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Skip Hire in Berkshire

Find and compare skip hire companies in Berkshire. Browse by town or view all local providers below.

How Much Does Skip Hire Cost In Berkshire?

Skip hire prices in Berkshire vary depending on several factors, but here are typical price ranges you can expect.

SizeCapacityDimensionsTypical usesPrice range
Mini Skip2-3 cubic yards4ft x 3ft x 2ftSmall DIY projects, Garden clearance£100–£180
Midi Skip4-5 cubic yards5ft x 4ft x 3ftKitchen renovation, Medium-sized garden projects£150–£230
Builders Skip6-8 cubic yards6ft x 4ft x 4ftHouse renovation, Extension work£180–£280
Large Skip10-12 cubic yards10ft x 5ft x 4ftLarge construction projects, Major house clearance£220–£350
Roll-on Roll-off20-40 cubic yardsVarious sizesMajor construction sites, Industrial waste£300–£600

What Affects Skip Hire Prices In Berkshire?

Several factors influence the cost of skip hire across Berkshire. Understanding these can help you get the best value for your project.

📏Skip Size

Larger skips cost more upfront, but they often provide better value per cubic yard for bigger projects. A mini skip (2-3 yards) might cost £80-£150, while a builders skip (6-8 yards) costs £150-£250, nearly double the capacity for less than double the price. Choose the right size to avoid needing a second skip later, which would be more expensive overall.

📅Hire Duration

Most skip hire companies in Berkshire are flexible with hire duration. Typically, you keep the skip until it's full, then call them to collect it with no extra charge for having it longer than expected. However, some companies do specify a time limit (usually 1-2 weeks) and may charge additional fees if you need it beyond that period. Always check the hire terms when you book, especially for projects where timelines might be uncertain.

♻️Type of Waste

General household waste (furniture, garden waste, light building materials) is the cheapest to dispose of. Heavier or specialist materials like soil, rubble, concrete, bricks, and plasterboard often incur extra charges due to higher disposal costs. Hazardous waste like asbestos, chemicals, batteries, and electrical items usually cannot go in a standard skip and require specialist collection. Always check with your skip hire company about acceptable waste types.

📍Location Within Berkshire

Berkshire Skip Hire Prices can vary significantly between different towns and areas. Towns with multiple skip hire companies tend to have more competitive pricing. Many skip hire companies operate on postcode zones, with different prices for each zone depending on how far you are from their depot. The further you are, the higher the delivery cost. If your location is difficult to access (narrow lanes, restricted access), the company may not be able to deliver to your exact spot and might ask you to place it elsewhere, or in some cases charge a wasted journey fee if delivery proves impossible.

📋Permit Costs

If your skip needs to be placed on a public road, pavement, or verge, you'll need a permit from your local council. Permit costs vary by local authority within Berkshire, typically ranging from £30 to £62 and last 7-14 days. Most councils process permits within 5 working days. Your skip hire company will arrange the permit for you if needed and add it onto your cost, but the permit is your responsibility, not the skip hire company's. Find your council's exact permit costs below.

🌤️Time of Year

Demand for skip hire peaks during spring and summer when homeowners tackle spring cleans, garden clearances, renovations, and building projects. During busy periods, you may face higher prices and longer wait times for delivery. Autumn and winter tend to be quieter, which can mean better availability and sometimes more competitive pricing. If your project is flexible, booking during off-peak months could save you money. The quietest months are typically December and January, while the busiest are April (due to spring cleans) and August (when school summer holidays make it easier to do clear-outs).

Do You Need A Permit For Skip Hire in Berkshire?

Whether you need a skip permit in Berkshire depends on where you plan to place the skip and which local council covers your area. Different councils within Berkshire have different permit costs and requirements.

Berkshire Skip Permit Costs By Location

TownCouncilPermit CostDurationProcessing Time
BracknellBracknell Forest Council£307 days5 working days
CrowthorneBracknell Forest Council£307 days5 working days
MaidenheadRoyal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council£6014 days5 working days
NewburyWest Berkshire Council£4014 days5 working days
ReadingReading Borough Council£627 days5 working days
ThatchamWest Berkshire Council£4014 days5 working days
WokinghamWokingham Borough Council£6014 days5 working days

When Do You Need a Skip Permit in Berkshire?

You need a permit if:

  • The skip will be placed on a public road or pavement
  • The skip blocks any part of the road
  • The skip is in a parking space or on-street parking space

You don't need a permit if:

  • The skip is on your private property (driveway, front garden, etc.)
  • The skip is entirely within your property boundary

How Long Does a Skip Permit Last In Berkshire?

Skip permits in Berkshire typically last 7-14 days depending on the council.

Processing time: 5 working days to process your application.

Check the table above for your specific council's permit duration and processing time.

What Can't You Put in a Skip In Berkshire?

Certain items are prohibited in skips across the UK for safety, environmental, and legal reasons. Here's what you cannot put in a skip in Berkshire:

Hazardous Materials

  • Asbestos
  • Paint and solvents
  • Chemicals and oils
  • Batteries (car and household)
  • Fluorescent tubes

Electrical & Other

  • Fridges and freezers
  • TVs and monitors
  • Tyres
  • Gas bottles
  • Medical waste

Special considerations for Berkshire:

No variations exist between Berkshire councils regarding prohibited items in skips. All six unitary authorities follow identical national waste regulations without additional local restrictions.

What Can You Put in Skips In Berkshire?

Most common household and construction waste is acceptable in Berkshire Skips:

General Waste

  • Household rubbish
  • Cardboard & paper
  • Plastics
  • Textiles

Garden Waste

  • Soil and turf
  • Branches and logs
  • Plants and leaves
  • Grass cuttings

Building Materials

  • Bricks and concrete
  • Wood and timber
  • Tiles and ceramics
  • Plasterboard

Note: No variations exist between councils. All six Berkshire unitary authorities apply standard UK regulations for permitted skip waste without special allowances.

How To Choose Between Skip Hire Companies In Berkshire

Finding the right skip hire company in Berkshire is straightforward with our directory. Here's how to choose:

1Select Your Town

Use the Browse by Town section above to select your specific town within Berkshire. This ensures you see companies that actually serve your area.

2Browse Available Companies

Each town page shows local skip hire companies (based in that town) plus nearby skip hire companies that serve the area. You'll see all your options in one place, making it easy to compare.

3Check Company Ratings

Every company has ratings across 4 key categories: Delivery, Booking, Recommend, and Price. These ratings are calculated from every single review that mentions these aspects, giving you an accurate picture of what real customers think about each company's performance.

4Verify Waste Acceptance

Check whether the company accepts your specific waste type within the base cost, or if there are additional charges. Some companies charge extra for heavier materials (soil, rubble, concrete), bulky items (fridges, sofas) or electrical items, while others include these in their standard price. Compare pricing between companies to make sure you're happy with any additional charges. See what you can't put in a skip for items that are prohibited.

5Confirm Delivery Availability

Contact companies directly to check availability and get quotes. Ask about delivery times, hire periods, and any additional costs (permits, extended hire, specific waste types).

💡 Tip: Contact 2-3 companies to compare prices and availability. The cheapest quote isn't always the best. Consider reviews, service quality, and reliability too.

Frequently Asked Questions