Skip Hire Near You: How to Avoid Overpaying and Get the Best Deal

Written by Nick Towens

Key findings

• Skip hire prices in Somerset vary significantly based on size, location and waste type, with inert materials like soil and stone typically costing £50-70 less than mixed waste disposal
• Hidden fees can be common in the skip hire industry, particularly permit costs (£70-100) that many companies don’t clearly communicate upfront, unlike Towens
• Using a transparent online calculator with clear pricing breakdowns can save homeowners 20-30% compared to companies with unclear fee structures
• Local skip hire companies like Towens often provide better value than national chains, offering personalised service and competitive rates without compromising on environmental standards
• Proper waste segregation and choosing the right skip size for your project can significantly reduce costs whilst supporting sustainable disposal practices

Finding affordable skip hire doesn’t have to mean compromising on service quality or environmental responsibility. Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, garden clearance or DIY project, understanding how skip hire pricing works can save you significant money whilst ensuring your waste is disposed of properly.

Many homeowners across Somerset fall into common traps when booking skip hire services – from unclear permit requirements to unexpected additional charges that appear after delivery. The good news is that with the right knowledge and a reputable local skip hire company, you can secure competitive rates whilst supporting sustainable waste management practices.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding the best skip hire deals in your area, avoiding hidden fees and ensuring your waste disposal supports local recycling efforts rather than simply heading to landfill.

How to avoid overpaying for skip hire in Somerset

The most effective way to avoid overpaying for skip hire is to get transparent, upfront pricing that includes all potential costs. Many skip companies advertise attractive headline rates but add significant charges during the booking process or after delivery.

Get a quote from Towens’ three-step calculator with no hidden fees

Towens offers a straightforward online booking system that eliminates nasty surprises. Their three-step process is designed for transparency:

1. Enter your postcode for accurate local skip hire prices
2. Select the right skip size for your waste type – whether it’s garden waste, builders’ waste or household clearances
3. Confirm if you need a public highway permit

The calculator immediately shows your total cost, including VAT, with no hidden charges appearing later. If you need a permit, this is clearly stated upfront with costs between £70-100, and Towens can arrange this on your behalf with 3-5 working days’ notice.

Compare like-for-like services

When comparing skip hire quotes, ensure you’re comparing equivalent services. Check whether prices include:

• VAT (Towens’ prices always include VAT)
• Hire duration (Towens provides two weeks’ hire as standard)
• Collection arrangements
• Permit costs if required
• Any weight restrictions or additional charges

Book with local expertise

Local skip hire companies often provide better value than national chains because they understand regional requirements, have shorter transport distances and can offer more flexible customer service. Towens has been serving Somerset communities for over 30 years, with convenient locations in Weston-super-Mare, Middlezoy (near Bridgwater) and Clutton (near Chew Valley).

Skip hire prices in Somerset

Skip hire costs vary across Somerset based on your location’s distance from the nearest depot. Towens calculates prices based on delivery distance from three strategic locations, ensuring competitive rates across the region.

Weston-super-Mare skip hire prices

• 2-yard skip: from £130 for inert soil/stone, £180 for mixed materials
• 6-yard skip: from £288 for inert soil/stone, £306 for mixed materials
• 12-yard skip: from £364 for wood, £420 for mixed materials

Bridgwater skip hire prices

• 4-yard skip: from £216 for inert soil/stone, £246 for mixed materials
• 8-yard skip: from £345 for mixed materials
• 12-yard skip: from £364 for wood, £420 for mixed materials

Chew Valley skip hire prices

• 4-yard skip: from £216 for inert soil/stone, £252 for mixed materials
• 8-yard skip: from £354 for mixed materials
• 12-yard skip: from £392.50 for wood, £450 for mixed materials

At Towens, we serve communities across Somerset including Clevedon, Glastonbury, Taunton, Portishead and Yeovil. These three locations provide examples of their competitive pricing structure, with costs calculated based on delivery distance to ensure fair, transparent pricing.

What affects the price of a skip

Understanding the factors that influence skip hire costs helps you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges.

Skip size

Skip size is the primary cost factor. Towens offers a comprehensive range of skip sizes:

• 2-yard skip: Perfect for small projects, fits 10-15 black bin bags
• 4-yard skip: Ideal for medium projects like bathroom refits, holds 25-30 bags
• 6-yard skip: Designed for larger renovations, accommodates 30-40 bags
• 8-yard skip: Suitable for bigger construction projects, holds 50-60 bags
• 12-yard skip: Perfect for commercial use, accommodates 90-100 bags

Choosing the right size prevents overpaying for unused capacity or needing a second skip.

Skip purpose and materials

The type of waste significantly affects pricing. Towens offers two main categories:

Inert skips (soil, stone, sand) are cheaper because these materials are easier to recycle into aggregates and construction materials.

Mixed skips cost more due to complex sorting and processing requirements. Permitted materials include wood, paper, cardboard, plastic, metals and general waste.

Prohibited items include electrical items, plasterboard, asbestos, fridges, batteries, tyres, gas cylinders and hazardous materials.

Whether you require a permit

You need a permit if placing your skip on a public highway – often including the road outside your property. Permit costs range from £70-100 and take 3-5 working days to obtain. Towens can arrange permits on your behalf, though some areas have restrictions.

All Towens skips include two weeks’ hire as standard, providing ample time for most projects without additional charges.

How Towens ensures proper waste disposal

Choosing a responsible skip hire company means your waste supports environmental goals rather than simply filling landfill sites. Towens achieves an impressive 85.55% recycling rate through sophisticated waste processing.

When your skip is collected, it’s transported to Towens’ transfer station where materials are sorted using advanced processes including machine sorting, trammel screening, hand-picking and magnetic separation. Inert materials like hardcore and soil become recycled aggregates for construction projects, whilst other materials are segregated for appropriate recycling facilities or energy recovery.

This commitment to sustainability means your home renovation or garden clearance contributes to Somerset’s circular economy, reducing the need for virgin materials and supporting local environmental goals.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the most common mistake when hiring a skip?

Choosing the wrong skip size is the biggest error homeowners make. A skip that’s too small requires additional collections, whilst oversizing wastes money. Towens’ team can advise on the right size based on your specific project requirements.

Can I change my collection date once booked?

Yes, Towens provides flexible collection arrangements. Simply call when you’re ready for collection, or they’ll contact you after two weeks to arrange pickup. This flexibility ensures you’re not rushed to fill your skip or pay for extended hire periods.

What happens if I put prohibited items in my skip?

Prohibited items like electrical equipment, asbestos or hazardous materials can result in additional charges and collection delays. Towens provides clear guidance on acceptable materials to prevent these issues. When in doubt, contact their team for advice.

Who are Towens?

Towens has been Somerset’s trusted waste management partner for over 30 years, combining family business values with professional expertise. As a local company, they understand regional requirements and provide personalised customer service that national chains can’t match.

Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond skip hire – they’re leading Somerset’s environmental efforts with innovative recycling technology and comprehensive waste treatment processes. From their three strategic locations, they serve communities across Somerset with transparent pricing, reliable service and genuine environmental expertise.

Ready to get the best skip hire deal for your project? Contact Towens on 01934 424242 or use their online calculator for instant, transparent pricing. With over three decades of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can book with complete peace of mind knowing you’re getting competitive rates without hidden fees or environmental compromise.