Skip Hire Waste Restrictions Guide

Restrictions – Waste You Can’t Put In A Skip

Individual companies set their own guidelines, so it’s always best to ask your local skip hire provider if you’re unsure about what to put in your skip. In some cases, you could face legal action if you place anything harmful into a skip. Here’s what you can’t put into a skip:

Electrical Appliances, White Goods, TVs & More

Customers often try to dispose of their electrical items in skips, but it’s strictly forbidden. Any items that are electrical and/or may be a potential hazard, must be disposed of safely. This includes all electrical goods including televisions, computer monitors, kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers, ovens and more. If it requires a battery or has a plug, then you cannot place it in the skip and will incur additional charges. If you’re unsure, please call us before placing it in your skip.

You must take all electrical equipment must be taken to a specialist centre (also known as an electric recycling point). Click here to find your nearest electrics recycling point.

Grade D Wood Waste & Hazardous Wood

The Environment Agency has strict rules regarding the disposal of hazardous wood waste. We do not accept Grade D wood waste which includes but is not limited to railway sleepers, telegraph poles, cooling towers and agricultural fencing. Hazardous wood is often dark looking wood treated with creosote or chlorophenolic formulations which give it a smoky or chemical smell. This type of waste is not permitted to be placed in any skips and it’s important to note, this restriction applies to all skip companies, not just us! If you’re unsure if your wood is hazardous please contact us first for confirmation. By using our services, you are declaring that any waste wood we are collecting or receiving is non-hazardous. At certain locations, we may require you to fill out a declaration form prior to delivery/collection.

Sofas, Armchairs & Upholstered Furniture (NEW*)

New regulations known as POP or “Persistent Organic Pollutants” have been introduced as of 1st Jan 2023. This affects the sorting and treatment of furniture which potentially contains persistent organic pollutants. These remain intact in the environment for long periods, becoming widely distributed and accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and animals and have harmful effects on human health and the environment. This means additional processing, storage and treatment is required for items which are intact such as sofas, armchairs and upholstered office chairs. We can dispose of these items, but please contact us first for to find out if a POP charge applies. If these items are found in skips when they are collected, this may incur an additional disposal fee which can vary based on the type and number of items.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard/drywall is prohibited from being in a general mixed waste skip – this applies to all skip companies. The reason for this is plasterboard is a hazardous material to dispose of with other mixed waste as it can create toxic fumes. If you have a very small amount of plasterboard (ie. no more than 1-2 black bags) in some depots we may be able to accept this, you must contact us for permission which will be provided via email BEFORE placing it on top of your skip (keeping within a level load and in sealed bags only, separate to general mixed waste). If you have more than this, please request a quote for a plasterboard only skip. If plasterboard is found within the skip a sorting fee will be charged which can be 50% of more of the cost of the skip.

Tyres, Rubber, Carpet, Artificial Grass & Other Items

We may be able to assist with certain items such as rubber, clay, tyres, artificial grass and carpet for an additional cost. If you have an item that isn’t on this list but you’re unsure about it, then it’s best to contact your local council for more advice. All skip hire companies have their own regulations, and they’ll be able to explain which items they’ll accept.

Mattresses

Whilst we are able to responsibly dispose of a mattress in your skip, there is an additional cost of £45 to £60+VAT per mattress which requires removing. You must inform us prior to placing an order if you intend to place a mattress in your skip. Mattresses cannot be disposed of in the normal way and require specialist disposal.

Gas Cylinders

You might think your gas cylinder is empty, but there’s always some residue left behind. Gas is flammable, so you should always take cylinders to a specialist centre. Most gas suppliers will take your used cylinders. If you call the manufacturer, they will be able to advise where to dispose of it. In some cases, you may be able to sell to a specialist who re-uses them as they have a small residual value.

Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the most hazardous materials in the world, and it causes many health problems. If people are exposed to asbestos without protection, their chances of cancer and lung disease increase. If you have asbestos or similar fibre-based products such as corrugated fibre/concrete sheets, you will require a specialist asbestos skip which is available on a quotation basis.

Batteries

Most people know they cannot simply throw batteries into a bin or skip. They contain harmful substances such as lead. If they leak there can be severe consequences for individuals that come into contact with them. Landfills cannot accept batteries as waste until they’ve been thoroughly cleaned up, so it’s best to take your used batteries to an appropriate location. Places that accept used batteries include supermarkets, petrol stations and local garages.  No matter how small the battery is, you cannot put it into a skip. For more info about disposing of batteries, find your nearest centre here.

Paint, Solvents, and Fuels

We’re probably stating the obvious here, but paints solvents and fuels are the three big cant’s. You should never place these items into a skip because they could cause harm to others. All three are combustible, so should be disposed of properly. If someone comes into contact with them, it could cause chemical burns and other injuries. You must take paints, solvents, and fuels to a licensed disposal centre.

Glass

The odd photo frame or mirror is fine (we won’t take the bad luck for it if it smashes!), however if you have a considerable amount of glass to dispose of, this isn’t suitable in a general mixed waste skip as it can be dangerous. Glass also has to be handled separately at the waste transfer station. Please contact us for a quotation on a glass only skip – this is typically charged on a haulage (transport) and tonnage (weight) basis.

Medical and Food Waste

Medical or food waste counts as bodily fluids, needles (both used or unused), food of any kind and any equipment must not be placed into a skip. There are specific guidelines surrounding medical waste, and the risks it poses to people. We should protect skip operators and landfill employees against injury and infection at all times. Needles and biological waste can spread dangerous infections. For more info, contact the Department of Health.

Ready to Book a Skip Hire?

While there are some restrictions about what you can put into a skip, they’re still one of the most convenient ways of disposing waste. If you’re undertaking a renovation project or clearing out a property, skips save you a lot of time and prevent injury from debris lying around. You can also use them to remove garden waste and household furniture.

Reliable Skip Hire provide a range of skip sizes to make your life easier. We guarantee collection and delivery when you want it, so click here to check the latest prices and enjoy our reliable service.