How Skip Permits in Sutton Work – London Borough of Sutton

If you want to place a skip on a public road in the London Borough of Sutton, you must obtain a skip permit from the council. 
If the skip is on private land (driveway, garden, site), no permit is needed. 

Below is the full process and key rules. If you need further informaiton please call out team on 0208 879 9892

1. Who Applies for the Permit? 

In Sutton, the skip hire company normally applies for the permit, not the customer. 

However, the person booking the skip is responsible for: 

• Choosing a licensed skip operator 

• Ensuring the permit is approved before the skip is delivered 

2. How Long Does a Permit Last? 

Sutton Council typically grants a skip permit for: 

• Up to 14 days (2 weeks) as standard 
  (Skip companies can renew/extend if needed.) 

3. How Much Does the Permit Cost? 

Although prices may vary, Sutton’s fees generally include: 

• A fixed fee per permit 

• Extra charges if: 

• You need an extension 

• You want to place the skip in a controlled parking zone (CPZ) 

• Special traffic management is needed 

Skip companies usually include these costs in your overall hire fee. 

4. Where Can You Put the Skip? 

The Council will usually approve if: 

• The skip is on the road directly outside the property 

• It doesn’t block: 

• Driveways 

• Junctions 

• Pedestrian crossings 

• Bus stops 

• Cycle lanes 

Skip cannot be placed: 

• On pavements or verges (unless the council gives specific permission) 

• In dangerous or restricted locations 

5. Safety Requirements 

Sutton requires all road-placed skips to have: 

• Reflective markings 

• Traffic cones 

• Night-time lights (between sunset and sunrise) 

• Company name and contact details displayed clearly 

The skip company is responsible for this, but you must ensure they comply. 

6. Permit Enforcement 

If a skip is placed without a permit, the council can: 

• Issue fines 

• Remove the skip 

• Charge the skip company and/or property owner 

7. How Long Does Approval Take? 

Typically: 

• 1–3 working days, but faster if the skip company regularly works with Sutton Council. 

8. How the Skip Hire and Skip Process Usually Works for You 

1. You book the skip with a licensed company. 

2. Tell them it’s going on the road. 

3. The skip company: 

• Applies for the permit online 

• Pays the fee 

• Waits for council approval 

4. They deliver the skip only after permit approval. 

5. You fill the skip. 

6. They collect it before the permit expires. 

Further information can be found on https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/skip-permits or https://www.proskips.co.uk/skip-hire/greater-london/sutton/