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 From 1 April 2008, the council will introduce a charging scheme for  the issue of skip permits.  The charge is applicable for each skip placed on a highway (including paths, pavements and roads), and for each 14 day period it remains in place. Skip owners (suppliers) are responsible for applying for these permits and you can apply online for the permit.

The council has introduced this scheme to help recover the cost of carrying out this important highway safety related activity for the residents of Knowsley. 

Frequently asked questions

1. Where can I hire a skip?
2. Who should obtain a skip permit?
3. How long does a permit last?
4. Where should skips be placed?
5. Are there any other requirements?
6. How do I apply for a skip permit?

 1. Where can I hire a skip?
The council does not offer a skip hire service.  To hire a skip, you should contact a local skip hire company. These can be found in directories such as the Yellow Pages or Thompson Local, as well as the internet or listed in your local newspaper.

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 2. Who should obtain a skip permit?
The skip owner (supplier) is responsible for applying for the permit.  It is not the responsibility of the householder or builder.  However, as a householder, you should make sure that your skip supplier has the necessary permit before they deliver the skip.

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 3. How long does a permit last?
A permit can be valid for any period between one and 14 days. For longer periods, you should make an additional application. Only one skip will be allowed on site at any one time unless your cirmcumstamces are exceptional.

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 4. Where should skips be placed?
Whenever possible, skips should be placed on the carriageway, as close to the edge as possible.  They must not obstruct the surface water drainage, any driveway or road junction, fire hydrant or fire point, or any manhole cover of any statutory undertaker (water, main drainage, gas, electric, telephone, CATV, Cable TV etc). Skip owners should also make sure they do not cause an obstruction to other road users.

If permission is granted to place skips on a footway or grass verge, an agreed method of protecting the surface should be carried out by the skip owner.

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 5. Are there any other requirements?
The supplier is responsible for ensuring that all appropriate regulations are adhered to. Click here to view skip conditions.

Skips placed on the carriageway require at least four traffic cones on the approach side to guide traffic past the skip.

During the hours of darkness, poor daytime visibility and bad weather, road danger lamps (flashing amber) must be placed against or attached to each corner of the skip.  If sited on the carriageway, a lamp should be placed between each cone.  If the council's contractors are called out to lamp a skip or make it safe, a charge will follow.

Skips placed on the highway must not contain any inflammable, explosive or noxious material, or anything which is likely to cause a nuisance to highway users.

Contents of the skip shall be kept 'damped-down' or covered to prevent dust or spillage on the highway. The skip must not be overloaded and must be removed when full.

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 6. How do I apply for a skip permit?
Remember, it is only the skip owner (supplier) who is responsible for obtaining the permit.  It is not the responsibility of the householder or builder.

To apply for a skip permit, complete the online application form and we will confirm if your application has been approved within three working days. No skip should be placed on the highway without approval from the highway authority.

For further information or advice on whether or not a permit is required, please contact us using the details below.

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