Direct answer
Skip hire in London typically costs about £220 to £280 for a 4 yard, £260 to £340 for a 6 yard, £320 to £420 for an 8 yard and £450 to £600 for a 12 yard skip, excluding a permit, which is about £50 to £110 if the skip sits on the road. Those are indicative ranges, not a rate card, and houseclearance.co is a clearance platform, so use them to compare with a carrier quote.
Skip hire prices by size in London
Indicative ranges, not a rate card.
Skip hire is priced by the size of the skip, and London prices vary by borough, supplier and what you put in it. houseclearance.co is a clearance platform rather than a skip hire company, so these are indicative planning ranges to help you compare a skip with a clearance quote. They exclude any permit, which is covered below.
| Skip size | Common name | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 yard | Midi skip | £220 – £280 |
| 6 yard | Builders skip | £260 – £340 |
| 8 yard | Maxi skip | £320 – £420 |
| 12 yard | Large skip | £450 – £600 |
Always check what the hire period, weight limit and prohibited items are, because extra weight or banned items can add charges.
The permit: an extra cost people forget
Skips on the road usually need permission.
If a skip has to sit on the public highway, you normally need a permit from the council, and the supplier often arranges it for you at a charge. Indicatively a permit costs about £50 to £110 in London, depending on the borough and duration. If the skip fits on your own driveway, you generally do not need one. See our skip permit cost guide for what to check.
Skip or clearance: which costs less?
It depends who does the loading.
A skip is cheaper per cubic yard, but you do the lifting and carrying, you wait for delivery and collection, and you must stay within the rules on what goes in. A clearance carrier loads and takes everything away in one visit, which is quicker for house contents and bulky items. Our house clearance versus skip hire guide and skip bags versus skips versus man and van compare the real costs. For sizing and use, see the skip hire London cost guide, mini skip guide and maxi skip guide. For heavy waste, grab hire may suit better.
Choosing the right skip size
Too small costs a second skip, too big wastes money.
- A 4 yard skip suits a small clear-out or bathroom refit.
- A 6 yard skip is a common choice for a kitchen or garden job.
- An 8 yard skip suits larger renovations and house clear-outs.
- A 12 yard skip suits big projects, but check the weight limit with heavy waste.
- Do not fill above the sides, because overloaded skips can be refused.
If you would rather not do the loading
Three steps from description to collection.
Describe the job
Say what needs clearing instead of a skip, roughly how much there is and anything you want to keep.
Add access and timing
Mention access, parking and your deadline, so carriers can quote against a skip.
Get a carrier quote
Post the job, compare licensed carriers' quotes and choose, with no obligation to accept.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a skip cost in London?
Indicatively £220 to £280 for a 4 yard, £260 to £340 for a 6 yard, £320 to £420 for an 8 yard and £450 to £600 for a 12 yard, excluding a permit.
Do I need a permit?
If the skip sits on the public road, usually yes. Indicatively £50 to £110, but check with your council or supplier.
What cannot go in a skip?
Items like asbestos, paint, gas bottles and fridges are usually restricted. Check with the supplier.
Is a skip cheaper than a house clearance?
Often the hire is cheaper, but you do all the loading. For full house contents a clearance can be better value.
How long can I keep a skip?
Typically a week or two depending on the supplier and permit. Confirm the hire period.
What size skip do I need for a house clearance?
Often 8 or 12 yard, but it depends on the volume. A carrier can usually load and take it all away in one visit.
Ready to see your price?
Post your job and compare carrier quotes against a skip.
