Skip Hire vs. Man and Van: Which Is Better Value?

When you've got a pile of waste to shift, the two main options in Glasgow are hiring a skip or booking a man-and-van collection service. Both have their place — here's when each one makes sense.

Skip Hire: The Basics

A standard domestic skip (6-yard) costs £180-£280 in Glasgow. It sits outside your property for 1-2 weeks while you fill it. You need a council permit if it's on the road (£30+). You load it yourself. It's collected when you're done.

Man and Van: The Basics

A full van load costs £200-£300. A team arrives, loads everything, and takes it away — usually within the hour. No permit needed. No manual labour on your part. Same-day or next-day availability.

When a Skip Makes Sense

Large building projects that generate waste over days or weeks. When you have off-road space (driveway, front garden) where the skip won't need a permit. When multiple trades are contributing waste over time. When the total volume exceeds a single van load.

When Man and Van Wins

One-off clearances — house clearances, garage clear-outs, garden waste. When you don't have space for a skip. When you need it done TODAY. When the items are too heavy to lift yourself. When you're in a flat with no driveway. When you only have a partial load — with a skip, you pay the same whether it's full or half-empty.

The Hidden Costs of Skips

Permit fees (£30+ if on public road). Overloading penalties (if waste is above the sides). Contamination charges (if prohibited items are found). Wait time (delivery often takes 2-3 business days). Neighbour complaints about pavement obstruction.

Our Honest Take

For most domestic jobs in Glasgow, a man-and-van collection is cheaper, faster, and less hassle. We'd recommend skips only for larger building projects lasting more than a week where waste accumulates gradually.