What can I put in a skip?
Years of experience working in the waste disposal
Are you wondering “What can I put in a skip?” If so, you’re not alone. Skips are fantastic for disposing of large amounts of waste after clearouts, home renovation work or commercial projects, however, not everything can go into them. Skip companies are strict about adhering to waste disposal laws and environmental regulations. Which means that some items are prohibited. Keep reading to find out what you can and can’t put into a skip.
Items generally allowed in a skip
The good news is that you can throw various types of waste into a skip. This makes skip hire a great solution for all types of rubbish-generating projects, ranging from garage or loft clear-outs to DIY tasks and commercial building work. Some of the items generally allowed can be found below.
- Household waste. Common household waste like old furniture, appliances, toys, clothing, and general clutter.
- Garden waste. This includes everything from grass and soil to branches, leaves and any other waste.
- Construction and demolition waste. Concrete, bricks, tiles, wood, metal, and other materials from construction or renovation projects can all go into a skip.
- Furniture. A skip can be a great place to dispose of unwanted furniture such as sofas, chairs, tables and beds.
- Plastic and packaging. Virtually any type of non-hazardous plastic can go into a skip. This includes packaging materials and empty plastic bottles.
- Cardboard. Cardboard boxes and packaging can go into a skip.
- Metals. A skip is the ideal place to dispose of scrap metal, including old metal furniture, appliances and pipes.
- Glass. Non-hazardous glass items like bottles and window panes can go into a skip, however, you’ll need to handle them with care. Wrap it in heavy-duty plastic or put it in a suitable container to stop it breaking.
Items generally not allowed in a skip
Whilst skips are ideal for disposing of many different types of waste, unfortunately, there are some things that can’t go into them. You’ll need to find alternate means of disposal for these items to ensure they’re discarded safely and legally.
- Hazardous waste. Hazardous materials such as chemicals, asbestos, batteries, solvents, oil, paint and fluorescent tubes can’t go in a skip. These items require specialised disposal methods.
- Electrical and electronic Equipment (WEEE). Electrical items usually can’t be placed into a skip as they contain hazardous components and materials that could cause harm to the environment. You’ll need to recycle items like TVs, computers, and monitors separately.
- Tyres. Old tyres can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to environmental pollution if they end up in a landfill. This means they need to be disposed of through authorised tyre disposal facilities.
- Mattresses. Whilst you can put old bed frames in a skip, mattresses are usually prohibited due to their size and the fact that they’re not easily biodegradable.
More Items that are not allowed:
- Medical waste. Medical waste, also known as clinical waste or healthcare waste, can’t go in due to health and safety risks and environmental concerns. This includes items like needles and syringes.
- Gas cylinders. Gas cylinders should not go in skips whether they are full or empty. They can be incredibly dangerous.
- Plasterboard. Plasterboard is hazardous, which means it can’t usually go in skips. Some companies may offer a special plasterboard skip to provide a self-contained and dedicated area for disposing of this material without having to worry about harmful gases being created.
- Fridges and freezers: Fridges and freezers contain refrigerants which require removal by a qualified technician before disposal. Your local council may be able to take these items away for a small fee.
Always ensure that you’re clear on what you can put in a skip. Ask the skip hire provider if there is anything to avoid. Which will ensure you aren’t fined or charged extra on collection. Sometimes, a skip company will refuse to take away a skip that contains prohibited items, which can throw your project into chaos.
Finding out you can’t dispose of something can be inconvenient, however, rules are in place to help protect people’s safety and the environment. Talk to our team today if you’re not sure how to get rid of items that can’t be put into a skip – we may be able to advise you on alternative methods of disposal.
Hire cheap skips in Washington
Now you know the answer to “What can I put in a skip?”, you may be ready to use our services. At Ward Bros, we offer cheap skips in Washington that are ideal for a wide range of domestic and commercial projects. Our skips come in various sizes, from small 3-yard mini skips to 8-yard maxi skips. We can also supply huge RORO skips which are great for big commercial or industrial projects.
We can offer fast delivery of skips in Washington, with a same or next-day service available in many cases. Our team can assist with a skip permit if necessary too, liaising with the local council to obtain one on your behalf. You’ll need a permit if you want to place the skip on public land such as a road or pavement. We’ll aim to get the permit as soon as possible so that you can begin disposing of your waste safely and legally.
Contact us
If you’re still not sure of the answer to “What can I put in a skip?” or you’re ready to hire our cheap skips in Washington, get in touch today. You can reach us by calling 0191 666 0167 or by sending us a message via the contact form our website. We are on hand to provide you with a competitive quote for a domestic or commercial skip for your project.