The hidden costs of skip hire near you: What to watch out for

Written by Nick Towens

Key findings

• Permit fees can add £100-£120 to your skip hire cost if placement on public roads is required, with processing taking 5-7 working days
• Overweight charges may apply when skips exceed weight limits, which usually vary from 2-7 tonnes depending on skip size and waste type
• Incorrect waste disposal penalties can result in additional fees when prohibited items like electrical goods, plasterboard or hazardous materials are placed in skips
• Extended hire periods beyond the standard rental duration often incur daily charges that aren’t clearly explained upfront by many hire companies
• Towens offer transparent pricing upfront, including our cutting-edge three-step booking tool, giving you a finalised quote instantaneously

When searching for “skip hire near me,” the advertised price might seem straightforward, but unexpected charges can quickly inflate your final bill. Many homeowners discover additional costs only after booking, turning what appeared to be cheap skip hire into an expensive surprise.

We’ve seen customers face bills that are 30-40% higher than initial quotes due to hidden fees. Understanding these potential charges before booking helps you budget accurately and choose the right skip hire company for your waste management needs.

Hidden costs to look out for

Permit fees for public road placement

One of the most common additional charges involves skip permits. If you need to place your skip on public land rather than your private land or driveway, you’ll require council permission. This permit typically costs between £100-£120 and takes 5-7 working days to obtain.

Many skip hire companies don’t clearly explain this requirement during initial quotes, leaving customers shocked by the extra expense. The permit process can also delay your project if you’re working to tight deadlines.

How Towens keeps permit costs transparent

We always ask about skip placement during our booking process and clearly explain when permits are required. If you need a skip permit, we’ll arrange this for you and include the cost in your upfront quote. We’ll also advise if we’re unable to obtain permits in certain areas, ensuring no last-minute surprises.

Overweight charges and weight limit penalties

Each size skip has specific weight limits, ranging from 2 tonnes for our smallest 2-yard skip to 7 tonnes for our 12-yard option. Exceeding these limits results in additional charges that can add to your bill.

The challenge lies in estimating waste weight accurately. Heavy materials like soil, concrete and rubble can quickly push you over the limit, especially in larger skips where the temptation is to fill them completely.

How Towens prevents overweight surprises

Our experienced team discusses your specific waste type during booking and recommends the appropriate skip size for your project. We provide clear weight guidelines and advise on the best skip for heavy materials like soil or builders’ waste. Our trained drivers also assess loads during collection and discuss any concerns with you directly.

Incorrect waste disposal penalties

Placing prohibited items in your skip can result in substantial additional fees. Common prohibited materials include electrical items, plasterboard, asbestos, fridges, batteries and hazardous substances. These require special disposal methods and can contaminate entire skip loads.

Some hire companies charge disposal penalties, refuse collection or even impose cleaning fees when incorrect materials are found. These costs can range from £50 for minor infractions to several hundred pounds for hazardous waste contamination.

How Towens prevents waste disposal issues

We provide comprehensive lists of permitted and prohibited materials, with our recent blog detailing what can or can’t be put in a skip. Our team is available on 01934 424242 to discuss any questionable items, we’re always happy to help.

Extended hire period charges

Standard skip hire periods vary between companies, but many don’t clearly explain their extension policies. Daily charges for keeping skips beyond the agreed period can quickly accumulate, especially during busy project phases.

Weather delays, permit hold-ups or project overruns can all extend hire periods unexpectedly, leading to additional costs that weren’t factored into original budgets.

How Towens manages hire periods fairly

Our standard hire period is two weeks, giving you plenty of time for most domestic projects. We’ll contact you before the hire period expires to arrange collection, and we’re flexible with timing when circumstances require extensions.

If we do not hear from you upon the expiry of the hire, we give you a call to organise collection.

How to avoid hidden skip hire prices

The best way to avoid unexpected charges is getting a comprehensive quote that covers all potential costs. Research local skip hire companies thoroughly and ask specific questions about permits, weight limits, hire periods and prohibited materials.

Consider the total cost rather than just the headline price. A slightly more expensive upfront quote that includes all charges often works out cheaper than bargain rates with hidden extras.

Skip hire from Towens

We provide reliable skip hire services across Somerset, with delivery within 24 hours of booking. Our comprehensive service covers everything from small domestic jobs to large commercial projects.

Our skip sizes range from 2-yard mini skips, perfect for light waste and household clearances, up to 12-yard skips for major construction projects. Each skip comes with clear weight limits and recommendations on the size of the skip for different waste types to help you choose the right size for your needs.

We accept a wide range of materials including wood, stone, soil, metals, cardboard and general waste, but we can’t take electrical items, plasterboard, asbestos or hazardous materials. Our experienced team will discuss your specific waste disposal requirements and recommend the best option.

If you need to place your skip on a public road, we’ll handle the permit application process and include costs in your quote. We operate with a professional team focused on customer satisfaction, ensuring great value and reliable service throughout your hire period.

Do you offer same day delivery for urgent projects?

Yes, we can often provide same-day delivery for urgent waste management needs, though we ask for a day’s notice when possible. The earlier you call, the better chance we have of accommodating tight deadlines for your project, such as same day or next day services.

What happens if I’m unsure about specific waste types?

Contact our office on 01934 424242 before hiring to confirm we can accept your materials. Our experienced team can clarify any questionable items and suggest alternatives if needed.

Who are Towens?

For over 30 years, we’ve been a family business supporting customers across the South West with smart and sustainable waste management solutions. Our main goal is helping customers reduce their environmental impact by recycling as much as possible while providing personal levels of customer service.

We offer a comprehensive range of services including skip hire, waste management, tipper hire, grab hire and recycling. Our commitment to sustainability means we recycle 92% of waste we handle, contributing to the circular economy and reducing landfill dependency.

Beyond skip hire, we provide weighbridge services, soil testing, plant hire, and much more. Our expertise spans both domestic and commercial sectors, with years of experience supporting everyone from homeowners to national waste management companies.

Operating from our facilities in Somerset, we’ve built our reputation on transparency, reliability and environmental responsibility. Whether you need a mini skip for garden waste or larger skips for major renovations, our professional team is ready to help with your specific needs.

Contact us on 01934 424242 to discuss your project and receive an upfront, comprehensive quote with no hidden surprises.