Skip hire vs. man with a van: The ultimate guide to waste disposal costs and hidden fees

Tackling a big house clearance or renovation means dealing with a mountain of waste. Homeowners often face a crucial decision: hire a skip, or book a ‘man with a van’ rubbish removal service? While both offer a way to get rid of your clutter, the costs, convenience, and suitability differ hugely. This guide lays out the facts to help you find the cheapest way to get rid of rubbish for your project.

Skip hire vs man with a van cost: The breakdown

Factor	Skip hire	Man with a van service
Cost basis	Fixed price based on size (e.g., 4-yard, 8-yard skip).	Based on the volume of rubbish being removed (e.g., quarter-load, full-load).
Labour	None. You load the rubbish yourself.	Included. The team loads the rubbish for you.
Permit	Required if placed on a public road or pavement. There is an additional skip permit cost in the UK.	Not required, as the vehicle is only there temporarily.
Timeline	Can be kept for days or weeks (convenient for long projects).	Single, quick visit (ideal for one-off clearance).
Suitability	Heavy rubble, soil, large volumes of mixed waste.	Bulky items (sofas, mattresses), light garden waste, mixed house clearance.

Hidden fees and legal compliance

Don’t be fooled by a low initial price; there can be hidden costs with both waste disposal options for homeowners.

Skip overfilling: If you fill a skip past the ‘level fill’ line, the driver may refuse to take it, or you will be charged a surcharge.
Prohibited items: Items like asbestos, batteries, plasterboard, and liquid waste often incur specialist fees or are outright banned from standard skips.
The law: When using a ‘man with a van’ service, you must check their credentials. Ensure they hold a valid man with a van rubbish removal license (specifically a Waste Carrier License from the Environment Agency). If they fly-tip your waste, you, the homeowner, can be fined up to £5,000.

The savvy homeowner’s choice

If your project Is…	The best option is…
A kitchen or bathroom strip-out with a lot of heavy rubble.	Skip hire. The cost per tonne for heavy waste is often better, and you have somewhere to put waste as it’s generated.
A quick house or garden clearance with bulky furniture.	Man with a van. They do the heavy lifting, saving you time and effort. It’s a great option if you have no driveway (avoiding the skip permit cost UK).

Find a licensed waste removal specialist

Using a tradesperson found through Rated People means you are choosing a service that has been vetted. When it comes to waste, we help you find licensed specialists who are compliant with the latest UK waste regulations, giving you total peace of mind.

With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.

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