LOCAL GUIDE · SKIP PERMITS
Do you need a skip permit in West Sussex?
If your skip can go on your drive, you do not need a permit at all. If it has to go on the road, the skip company applies for the council licence, not you.
The short answer
You only need a skip permit, also called a skip licence, if the skip goes on a public road or an ungated private road. In West Sussex the licence comes from West Sussex County Council, is applied for by the skip company, and costs £65 for 7 days. Allow at least ten working days.
When you need a skip permit
- No permit needed: the skip sits on your drive, front garden or other private land.
- Permit needed: the skip goes on a public road, or on a private road the public can use without a gate.
Skips are not allowed on yellow lines, disabled bays, pavements or grass verges. In a controlled parking zone, the parking bay must be suspended by the local council first.
West Sussex skip licence at a glance
| Who applies | The skip company |
|---|---|
| Cost | £65 for 7 days |
| Fast track | Extra £52, aims to process within 1 working day |
| Notice needed | At least 10 working days |
| Longest licence | 14 days, then it can be extended |
| Largest skip allowed | 5m long by 2m wide |
| RoRo containers | Not allowed on the road |
Fees and rules can change, so they are always confirmed when you book.
Rules for a skip on the road
A skip on the road must have yellow ends with red and yellow reflective markings, and at least three traffic cones on the approach side. Between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise, it needs an amber lamp on each corner. Only one skip is usually allowed at a time, and it must be emptied within two days of being filled.
How to avoid needing a permit
If there is any room on your drive, use it. A 2-yard or 4-yard skip fits on most drives. Other options are a skip bag, our wait and load service where the skip never stays on the road, or a rubbish collection. Tell us your street when you ask for a price and we will tell you what fits.
Common questions
How much is a skip permit in West Sussex?
West Sussex County Council charges £65 for a 7-day skip licence, with an extra £52 for fast track. Fees can change, so they are confirmed when you book.
Do I need a permit for a skip on my drive?
No. A skip on your own drive or private land does not need a permit.
Who applies for the skip licence?
The skip company applies to West Sussex County Council for you. The licence is issued to the skip operator.
How long does a skip permit take?
Allow at least ten working days. Fast track aims to process an application within one working day for an extra fee.
Can a RoRo skip go on the road?
No. West Sussex County Council does not allow roll-on roll-off containers on the highway, so they need private land.
What happens if a skip is on the road without a permit?
It breaks highway rules, and the council can take action and have it removed. Always check before a skip is placed on the road.
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