size to arranging delivery and collection.

Ready to get your skip sorted? Book online and we’ll help you find the right skip for your project.

FAQs about skip hire prices

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[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”What is the cheapest skip to hire?” answer-0=”The smallest skips are generally the cheapest option. SunSkips’ four-yard skips start from £255* in the examples above, although prices vary depending on your location and other requirements.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Does skip hire include VAT?” answer-0=”Yes. All quotes on the SunSkips website include VAT, so there are no hidden fees. However, certain waste items may incur additional disposal charges.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

[saswp_tiny_multiple_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Do I need a permit for a skip?” answer-0=”You’ll need a skip hire permit if your skip is placed on a public road or highway. You don’t normally need one if the skip is placed on private property, such as a driveway, although local requirements can vary.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true”]

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