Skip licence

You need a skip licence to put a builder’s skip on the public highway. We issue skip licences for a maximum of four weeks.

Eligibility criteria – approved skip companies

Only registered, approved skip companies can apply for licences in Hackney:

• approved skip companies (google sheets)

Apply for a skip licence

See skip licence application form (google doc)

If the skip is going to be placed somewhere within a controlled parking zone, you must get Council approval at least 7 working days before the start date of the licence.

If it’s going to be placed anywhere else, you’ll need approval 3 working days before the licence starts.

Application review process

When we review your application we will look at a number of factors, including:

• the skip’s location and dimensions
• whether or not it will be visible to traffic
• how you will look after and dispose of the contents
• whether or not it will be lit or guarded
• how and when you will remove the skip

If you need to put your skip in a parking bay, you will need to get permission from parking services, whether it’s pay and display, shared use, business, residential or any other designated bay.

We cannot issue licences for skips to be placed on housing estates (you will need to get permission from the relevant neighbourhood office) or on a red route (you will need to seek approval from TfL). Please contact us if you have any questions.

Regulation summary

Find out more information about the Highways Act 1980.

Will tacit consent apply?

Tacit consent is not applicable.

If your application fails

If your application fails please contact us.

Consumer complaints

If you receive a complaint we advise you to first make contact with the trader – preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that doesn’t Gov.uk – consumer rights will give you advice if you are located in the UK. If you’re outside the UK please contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Trade associations

• Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
• Build UK
• National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC)
• National Federation of Builders (NFB)