Skip licence

When you need a skip licence

A skip licence is needed to keep a skip on the roadside.

You cannot get the licence yourself - a skip hire company has to apply for the licence.

You need to approach one of the local approved skip companies who will apply for a licence on your behalf.

A standard skip licence is usually valid for 30 days.

Skips must not exceed 3 metres by 2 metres in size (8 yards).

When you do not need a skip licence

You do not need a skip licence to keep a skip in your front garden or driveway. If you're doing this, you do not have to use one of our approved skip companies.

Skip location

The skip company will agree with us the safest place to put the skip on the street. We'll take your requirements into account.

It's not always possible to site the skip where you want it, but we aim to get it as close as possible.

If a skip is located in certain parking bays, our Parking Services can charge you by the day for using the bay.

Council estates and communal areas

To place a skip on council housing land, you need to email us first at central-neighbourhood-office@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

Licence fees and charges

A standard skip licence for approved skip hire companies is currently £110.

The amount you pay for the skip depends on what the skip hire company charges you.

We charge skip companies £183 for each skip that:

• is unlicensed
• does not conform to our regulations

Apply for a skip licence

Your skip company:

• must apply and pay for a licence using our online form
• can pay by credit or debit card

Do not use this form if you're not one of our local approved skip companies.

Report a problem

If you have concerns about overloaded or unlicensed skips, email us at transportation-admin@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

We'll use photographic evidence to facilitate our claim, should any legal proceedings occur.