If you’re planning a home renovation or a large-scale clean-up, you’ve likely been considering hiring a skip.
Skips are a great way to quickly and easily dispose of large amounts of waste, but it’s important to understand what you can and cannot put in a skip. In the UK, there are certain regulations and laws governing what can be put into a skip, so it’s wise to familiarise yourself with these before you start filling up your skip. This can help you be compliant whilst keeping your waste disposal costs low.
With this in mind, here is everything you need to know about what you can put in a skip in the UK.
What Can You Put in a Skip
When hiring a skip, it’s important to know what items you can and cannot put in the skip. Depending on the type of skip you hire, there may be some items that are not allowed in the skip due to safety and environmental concerns, as well as any local regulations that may apply.
Generally speaking, most skips are suitable for the disposal of non-hazardous materials such as garden waste, building materials, furniture, electrical items, and general household waste (wood, plastic, metal, paper, cardboard, and furniture).
Keep in mind that you should break down large items, such as furniture, into smaller pieces to make them easier to dispose of. Additionally, you should not mix different types of waste materials in the same skip—this could make it difficult for the skip hire company to properly dispose of the waste.
What Can’t You Put in a Skip
Some materials are not allowed in skips in the UK. These include any type of hazardous waste.
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, chemicals, batteries, oil, fuel, and paint are usually not allowed to be placed in a skip and must be disposed of separately. Medical wastes are also not allowed in skips. Additionally, you should not put any type of food waste or liquids in a skip—these can attract pests and cause unpleasant odours.
In addition, there are some other items that cannot be placed in a skip, including:
Plasterboards
Plasterboards can be hazardous when put in a mixed waste skip, as they contain a significant amount of gypsum, which can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any plasterboard is placed in a separate skip, combined with gypsum-based product wastes or disposed of in a responsible manner. If you are unsure, it is best to check with your local council before hiring a skip.
Appliances and Electrical Equipment
Appliances and electrical equipment such as TVs, computers, and fridges should never be put in a skip. These items contain hazardous materials and should be disposed of responsibly. Some local waste disposal companies may be able to help with the safe disposal of these items. Or you can send these e-wastes to registered Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling centres.
Tyres
Tyres are not allowed in skips due to their bulky nature and the potential for them to be hazardous to other items in the skip. If you are thinking of having your tyres professionally replaced, then the company that will be handling that can properly dispose of your tyres. You can also take your existing old tyres to your local recycling centre.
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs should never be placed in a skip as they contain mercury which is hazardous to the environment. Instead, you should take them to a local recycling centre where they can be disposed of responsibly.
Solvents
It is important to properly dispose of solvents, as they can be hazardous to both the environment and human health. When disposing of solvents, they should never be put in the skip. This is because the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain can potentially leak into the environment and contaminate soil and water. It is also vital to ensure that the containers they are stored in are sealed properly, as VOCs can evaporate into the air.
Instead, solvents should be taken to a local hazardous waste disposal facility. This will ensure that they are properly disposed of and that no contamination occurs. It is also important to check with the facility to make sure that they accept the type of solvent you are trying to dispose of.
These are just a few of the items that should not be placed in a skip. Before hiring a skip, it is best to check with your local council to see what items are not allowed in the skip. By doing this, you can ensure that you are disposing of your waste safely and responsibly.
What Are Important factors to Consider When Putting Wastes in a Skip
Unlike non-hazardous wastes, it is important that you dispose of hazardous wastes through a specialist hazardous waste disposal company. They will be able to safely dispose of the waste in accordance with the law.
If you’re not sure whether you can put something in your skip, it’s always best to check with your skip hire company first.
When it comes to loading your skip, there are a few rules to follow.
- Make Sure That the Skip Is Not Overfilled. This could pose a safety hazard to anyone walking past the skip and can result in a hefty fine.
- Ensure That All the Items You Put In Your Skip Are Safe and Secure. If you’re disposing of large items, you should break them down into smaller pieces to make sure that they fit safely in the skip.
- Consider the Weight of the Items That You Are Putting in the Skip. It’s essential to make sure that the skip is not overloaded—if the skip is too heavy, the skip hire company may not be able to collect it.
- Never Attempt to Move a Skip by Yourself. Skips can be very heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, so it’s best to leave this task to the professionals.
- Make Sure You Use a Reputable Skip Hire Company. They will be able to provide you with the right advice and help you stay safe and compliant.
Conclusion
When it comes to skips, it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. You’ve got to be aware of what you can and can’t put in a skip, or you may find yourself in a sticky situation. Knowing the do’s and don’ts can save you a whole lot of hassle, and hassle is something none of us needs! So before you go chucking stuff into a skip, make sure you know what you can and can’t put in there.
That’s all you need to know about skips — easy, right? Now you can ‘skip’ the hassle and get on with whatever project you’re working on – don’t forget to thank us later!
If you’re looking for a reliable and safe skip hire service in Cheshire, then look no further than Enviro Skip Hire. We provide a comprehensive range of skip hire services to suit all types of requirements. Whether you need a small skip for a few items or a large skip for a big project, we have the perfect skip for you. All of our skips are regularly inspected to ensure they are safe and secure. On top of this, we are fully insured, so you can rest assured that your skip hire needs are in safe hands. Let us help you properly dispose of your waste and reduce your environmental impact! Get in touch with us today to get started!
