How Skip Permits Work in Greenwich

In Greenwich, the skip hire company must apply for the licence — you cannot apply as a private individual.

You must ensure you use a skip hire company that is on/approved by the council’s list.

The person booking the skip is responsible for:

• Choosing a skip operator that is approved/registered with Greenwich Council
• Ensuring the licence is in place before the skip is delivered

Greenwich Council states:

• A standard skip licence is usually valid for 28 days.
• On council housing estates / communal areas, the licence covers skips up to six yards in length and is valid for 28 days once issued.

From Greenwich’s published information:

• The standard skip licence fee for approved skip hire operators is £135
• If a skip is parked in a bay it is £71.68 per bay per day
• Additional parking bay suspension charges may apply if the skip occupies a parking bay (though specific rates may vary).  It is £71.68 per bay per day + £89.00 Admin Fee.

All prices exclude VAT

Greenwich Council’s rules state:

• If the skip is placed on the roadside/public highway, a licence is required and the skip hire company must liaise with the council on the safest placement.
• If the skip is placed entirely on private land (driveway, garden), you do not need a council licence.
• For skips on council housing land / communal areas, a licence is needed (covers skips up to six yards) via the estate office.
• Each skip must not exceed 3 metres by 2 metres in size when placed on the roadside.

Greenwich’s guidance implies:

• The skip hire company must coordinate placement and ensure that the skip is safe, properly sited in a way agreed with the council.
• If placed on public highway, you should expect required signage, lights, or cones as applicable (based on general legislation) — and the skip company must comply.
• The skip hire company must be approved by the council, holding public liability insurance.

If you place a skip on the public highway in Greenwich without the proper licence:

• The skip is non-compliant and subject to enforcement, including potential fines and additional charges (standard charge £183 for unlicensed skip).
• The council can use photographic evidence to support legal proceedings.

Although no exact fixed timeframe is guaranteed in the official pages, guidance from skip-hire practitioners indicates:

• Permit takes 3 working days
• For Skips in Bay takes 10 working days

1. You book a skip with a licensed/approved skip hire company in Greenwich (on council’s approved list).
2. Inform the company that the skip will be placed on a public road/highway (not on private land).
3. The skip hire company:
   1. Applies to Greenwich Council for the skip licence
   2. Confirms skip size, siting location and duration
   3. Ensures any parking bay suspension (if needed) is arranged
   4. Pays the required fee
   5. Waits for approval/licence to be issued
4. After approval, the skip is delivered to the agreed location.
5. You fill the skip, observing rules about what can/cannot go in.
6. The skip hire company collects the skip before the licence expiry (or arranges renewal if needed).

Useful Links:

Skip Hire in Greenwich | Book Online Today | Proskips
Greenwich Council – How Skip Permits Work ?