Cheap Skip Hire: Are You Really Getting the Best Value?

Written by Nick Towens

Key Findings

• The cheapest skip hire options available can come with hidden costs and poor service.
• Choosing a reliable, licensed provider ensures your waste materials are disposed of responsibly.
• Always compare more than just skip prices – look at service, compliance, reviews, and what’s included.
• Skip size, waste type, and location all affect the final cost.
• Towens offers competitive prices, responsible disposal, and a wide range of skip sizes across Somerset.

It’s tempting to go for the cheapest skip hire you can find, especially when you’ve got a pile of waste to shift after a house clearance, DIY project or garden renovation. But while a low upfront cost might seem like a bargain, it’s not always the best value option in the long run.

At Towens, we’ve seen it all – from customers caught out by hidden charges to poorly handled rubbish that’s landed them with fines. We believe that reliable skip hire should be affordable, straightforward, and above all, compliant with UK waste regulations.

So how do you spot the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake?

What Should I Look Out for When Hiring a Skip?

Hidden Costs

That “too-good-to-be-true” skip hire price often doesn’t include things like skip hire permits (if it’s going on a public road), VAT, or charges for overfilling or incorrect waste.

Top tip: Always check what’s included in the price and whether there are extra charges for the type of waste you’re disposing of.

Poor Service

The last thing you want during a busy project is a skip that arrives late – or worse, not at all. Reliable skip hire means timely delivery and collection, flexible options for different skip sizes, and customer support that picks up the phone.

Some cheaper companies don’t own their own fleet, which means delays and poor communication. At Towens, we operate our own fleet of lorries, so we can guarantee quick, efficient delivery.

Non-Compliant Waste Disposal

It’s not just about getting rid of rubbish – it’s about doing it responsibly. If your waste ends up fly-tipped or sent straight to landfill, you could be held accountable if the skip hire company wasn’t properly licensed. Always make sure your skip provider is fully compliant with UK waste disposal regulations.

Towens recycles or reuses over 90% of the waste we collect, from garden waste to demolition debris. This effort is to keep landfill use to a minimum and support sustainable waste management across the South West.

What Are the Risks of Choosing the Wrong Skip Hire Company?

Extra Fees for Overfilling

Overloading your skip can lead to additional fees or refusal to collect. Always choose the right skip size for the amount of waste you’re dealing with.

Inadequate Waste Sorting

Cheaper skip hire providers may not separate waste properly, increasing landfill use and harming the environment. At Towens, we sort waste carefully at our transfer station and maximise recycling.

Lack of Permits

If your skip is on a public road and your hire company hasn’t arranged the correct skip permit from your local council, you could face fines. We can handle this for you, taking the hassle off your plate.

Skip Hire from Towens

Competitive Prices and Clear Terms

We believe in affordable skip hire that doesn’t cut corners. Our prices are clear, competitive, and include VAT. No surprises, no extra costs for what’s already covered.

Here’s a quick look at some of our starting prices, for a ten day period. When you are ready, just give us a call, and we will arrange collection:

Weston-super-Mare & Surrounding Areas

• 2YD Mini Skip (soil/stone): from £130
• 6YD Skip (mixed): from £306
• 12YD Skip (mixed): from £420

Bridgwater & Surrounding Areas

• 4YD Skip (mixed): from £246
• 8YD Skip (mixed): from £345

Shepton Mallet & Surrounding Areas

• 8YD Skip (mixed): from £354
• 12YD Skip (mixed): from £450

We offer a wide range of skip sizes for everything from garden waste and appliances to larger commercial projects.

Who Are Towens?

We’re a family-run business with over 30 years of experience offering smart, sustainable waste removal solutions, recycling, aggregates, and skip hire services across Somerset, North Somerset, and surrounding areas like Gloucestershire and Bristol.

With over 40 vehicles and four recycling centres, we handle everything from small household waste to demolition debris, with over 90% of waste recycled or reused. We also offer larger skips, and even equipment rental.

Whatever your project – a DIY house clearance, landscaping job, or a large commercial build – we’ve got the right skip size, competitive pricing, and a team that cares.

Need help choosing the right skip?

Call us on 01934 424242, email skips@towens.co.uk, or use our quick and easy online booking form.

FAQs

1. Do I need a skip hire permit?

If your skip will be placed on a public road, yes. Don’t worry – we can arrange this for you.

2. Can I put hazardous waste in my skip?

No – hazardous materials like asbestos, fridges, tyres, batteries, and paint tins are not allowed. Check our full list before booking.

3. How do I know which skip size I need?

Think about the volume and type of waste. A 2YD skip is ideal for garden waste or soil, while a 6YD or 8YD is better for mixed household or builders’ waste. We’re always happy to advise if you’re unsure.