Skip Hire Prices Exposed: What You’re Really Paying For

Written by Nick Towens

Quickfire summary

• Skip hire prices are influenced by multiple factors including landfill tax (which has risen 22.7%), transport expenses, disposal fees and Energy Recovery Facility costs
• The size of the skip significantly impacts cost – a 2-yard skip in Somerset will be cheaper than a 12-yard alternative, for example
• Additional charges may apply for permits (£70-£100) if you need to place your skip on a public highway
• Choosing a company with high recycling rates like Towens (92% recycling rate) can offer better value as less waste goes to expensive landfill
• Transparent pricing, clear waste guidelines and variety in skip sizes help ensure you get the right skip at the right price for your project

When you’re planning a home renovation or house clearance, understanding skip hire prices can feel like navigating a maze. Why does one company charge £150 whilst another quotes £250 for what seems like the same service? The truth is, some companies hide hidden costs than emerge at a later date.

In Somerset, the final cost depends on much more than just size. From government taxes to transport expenses, we’ll break down exactly what you’re paying for when you hire a skip, helping you make an informed decision and find genuine value for your waste disposal needs.

What factors impact skip hire costs?

Skip hire prices aren’t plucked from thin air, they reflect real operational costs that waste management companies face daily. Understanding these factors helps you appreciate why pricing varies between companies and locations, and more importantly, how to spot genuine value when comparing quotes.

Landfill tax – the biggest hidden cost

Landfill tax represents one of the largest components of skip hire pricing, and it’s recently increased by 22.7%. This government levy is charged on every tonne of waste sent to landfill, rightfully designed to encourage recycling and reduce environmental impact.

For homeowners, this means companies with poor recycling rates will inevitably charge more, as they’re paying higher landfill taxes. This is why choosing a company like Towens, which recycles 92% of waste, can offer better value – less of your waste incurs these hefty tax charges.

Increased operating costs at energy recovery facilities

Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs) process non-recyclable waste by converting it into energy. However, operating costs at these facilities have risen significantly, affecting the processing fees for certain types of waste.

Light waste or materials that can’t be recycled often end up at ERFs. When these processing costs increase, skip hire companies must adjust their prices accordingly. This particularly impacts mixed waste skips compared to skips containing only recyclable materials like soil or hardcore.

Transport expenses – getting to your door

Transport represents a significant portion of skip hire costs, covering fuel, vehicle maintenance and driver wages. Recent increases in fuel costs and the National Living Wage directly impact these expenses.

The distance from the waste management facility to your location affects pricing. Companies with multiple depots, like Towens with locations in Weston-super-Mare, Middlezoy and Clutton, can often offer more competitive pricing by reducing transport distances across Somerset.

Disposal fees vary by waste type

Not all waste costs the same to dispose of. Inert materials like soil and stone are cheaper to process than mixed waste, which requires sorting and separation. This is why you’ll see different pricing tiers – a 6-yard skip is cheaper for inert soil/stone than for mixed materials in Weston-super-Mare, for example.

Hazardous waste, electrical items and certain materials like asbestos require specialist disposal, significantly increasing costs. This is why reputable companies provide clear lists of prohibited items.

Size of the skip – bigger isn’t always proportionally more expensive

Skip size dramatically affects pricing, but not always in the way you’d expect. A 2-yard skip might cost £150 as an example, whilst a 6-yard skip (three times larger) could cost £320 – not three times the price. This is because many costs remain fixed regardless of skip size.

However, larger skips often come with weight restrictions. A 12-yard skip has a 7-tonne weight limit, so whilst it holds 90-100 black bin bags, you can’t fill it entirely with heavy materials like soil.

Whether you require a permit

If you need to place your skip on a public highway (including the road outside your property), you’ll need a permit costing £70-£100. This permit takes 3-5 working days to obtain and varies by local council.

Many homeowners overlook this cost when comparing quotes. Reputable companies like Towens will arrange permits for you and clearly explain when they’re required during the booking process.

How to choose the right skip hire company

With so many factors affecting skip prices, choosing the right company requires looking beyond the headline cost. The cheapest quote might not represent the best value once you factor in reliability, environmental impact and hidden charges.

Check where the waste is going

Understanding a company’s waste processing approach can save you money and help the environment. Companies with high recycling rates often offer better value because they incur lower landfill taxes.

Towens sustainability pledge

At Towens, we recycle or reuse 92% of all waste processed through our facilities. Your skip waste gets transported to our transfer stations where it’s sorted using advanced machinery, magnetic separation and hand-picking. Hardcore and soil become recycled aggregates, whilst metals, plastics and wood find new purposes. Only 8% goes to landfill, meaning lower disposal costs that we pass on through competitive pricing.

Check what materials their skips permit

Companies with strict waste guidelines often offer better value because they can process materials more efficiently. Conversely, companies that accept “anything” may charge premium rates to cover specialist disposal costs.

What Towens skips allow

Our skips accept wood, sand, stone, soil, paper, cardboard, plastic, metals and general waste. We don’t accept electrical items, plasterboard, asbestos, fridges, batteries, tyres, gas cylinders, paint tins, food waste, fluorescent tubes, liquids, treated wood, mattresses or upholstered furniture. This clear guidance helps you choose the right skip size and avoid additional charges.

Transparent pricing structure

Look for companies that provide clear, upfront pricing including VAT, hire duration and permit arrangements. Hidden charges can quickly turn an attractive quote into an expensive surprise.

Towens cost calculator and clear terms

We provide clear pricing guidelines for different locations and waste types. All prices include VAT, and we offer a standard 2-week hire period. If you need a permit, we’ll arrange it and clearly explain the additional cost upfront. Our friendly team provides accurate pricing based on your specific location and waste type.

Variety of skip sizes

Companies offering multiple skip sizes help you avoid overpaying for capacity you don’t need. The right size depends on your project type and available space.

Towens skip sizes

We offer 2-yard skips (10-15 bin bags) for small garden clearances, 4-yard skips (25-30 bin bags), 6-yard skips (30-40 bin bags), 8-yard skips (50-60 bin bags), and 12-yard skips (90-100 bin bags).

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest skip size for a small home clearance? A 2-yard skip is the most cost-effective option for small projects, holding 10-15 black bin bags worth of waste.

Do I need a permit if the skip goes on my driveway? No permit is required if the skip stays entirely on your private property, including your driveway, as long as it doesn’t obstruct the public highway.

Can I mix different types of waste in one skip? Yes, mixed waste skips accept various materials, but they cost more than skips for single waste types like soil or hardcore due to sorting requirements.

How long can I keep the skip? Standard hire periods are typically 2 weeks, with collection arranged when you’re ready or automatically scheduled after the hire period expires.

Why do skip prices vary so much between companies? Prices vary due to different recycling rates, transport distances, processing methods and business overheads – cheaper isn’t always better value.

Who are Towens?

Towens has been providing smart and sustainable waste management across Somerset and the South-West for over 25 years. As a family-owned business, we’ve built our reputation on long-term relationships with customers ranging from nuclear power plants to local homeowners.

Our commitment to sustainability sets us apart – we operate four recycling facilities and process over a million tonnes of waste annually, with 92% recycled or reused. This impressive recycling rate not only benefits the environment but helps keep our skip hire prices competitive by minimising expensive landfill costs.

With depots in Weston-super-Mare, Middlezoy and Clutton, we provide reliable skip hire services across Somerset with next-day delivery available. Our fleet of over 40 vehicles ensures efficient collection and delivery, whilst our experienced team provides friendly, professional service.

Whether you need a mini skip for garden waste or a 12-yard skip for major renovation work, we’ll help you choose the right size at competitive pricing. Ready to book your skip? Call us on 01934 424242, email skips@towens.co.uk, or fill out our online form for a quick quote. Let our friendly team help you find the perfect skip hire solution for your project.