South West regional pricing

How Much Does a Skip Hire Cost in Cheltenham?

Updated prices for . Cheltenham prices are typically 13% above the national average.

12 services priced
South West region
Updated

Price summary

Cheltenham Price Summary

Service Low Average High
Mini Skip (2 Yard) £90 £145 £225
Midi Skip (4 Yard) £145 £225 £315
Builder's Skip (6 Yard) £205 £315 £450

Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on South West regional pricing.

Full pricing

All Skip Hire Prices in Cheltenham

With a population of 118,800, Cheltenham is in Gloucestershire and skip hire costs here are 13% above the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Mini Skip (2 Yard)

Low

£90

Average

£145

High

£225

7-14 day hire

More details

Hiring a 2-yard mini skip suitable for small clearouts, garden waste or a bathroom renovation. Holds roughly 20-30 bin bags of waste. Price includes delivery, collection and disposal.

What affects the price

  • Your location (London and South East are most expensive)
  • Hire duration (standard 7-14 days)
  • Type of waste (heavy materials cost more)
  • Whether placed on road (permit needed) or driveway

Midi Skip (4 Yard)

Low

£145

Average

£225

High

£315

7-14 day hire

More details

Hiring a 4-yard midi skip suitable for kitchen or bathroom refits, garden clearances or a single room renovation. Holds roughly 40-50 bin bags. Price includes delivery, collection and disposal.

What affects the price

  • Your location
  • Type of waste (general, heavy, mixed)
  • Hire period required
  • Driveway or road placement

Builder's Skip (6 Yard)

Low

£205

Average

£315

High

£450

7-14 day hire

More details

Hiring a standard 6-yard builder's skip, the most popular size for home renovations and building projects. Holds roughly 60-70 bin bags. Price includes delivery, collection and disposal.

What affects the price

  • Your location
  • Waste type (light mixed vs heavy rubble)
  • Hire duration
  • Access for delivery lorry

Large Skip (8 Yard)

Low

£250

Average

£385

High

£565

7-14 day hire

More details

Hiring an 8-yard large skip for bigger projects such as house clearances, large renovations or commercial waste. Holds roughly 80-90 bin bags. Price includes delivery, collection and disposal.

What affects the price

  • Your location
  • Whether waste is mixed or heavy (weight limits apply)
  • Hire period
  • Road or driveway placement

Maxi Skip (12 Yard)

Low

£340

Average

£510

High

£735

7-14 day hire

More details

Hiring a 12-yard maxi skip for large construction projects, commercial clearances or significant renovation work. Holds roughly 120 bin bags. Not suitable for heavy waste like soil or rubble.

What affects the price

  • Your location
  • Waste type (light bulky waste only, not heavy materials)
  • Access for large delivery vehicle
  • Hire duration

Roll-On Roll-Off Skip (20-40 Yard)

Low

£280

Average

£450

High

£790

Per collection

More details

Hiring a large roll-on roll-off (RoRo) container for major demolition, commercial or industrial waste. 20-40 yard capacity. Priced per collection with a minimum tonnage charge.

What affects the price

  • Container size (20, 25, 30 or 40 yard)
  • Tonnage of waste (charged per tonne over minimum)
  • Waste type and disposal route
  • Hire duration and number of collections

Wait and Load Service

Low

£205

Average

£340

High

£510

1-2 hours on site

More details

A skip lorry waits on site while you load waste, then takes it away immediately. No permit needed as the skip stays on the vehicle. Ideal for terraced houses with no driveway.

What affects the price

  • Loading time allowed (typically 30-60 minutes)
  • Skip size on the lorry (4-8 yard)
  • Excess waiting time charges
  • Your location

Grab Hire (Per Load)

Low

£225

Average

£340

High

£475

20-40 minutes on site

More details

A grab lorry collects loose waste (soil, rubble, green waste) using a hydraulic arm. Removes up to 16 tonnes per load. Ideal for large volumes of heavy or loose material.

What affects the price

  • Lorry size (4-wheel, 6-wheel or 8-wheel)
  • Waste type (clean soil is cheapest, mixed waste dearer)
  • Access for the grab arm (needs to reach waste from road)
  • Your location

Permit for Skip on Road

Low

£25

Average

£55

High

£135

Valid for 7-14 days

More details

Council permit required when a skip is placed on a public road, pavement or parking space rather than a private driveway. Most skip companies can arrange the permit on your behalf.

What affects the price

  • Local council fees (vary significantly by area)
  • Duration of permit required
  • Whether the skip company arranges it for you
  • London boroughs are typically the most expensive

Hazardous Waste Skip

Low

£280

Average

£450

High

£790

7-14 day hire

More details

Specialist skip for hazardous materials such as asbestos, plasterboard, clinical waste or contaminated soil. Requires licensed disposal and separate handling from general waste.

What affects the price

  • Type of hazardous material
  • Volume and weight of waste
  • Specialist disposal and licensing costs
  • Whether asbestos survey and removal is needed

Same Day Skip Delivery

Low

£35

Average

£55

High

£90

Delivered within hours

More details

Surcharge for same-day or next-day skip delivery on top of the standard skip hire price. Not all companies offer this and availability depends on stock and scheduling.

What affects the price

  • Time of day the order is placed
  • Skip size and availability
  • Your location and distance from depot
  • Day of the week (weekends may cost more)

Extended Hire (Per Extra Week)

Low

£35

Average

£55

High

£90

Per additional week

More details

Charge per additional week if you need to keep a skip beyond the standard 7-14 day hire period. Applied to any skip size.

What affects the price

  • Skip size (larger skips cost more per week)
  • Whether the skip is on a road (permit renewal may be needed)
  • Skip company policy on extended hire
  • Your location

Step by step

What's Involved in Hiring a Skip Hire

Here is what to expect when hiring a skip, from choosing the right size to collection day.

1

Work Out What Size Skip You Need

Start by estimating how much waste your project will produce. A small bathroom refit typically fills a 4-yard midi skip, while a full kitchen renovation or house clearout usually needs a 6 or 8-yard builders skip. If in doubt, go one size up — overfilling a skip means it cannot be collected, and you will end up paying for a second one.

2

Get Quotes and Compare Prices

Contact two or three local skip hire companies and compare prices for the same skip size. Check whether the quote includes delivery, collection, disposal and VAT, as some firms quote before tax. Ask about weight limits too — going over the tonnage allowance on heavy materials like soil or rubble can add significant surcharges.

3

Book Your Skip and Arrange Delivery

Most skip companies can deliver within one to three working days, though same-day delivery is available at extra cost. Confirm the delivery date and agree exactly where the skip will be placed. The driver will need clear access and enough room to lower the skip safely off the lorry.

4

Sort Out a Council Permit If Needed

If the skip is going on a public road, pavement or grass verge, you need a permit from your local council. Most skip companies will arrange this for you and add the cost to your invoice. Permits typically take two to five working days to process, so factor this into your timeline. No permit is needed if the skip sits entirely on your own driveway or land.

5

Fill the Skip With Permitted Waste Only

Load the skip with general household, garden or building waste. You cannot put in hazardous items such as asbestos, batteries, gas cylinders, paint, tyres or electrical appliances — these need specialist disposal. Keep the waste level below the top of the skip walls, as overfilled skips cannot legally be transported on the road.

6

Collection and Responsible Disposal

Once you are finished, call the skip company to arrange collection. The lorry will pick up the skip and take it to a licensed waste transfer station where materials are sorted for recycling and disposal. A reputable company will provide a waste transfer note as proof that your waste was disposed of legally.

Regional comparison

How Cheltenham Compares

Average cost of mini skip (2 yard) across regions.

Cheltenham
+13% £145
National Average
baseline £130
London
+24% £160

Local insights

What Affects Skip Hire Costs in Cheltenham?

The South West has a varied housing stock, from Georgian and Regency townhouses in cities like Bath to stone-built farmhouses, coastal cottages and modern estates across Somerset and Devon. Cheltenham has a broad range of housing from Victorian and Edwardian semis to modern estates and apartment developments, and many properties in the region feature older stonework, lime render and period details that require specialist attention. With a population of 118,800, Cheltenham is a large town where skip hire costs are above average. Older and rural properties tend to push prices higher due to access difficulties and the need for sympathetic materials — midi skip (4 yard) here averages around £225.

The South West generally sits close to or slightly below the national average for trade costs, though popular areas like Bath and Exeter can be pricier. Labour rates in Cheltenham are around 13% above the UK average. As a large town with a population of 118,800, there is steady demand for skip hire work. Longer travel distances between jobs in rural parts of Cornwall and Dorset mean some tradespeople factor travel time into their quotes. There is a reasonable number of tradespeople serving the area, though availability can vary at busy times of year. Prices can still vary 30-50% between different tradespeople, so always compare.

What you pay for skip hire work in Cheltenham depends on the job scope, property type and materials. Period properties with lime plaster, stone walls or listed building restrictions often need specialist approaches that cost more. Coastal properties in Dorset and Cornwall can face salt exposure and damp issues that add complexity. A typical mini skip (2 yard) in Cheltenham costs around £145, while roll-on roll-off skip (20-40 yard) ranges from £280 to £790. As a large town that is above average, Cheltenham offers fair value for skip hire work compared to London and the South East.

When getting quotes in Cheltenham, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. In more rural parts of the South West, fewer tradespeople may be available locally, so book ahead for larger jobs. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good skip hire will check the existing conditions, flag any complications from older or period features, and give you a detailed cost breakdown. There is a reasonable number of tradespeople serving the area, though availability can vary at busy times of year. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.

Depending on the work involved, you may also need builder (£33,870–£90,320), demolition (£1,130–£3,950), or landscaping (£565–£1,355) in Cheltenham.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about skip hire costs in Cheltenham.

What size skip do I need?
A mini skip (2 yards) is suitable for a small bathroom refit or garden clearance. A midi skip (4 yards) handles a single room renovation. A builders skip (6-8 yards) covers a full kitchen or bathroom strip-out. For larger projects like house clearances or extensions, a 10-14 yard skip may be needed. Your skip company can advise based on the job.
Do I need a permit to put a skip on the road?
If the skip is placed on a public road, pavement or verge, you need a skip permit from your local council. Permits typically cost 20-65 and take 1-5 working days to arrange. If the skip is on your private driveway or land, no permit is needed. Your skip company usually arranges the permit for you.
What items cannot go in a skip?
You cannot put hazardous waste in a skip including asbestos, batteries, gas cylinders, paint, solvents, tyres, electrical appliances (fridges, TVs), plasterboard (must be separated), and medical waste. Mixing prohibited items can result in the skip company charging you extra or refusing to collect.
What is the difference between skip hire and grab hire?
A skip is delivered, left on-site for you to fill, then collected. Grab hire uses a lorry with a hydraulic arm that loads waste directly — ideal for large volumes of heavy material like soil, rubble or concrete. Grab hire is usually charged per load and can be cheaper and faster than a skip for bulky waste.
How long can I keep a skip for?
Standard skip hire is for 7 to 14 days depending on the company. If you need it longer, most firms charge £30-£80 per extra week. Let your skip company know in advance if you think you will need it beyond the standard hire period, especially if it is on the road — your council permit may also need extending.
Can I put a skip on my driveway?
Yes, provided your driveway is long enough for the skip and strong enough to take the weight. A full 6-yard builders skip can weigh over 6 tonnes, so block-paved or gravel drives may be damaged. The delivery lorry also needs to be able to reach the driveway without obstruction from overhanging trees, gates or parked cars.
How far in advance should I book a skip?
Two to three working days is usually enough, though during busy periods such as spring and summer you may want to book a week ahead. If you need a council road permit, allow at least five working days on top. Same-day delivery is sometimes available but costs extra and depends on availability.
What happens if I overfill my skip?
The skip company will refuse to collect an overfilled skip because it is illegal to transport one on UK roads if waste is above the top edge. You will either need to remove waste until it is level, or pay for a second skip. Some companies charge an additional visit fee to come back after you have reduced the load.
Can I share a skip with my neighbour?
There is nothing stopping you from sharing a skip with a neighbour and splitting the cost. Just agree upfront who is booking, paying and responsible for what goes in. Remember that you are liable for anything in the skip, so make sure no prohibited items are added.
Is skip hire cheaper than a council tip run?
Taking waste to a household waste recycling centre yourself is free, but you need a vehicle, time and possibly multiple trips. For anything more than a few bin bags, skip hire is usually more convenient and often works out cheaper when you factor in your time, fuel and potential van hire costs.
How much does a skip hire cost in Cheltenham in 2026?
Mini Skip (2 Yard) in Cheltenham typically costs between £90 and £225, with the average being around £145. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the specific requirements of your property.
Are skip hire prices cheaper in Cheltenham than London?
Cheltenham prices are 13% above the national average, though still £15 cheaper than London for mini skip (2 yard).
How do I find a good skip hire in Cheltenham?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews, and ask whether the quote includes VAT and everything you need. A detailed written quote that breaks down all costs is a good sign. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
What affects skip hire prices in Cheltenham?
The main factors are the scope and complexity of what you need, the options and products chosen, and local market rates. Cheltenham rates are 13% above the national average. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
Do skip hire prices include materials in Cheltenham?
The prices shown on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.