What can and can’t you put into a skip?

Skip hire can be a highly convenient way to get rid of both domestic and commercial waste. Fast delivery and collection mean it’s quicker and simpler to get rid of rubbish in a safe, legal and eco-friendly manner. However, you may be wondering what can and can’t you put into a skip. Read on to find out which items can be thrown into skips and which need to be disposed of via alternative methods.

What can go into a skip? 

Skips are ideal for disposing of many different types of waste, which is one of the reasons they’re so popular. Whether you’re clearing out your loft or garage, carrying out DIY or renovation work, or embarking on a large-scale commercial construction project, hiring a skip is a great way to get rid of your rubbish. Some items and materials that you can put into a skip include:

• Metal
• Wood
• Domestic waste, including food packaging
• Cardboard and paper
• Ceramics and tiles
• Garden waste such as soil and leaves 
• Plastic
• Furniture such as sofas and chairs
• Carpets
• Rubble, stones and bricks
• Concrete
• Non-electric fixtures
• Solidified paint
• Clothes and fabrics

What can’t go into a skip?

Unfortunately, not all items can be put into a skip. Some need to be disposed of via alternative means, either because they’re harmful to the environment or human health, they’re dangerous to handle and transport or they could contaminate the rest of the waste. If you’re not sure if your rubbish can be placed into a skip, it’s best to ask your skip hire provider. Some items that can’t be put into skips include:

• Asbestos
• Freezers/fridges
• Chemicals
• Batteries
• Mattresses
• Solvents such as glue or paint
• Compressed gas containers (either full or empty)
• Plasterboard
• Electrical items such as TVs and computers
• Hazardous waste
• Medical waste
• Fluorescent tubes
• Fuels and explosives
• Tyres

Can I put construction waste in a skip?

Construction and demolition waste can be placed into a skip. This is because it’s generally classed as inert waste since although these materials don’t naturally degrade, they can be repurposed. They’re often turned into aggregates or topsoil for use in the construction industry. Examples of construction waste that can be put into skips include rubble, cement, soil and sand. 

Keep in mind that plasterboard is one material that can’t be put into a skip. Most skip firms will refuse to accept even the smallest amount of plasterboard in the skip at all. It has been banned from landfill sites in England since 2005. The reason for this is that it contains gypsum, which when wet or mixed with biodegradables like food, produces hydrogen sulphide.

Construction projects tend to produce large amounts of construction waste, particularly if they’re commercial rather than domestic. With this in mind, it’s important to choose the right size skip. For a small kitchen or bathroom renovation at home, an 8-yard builders skip would be ideal. However, for larger commercial projects, a 20- or 40-yard skip may be more appropriate. 

How can I dispose of prohibited items?

Finding out that you can’t put some of your rubbish into a skip can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, there are alternative ways to dispose of various items. For example, to get rid of asbestos, you could contact a waste company that specialises in dealing with hazardous waste. Alternatively, most local councils will provide a collection service for an extra cost, which is usually considerably cheaper than using a private removal firm. 

To dispose of an old mattress, you could take it to your local recycling centre yourself or pay for it to be collected. Electrical items such as TVs, computers and fridge freezers can also be taken to a recycling centre. 

Medical waste such as sharps and needles need to be disposed of very carefully. You’ll need to place these items in a sharps disposal container after they have been used. You can then either arrange a clinical waste collection or drop off the container at an approved collection site such as a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy. If you’re not sure how to dispose of items that can’t be put in a skip, talk to our team. We’re on hand to provide you with advice on what can and can’t you put into a skip.

What happens if I put prohibited items into a skip?

Don’t risk putting prohibited items into your skip. Not only could it mean that your skip hire company refuses to take the skip until the items are removed, but it could end up costing you more. If prohibited items are found in the skip at the end of the hire term, you are likely to be charged extra. Therefore, if you do have items that aren’t allowed in a skip, it makes sense to find alternative ways to dispose of them in advance. At Beta Skips, we’re more than happy to provide advice on how to dispose of prohibited items. 

Skip hire in Maltby and Rotherham 

As you can see, skips can be used to dispose of a wide range of items safely and legally. If you’re looking for a reputable company to provide skip hire in Rotherham or Maltby, look no further than Beta Skips. We have been supplying skips of all sizes to domestic and commercial clients throughout the South Yorkshire region for many years, building a fantastic reputation for our services. Our skips are suitable for disposing of a huge range of items. 

Contact us 

Now you know what can and can’t you put into a skip, you may be looking to hire our services. For skip hire in Rotherham, Maltby or the surrounding area, get in touch with our team. You can reach us by calling 01709 645038 or by sending us a message via our website.