Towens Blog Skip hire permits in Bristol – Costs, rules, and do you need one?
February 3, 2026|News
If you’re looking to hire a skip in Bristol, regardless of whether it’s to help with a home renovation project, garden clearance, or construction work, there’s a chance that you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Bristol City Council.
If you plan on placing your hired skip on a public road or highway, you will need to obtain a skip hire permit. The same restrictions apply in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and the only real way to avoid it is by having a driveaway, front garden or private yard to place the skip on.
The good news is that obtaining this permit is relatively cheap and simple. The cost for a permit is typically £70-£130, and at Towens, we happily sort this for you as part of our easy online booking system.
We’ll arrange the permit, deliver your skip and ensure everything is compliant so that you can focus on your project rather than paperwork and receive the best value deal. In this blog, we’ll look into when permits are required in depth, whilst also exploring the other niches and commonly asked questions surrounding skip hire.
When is a skip hire permit required?
A skip hire permit in Bristol is needed whenever your skip is placed on a public highway. This also includes:
- Hippobags, skip bags, and roll-on-roll-off (RORO) containers
- Situations where a parking space is used or a skip may obstruct traffic
Additional points to note:
- Only the skip hire company can apply for the permit
- A permit must be requested at least four working days before delivery
- You must have third-party insurance with at least £5 million cover for any incidents
- Normally, only one skip per 20-metre stretch is allowed, though extra skips may be granted in exceptional circumstances
Following these rules avoids fines and ensures your skip hire is safe and compliant.
How much does it typically cost?
The cost for a permit is typically between £70 and £130 and takes 3–5 working days to obtain. Towens are happy to arrange this for you, as well as insurance, making sure your skip is legal and ready for your project.
What are the local rules on where the skip can be placed?
Bristol City Council sets clear rules to keep public highways safe:
- Skips must not obstruct road users or footpaths
- Parking dispensations are required if using a parking space in a controlled zone
- Placement must follow official skip diagrams and regulations
Failing to comply can result in fines up to £1,000 or a more expensive retrospective permit. Our team at Towens ensures your skip is positioned correctly and safely for your project’s duration, avoiding those unwanted letters through the door.
How can I sort this?
The first step is to choose a skip size suitable for the type and amount of waste you have. After that, Towens takes care of the rest:
- Arrange a skip hire permit if needed
- Deliver your skip on the agreed date
- Advise on the correct type of skip for your waste
- Collect the skip once your project is complete
Our friendly team guides you through the process, making skip hire simple and stress-free.
Skip hire from Towens
At Towens, we offer a wide range of skip sizes to suit domestic and commercial projects, with hire periods typically covering two weeks.
Skip sizes available:
- 2 yd – ideal for garden waste, small home clearances (10-15 black bin bags)
- 4 yd – perfect for bathroom refits or landscaping (25-30 black bin bags)
- 6 yd – larger renovations and garden clearances (30-40 black bin bags)
- 8 yd – construction site or commercial waste (50-60 black bin bags)
- 12 yd – bulky items and industrial projects (90-100 black bin bags)
Materials you can put in our skips:
- Wood, stone, soil, sand
- Paper, cardboard, plastic
- Metals and general waste
Materials not permitted:
- Electrical appliances, asbestos, batteries, gas cylinders
- Paint tins, fluorescent tubes, treated wood
- Upholstered furniture, tyres, plasterboard, fridges/freezers
- Food waste, liquids, mattresses
Towens also provides advice on the right skip size for your home improvement project or construction site and offers next day delivery to Bristol and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team ensures clear access and professional waste removal.
FAQs
Do I always need a skip permit in Bristol?
Yes, if your skip is placed on a public highway, including the road outside your home, a permit is required. If it’s on private land, no permit is needed. Towens can manage this for you.
How long can I keep a skip?
Our standard skip hire period is two weeks. If you need more time, we can arrange an extension and ensure your permit remains valid.
Can I hire a skip for commercial waste?
Absolutely. We work with businesses, construction sites, and homeowners, offering skips suitable for both domestic and commercial waste projects.
Can I dispose of hazardous waste in a skip?
No – for safety reasons, hazardous waste must be handled separately. Towens’ waste management services advise on the correct type of waste and recycling options.
How do I know the right skip size for my project?
Our skip hire services cover a wide range of sizes for large construction projects or home clearances. We help you select the correct size to avoid extra charges.
Who are Towens?
Towens is a family-run, local waste management company based in Weston-super-Mare, serving Bristol, Somerset, and surrounding areas. For over 25 years, we’ve focused on recycling and reusing over 90% of waste through our transfer stations and recycling centres.
We employ a professional team locally, with a modern fleet of vehicles to deliver skips and containers efficiently. Our services include:
- Skip hire for home and commercial projects
- Waste management and recycling solutions
- Haulage of soil, aggregates, and construction waste
- Plant hire, civils, and demolition services
By choosing Towens, you’re working with a friendly waste management company that accommodates a wide range of waste, is committed to sustainability, and provides exceptional customer service to the local community.
For affordable skip hire in Bristol, simply call 01934 424242, email skips@towens.co.uk, or fill in our online form to get started.
