When you need a skip licence
You need a licence from us 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 our local approved skip companies who will then apply for a licence on your behalf.
A standard skip licence is usually valid for 1 calendar month.
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.
Council estates and communal area
To place a skip on council housing land, you must apply for a licence by emailing us at central-neighbourhood-office@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
The licence covers skips up to 6 yards in length.
Licence fees and charges
The standard licence rate for approved skip hire operators from 28 July 2025 to 31 March 2026 is £110.
The amount you pay for the skip depends on what the skip hire company charges you.
We charge £183 for each skip that:
- is unlicensed
- does not conform to our regulations
You can pay by credit or debit card.
Photographic evidence will be used to facilitate our claim, should any legal proceedings occur.
If a skip is located in certain parking bays, Parking Services can charge you by the day for using the bay.
Apply for a skip licence
Skip companies can apply and pay for a licence using our online form.
Do not use this form if you're not one of our local approved skip companies.
Apply online for a skip licence
Skip location and size
The skip company will agree with us the safest place to put the skip on the road, taking into account your requirements.
It's not always possible to site the skip where you want it, but we aim to get it as close as possible.
Each skip must not be more than 3 metres by 2 metres in size.
Report a problem
If you have concerns about overloaded or unlicensed skips, email us at Transportation-Admin@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.