Event Skip Hire – Waste Management for Festivals & Events

Planning an event in the UK, whether it’s a small village fête, a food festival, a wedding, or a full-scale music weekender, means managing a mountain of details. But one of the most overlooked (yet critical) elements is this – what are you going to do with the rubbish?

It’s not glamorous, but trust us – get this wrong and you’ll remember it for all the wrong reasons. Overflowing bins, confused staff, disgruntled councils and even fines. Event skip hire is the most efficient and legally compliant way to manage waste for any event in the UK. This guide breaks it all down – no fluff, no waffle, just everything you need to know.

Why Waste Management is Non-Negotiable

Events, no matter the size, generate significant waste. It’s not just leftover food and plastic cups – it includes promotional flyers, cardboard, packaging, broken gear, decorations and even anything else that can be binned. 

According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), music events in the UK produce over 26,000 tonnes of waste annually. Much of that is recyclable, yet often mishandled and thrown into landfill. And that’s just for music events. Think about everything else, such as football games, beer festivals, food events, etc.

Ignoring waste management isn’t just unsightly. It risks…

• Health and safety hazards
• Public complaints
• Penalties from local authorities
• Delays with venue clearance
• Negative press or social media backlash

Event skip hire solves these problems before they start. It gives you a centralised, secure and compliant way to manage waste from setup to teardown.

Who Needs Event Skip Hire?

If your event generates waste that a few bin bags won’t cover, you’ll likely need a skip. Here’s where getting a skip makes the most impact.

• Festivals & Concerts – Food waste, drinks packaging, discarded tents, flyers.
• Weddings – Decorations, catering waste, furniture packaging.
• Community Events & Markets – Stalls generate cardboard, food waste and broken stock.
• Sporting Events – Water bottles, gear packaging, promotional signage.
• Corporate Events & Exhibitions – Stands, literature, displays, electricals.

Even a decent-sized back garden celebration can often benefit from a small skip. Think ahead – you’ll thank yourself later.

What Skip Size Do You Actually Need?

Skip sizes aren’t one-size-fits-all. There’s a range of different sizes depending on what you need. Here’s how to choose smartly.

ProSkip 4-Yard Skip – Ideal for small-scale events or early-stage setups

Think garden parties, small weddings, or pre-event packaging waste. This skip holds around 30-40 bin bags, making it perfect for when you need a compact option but still have more waste than wheelie bins can handle.

ProSkip 6-Yard Skip – The reliable all-rounder for mid-sized events

Great for local festivals, markets, or one-day events. It holds 50-60 bin bags, giving you enough capacity for general event rubbish without taking up too much space.

ProSkip 8-Yard Skip – The industry favourite for larger gatherings

This is the go-to size for music festivals, sports events, and larger corporate functions. It holds around 60-80 bin bags, making it suitable for general mixed waste, set-up debris, and post-event clearance.

ProSkip 12-Yard Skip – Best for bulky waste or major multi-day events

Hosting a large multi-day festival or event? This skip is the heavy-duty solution. It holds 100-120 bin bags and is ideal for lightweight, bulky waste like cardboard, decorations, or furniture.

Pro Tip – Overfilling a skip is illegal. Don’t underestimate your waste. It’s cheaper to hire the right size than pay for overage or a second skip last-minute.

Placement & Permit Laws in the UK 

Here is a quick look at laws and regulations applied to hiring and managing skips for events.

Where Can You Place a Skip?

• Private land – If you have access to a car park, field, or private driveway – great. No permit needed.

• Public highway or pavement – You’ll need a permit from the local council, especially in London boroughs.

London-Specific Considerations

Permit costs range from £30-£165 depending on the borough (e.g. Westminster charges more than Croydon).

• Notice period – Allow 3-7 working days for the permit.
• Bay suspensions – If placing a skip in a resident parking zone or paid bay, you’ll also need a bay suspension, which can cost £50-£100+ per day.

If you need a hand, ProSkips can handle all the paperwork for you and guide you through the compliance sheet.

How Long Can You Hire a Skip?

• Standard hire – 7 to 14 days
• Flexible hire – Daily or event-specific contracts
• Extended hire – For festivals or phased clean-up jobs

Cost Breakdown

In the UK, average skip hire costs (2024) are:

• Mini – £100 to £150
• Midi – £150 to £200
• 8-yard Builder’s – £200 to £300
• RoRo – £400 to £750+

Add-ons:

• Permit fees (as above)
• VAT (always check if quoted)
• Extra charges for restricted items

What Can & Can’t Go in an Event Skip

Things you can throw in…

• Food & general waste
• Plastics & paper
• Cardboard
• Fabric, tents, decorations
• Furniture and wood
• Garden waste

Things you can’t throw in unless pre-arranged…

• Electricals (WEEE)
• Batteries
• Paint, solvents, chemicals
• Asbestos
• Tyres
• Medical or biohazard waste

The Last Skip – Don’t Wing It, Plan It

Skip hire isn’t a last-minute checkbox. It’s a key part of your event logistics, and the earlier you plan it, the smoother everything else runs.

If you’re organising an event in London, choose ProSkips for a hassle-free waste management partner.

Call us at – 02088799892