Skip hire prices in London depend on several key factors, including the size of the skip, the borough you’re hiring in, permit requirements, and how long you need it for. London’s waste disposal costs can be higher than in other parts of the UK due to council regulations and local demand, so it’s important to compare options and plan ahead.
If you’re managing a home renovation, office clearance, or construction project, hiring the right skip size can help you avoid additional costs and speed up waste disposal. Below, we’ve outlined typical skip hire prices across key London boroughs, along with the main factors that can affect the overall cost.
Average Skip Hire Prices by Borough
Skip prices vary across London. Central areas tend to be more expensive due to higher permit costs and tighter restrictions on delivery and placement. Outer boroughs are often more affordable, but prices can still fluctuate based on access, availability and demand.
View Skip Hire Prices by London Borough
| Borough | 4-Yard Skip | 6-Yard Skip | 8-Yard Skip | 12-Yard Skip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnet | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Bexley | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Brent | £185–£245 | £235–£305 | £275–£355 | £375–£475 |
| Bromley | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Camden | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Croydon | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Ealing | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Enfield | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Greenwich | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Hackney | £185–£245 | £235–£305 | £275–£355 | £375–£475 |
| Hammersmith & Fulham | £185–£245 | £235–£305 | £275–£355 | £375–£475 |
| Haringey | £185–£245 | £235–£305 | £275–£355 | £375–£475 |
| Harrow | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Havering | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Hillingdon | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Hounslow | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Islington | £190–£250 | £240–£310 | £280–£360 | £380–£480 |
| Kensington & Chelsea | £200–£260 | £250–£320 | £290–£370 | £390–£490 |
| Kingston upon Thames | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Lambeth | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Lewisham | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Merton | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Newham | £190–£250 | £240–£310 | £280–£360 | £380–£480 |
| Redbridge | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Richmond upon Thames | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Southwark | £180–£240 | £230–£300 | £270–£350 | £370–£470 |
| Sutton | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Tower Hamlets | £190–£250 | £240–£310 | £280–£360 | £380–£480 |
| Waltham Forest | £175–£230 | £225–£295 | £265–£340 | £365–£465 |
| Wandsworth | £185–£245 | £235–£305 | £275–£355 | £375–£475 |
| Westminster | £200–£260 | £250–£320 | £290–£370 | £390–£490 |
This table covers typical skip hire rates for the most common sizes, but it’s always worth getting a quote for your exact location and waste type. Pricing can also shift slightly during busier periods.
What Affects the Cost of Skip Hire in London?
Hiring a skip in London isn’t just a case of choosing a size and booking it in. The final cost depends on several external factors that can vary by borough, from permit charges and parking rules to how easy it is for a lorry to access your street. These local details can make a noticeable difference to the price, especially in areas with stricter regulations or limited space.
Skip size
The skip size you hire will have the biggest impact on price. Smaller skips like 4-yard and 6-yard options are more affordable upfront, but they may not offer enough capacity if you’re tackling a large job or clearing bulky items. If you underestimate your waste volume and need a second skip or collection, the total cost will quickly add up. In many cases, going for a slightly larger skip from the start works out cheaper overall.
Your location
Where you live in London affects pricing too. Central boroughs such as Westminster, Camden and Kensington & Chelsea tend to have higher permit fees, tighter space restrictions and more delivery limitations, all of which can influence the quote. Outer boroughs like Barking & Dagenham or Sutton are generally cheaper, but may still come with added costs depending on access or availability in your area.
Permit requirements
If your skip needs to go on a public road, pavement or parking space, you’ll need a skip permit from your local council. These usually cost between £30 and £120 and are valid for one to two weeks depending on the borough. Some councils also require reflective markings, safety lights or additional signage — especially in high-traffic areas. We can arrange the permit for you and advise on any local requirements before delivery.
Access restrictions
Properties with limited access may need special equipment or timed deliveries, which can raise the price slightly. If your skip has to be lifted over a wall, placed in a tight space, or delivered within specific hours due to parking rules, we’ll factor this into the quote and handle the logistics for you.
Type of waste
What you’re putting in the skip matters too. Standard domestic waste, garden debris and general building materials are usually fine. But if you’re disposing of heavy materials like soil or rubble, or restricted items like plasterboard, mattresses or hazardous waste, this may require a different skip type or incur additional charges. Let us know in advance and we’ll make sure your skip is suitable and compliant.
What Size Skip Do I Need?
Choosing the right size skip is important if you want to avoid extra charges or wasted space. Below is a quick guide to common skip sizes and what they’re typically used for:
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4-yard skip – Ideal for small clearances or bathroom refits. Holds around 30–40 bin bags.
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6-yard skip – Commonly used for kitchen refits and light building waste. Holds 50–60 bin bags.
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8-yard skip – A popular builder’s skip, suitable for bulky waste. Holds 60–80 bin bags.
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12-yard skip – Best for large clearances or commercial use. Holds 100+ bin bags.
If you’re not sure which size is right, we’re happy to advise based on the type and amount of waste you need to get rid of.
Do I Need a Skip Permit in London?
You’ll only need a skip permit if the skip is going on a public road, pavement or parking space. If it’s going on private land such as a driveway, you don’t need one.
Permits are issued by your local authority and typically last between 7 and 14 days. Prices vary by borough but usually fall between £30 and £120. Some councils also require you to use safety markings or night-time lights, which we’ll provide where necessary.
We can apply for the permit on your behalf when you book. Just let us know where the skip needs to go and we’ll handle the paperwork.
How Long Can I Keep a Skip For?
Most standard skip hire periods in London range from 7 to 14 days, but we’re flexible. If you need it for longer, just let us know when you book. Extended hire is available at a small extra charge, and we’ll always confirm costs up front.
If your skip is on the road and covered by a permit, it may be restricted to a fixed period. In that case, we can renew the permit if needed or arrange a collection and replacement.
Need a Skip in London?
We deliver skips to every London borough and offer same-day or next-day service where available. Whether you’re clearing out a house, tackling a garden project or managing a site clearance, we’ll help you choose the right size and arrange everything from delivery to permits.
Get a fast, no-obligation quote today and speak to our team about the best options for your postcode.