What Does Skip Hire Include? Know What You’re Paying For
If you’ve ever thought, “What does skip hire include?” – you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from homeowners and trades alike. And rightly so. Nobody wants to book a skip and then find out half the job isn’t covered or that there are surprise charges waiting at the end.
We’ve been in the skip hire game across Swansea for years – from the tight roads of Brynmill to commercial sites in Llansamlet – and we’ve seen all sorts of misunderstandings over what’s included in skip hire.
What our skip hire company in Swansea does and doesn't include
Here’s the real breakdown, from a local team who’ve seen it all.
What Skip Hire Typically Includes (with Us)
Let’s start with what you should expect to be included when you book a skip:
✅ Delivery and Collection
We’ll drop the skip off at your property or worksite, and collect it when you’re done. Most firms include one drop and one pickup – we do too.
✅ Disposal of the Waste
We take the full skip back to our licensed waste facility in Swansea, where we sort, separate, and responsibly dispose of the contents.
✅ 7-Day Hire Period (Standard)
Most domestic skip hires include a full week. If you need it longer, just let us know. Shorter periods are fine too – we’ve done 1-day turnarounds in Sketty for urgent jobs.
✅ Help with Choosing the Right Size
Call us, tell us the job, and we’ll suggest the best size. We’d rather get it right than swap it halfway through. Saves you time, and saves us a wasted journey.
✅ Basic Advice on Loading and Restrictions
You’ll get a heads-up on what can and can’t go in the skip, how to load it safely and legally, and how to avoid any common mistakes.
What’s Not Always Included
This is where things get sticky. Some skip hire companies don’t mention the extras that might apply until after you’ve booked. Here’s what might not be included:
❌ Council Skip Permit (if needed)
If your skip is going on a public road or pavement, you’ll need a permit from Swansea Council. That’s not included in the base price – but we can sort it for you, no hassle. It usually takes 2–3 working days to arrange.
❌ Restricted or Hazardous Waste Handling
Things like mattresses, tyres, fridges, paint, asbestos and chemicals aren’t allowed in regular skips without special arrangements. If you put them in without notice, you’ll get charged – or we won’t take the skip.
❌ Overfilling Charges
If you load the skip above the rim, it’s unsafe to move. You’ll either need to take items out or pay for an additional collection. This is a common issue on steep drives in Mumbles or where skips fill quicker than expected.
❌ Extra Hire Time (Beyond 7 Days)
We’re flexible – but if the skip sits for two or three weeks without prior agreement, you may be charged a holding fee. Just keep in touch with us.
What Sets Us Apart Locally
We’re based in Swansea, not a call centre. When you ring, you speak to someone who knows the roads, the council rules, and the best way to fit a skip on a sloped drive in Townhill or a narrow lane in Sandfields.
We always explain upfront:
- What’s included
- What might cost extra
- What we recommend based on the job
One customer in Gorseinon recently booked a 6-yard skip for a garage clearance. We let them know they could fit it all in a 4-yard if they broke stuff down – saved them £45 and a whole lot of awkward lifting.
How to Make the Most of Your Skip Hire
If you want to avoid confusion or surprise costs:
- Measure your space before booking – especially if you’re placing the skip on a drive
- Be clear on what you’re chucking – mixed loads vs. soil-only can affect disposal rules
- Call if in doubt – We’d rather talk through the job than deal with issues on collection
We’ve also created a handy skip size guide and waste restriction page on our website – worth a look if you’re new to skip hire.
Need a permit? Check Swansea Council’s permit guidance for more info.
Final Word
So, what does skip hire include? With us, it includes delivery, pickup, a week of use, proper disposal, and good advice from a local team that knows Swansea inside out.
Give us a call if you’re booking your first skip – or your fiftieth. We’ll make sure you know what’s covered, what’s not, and what size skip will suit your job best.
