What Can’t You Put in a Skip?

You could be issued with a hefty fine if you place a prohibited item in your skip — so make sure you know your cans from your cannots.

Though skips are extremely useful for getting rid of domestic or commercial waste, some items are flammable, hazardous or cumbersome, and must be disposed of in other ways.

This article will explain what can’t go in a skip. But don’t worry if you need to get rid of these items — we’ll also tell you how to get rid of your prohibited items safely and legally.

 

What can’t you put in a skip?

 

Can you put batteries in a skip?

You can’t put batteries in a skip. Batteries contain harmful chemicals such as lead that can leak and contaminate the rest of the waste. They can also be dangerous for skip handlers.  

How do you dispose of batteries?

Batteries should be recycled through WEEE recycling. This a specialist service that safely recycles electrical items. SCS Waste offer WEEE recycling as one of our many specialist recycling services.

 

Can you put a mattress in a skip?

You can’t put a mattress in a skip. Mattresses are excessively large and bulky items that will exceed the maximum fill line. Placing a mattress in a skip makes the skip unsafe to remove and transport.

How do you dispose of a mattress?

If your mattress is in good condition, you may be able to donate it. Call the organisation you wish to donate to before you bring it over to confirm they are happy to accept it. If your mattress isn’t in a donatable condition, either take it to the tip or contact your local council to collect it.

 

Can you put a fridge in a skip?

You can’t put a fridge in a skip. Fridges, freezers and similar appliances contain hazardous chemicals and materials that could endanger the skip handlers or contaminate the other items in the skip.

How do you dispose of a fridge?

A fridge, freezer and similar electrical appliances should be recycled through WEEE recycling. This a specialist service that safely recycles electrical items. SCS Waste offer WEEE recycling as one of our many specialist recycling services. Alternatively, you may wish to donate your fridge, but ensure the organisation you are donating to is happy to accept it.

 

Can you put paint in a skip?

You can’t put paint in a skip. Paint and other solvents contain dangerous chemicals that could cause harm to skip handlers or contaminate other items in the skip. Paint is also flammable, so it is prohibited in order to reduce fire hazards.

How do you dispose of paint?

Contact your local council and they will advise you where to dispose of paint locally.

 

Can you put asbestos in a skip?

You can’t put asbestos in a skip. Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material. Not only should you not dispose of asbestos yourself, but you also shouldn’t handle asbestos yourself. Asbestos removal should be carried out by licensed specialists.

How do you dispose of asbestos?

Contact a licensed asbestos removal contractor to handle your asbestos. If any asbestos-containing items or surfaces in your property become damaged, you should contact a specialist immediately.

 

Can you put gas cylinders in a skip?

You can’t put gas cylinders in a skip. Even if they appear empty, gas cylinders may still contain trace amounts of gas. This is enough to be a fire hazard or cause harm to skip handlers.

How do you dispose of gas cylinders?

In some cases you can visit the original shop where you purchased your gas cylinder and ask them to refill it. Alternatively, contact a company that specialise in gas cylinder disposal/recycling.

 

Can you put garden waste in a skip?

You can’t put tree roots in a skip. Waste from a tree can be difficult to handle and even more difficult to break down for recycling. However, other types of garden waste like soil, leaves and rubble are fine to put in a skip. 

How do you dispose of tree roots?

Contact a specialist green waste recycling company to dispose of your tree roots safely.

 

Can you put a computer in a skip?

You can’t put a computer in a skip. Computers and monitors are electrical items that contain a lot of hazardous materials. Should these leak, they can contaminate the rest of the waste and harm the skip handlers.

How do you dispose of a computer?

Computers, monitors and similar electrical items should be recycled through WEEE recycling. This a specialist service that safely recycles electrical items. SCS Waste offer WEEE recycling as one of our many specialist recycling services.

 

Can you put tyres in a skip?

You can’t put tyres in a skip. Tyres are cumbersome items that aren’t typically handled by skip hire companies.

How do you dispose of tyres?

You can contact a specialist tyre collection company for the proper and safe removal of your tyres. Alternatively, consider upcycling your tyre. You can repurpose your tyre to create new furniture for your home. Check online for creative ways to make the most from your old tyres.

 

Can you put fluorescent tubes in a skip?

You can’t put fluorescent tubes in a skip. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which can be toxic if leaked. We prohibit fluorescent tubes for the safety of our skip handlers.

How do you dispose of fluorescent tubes?

Contact your local council and will direct you to a local recycling centre that accepts fluorescent tubes.

 

Can you put syringes in a skip?

You can’t put syringes in a skip. Medical waste is classed as a hazard and syringes can risk infection or contamination. Syringes should only be handled with the correct safety gear and equipment.

How do you dispose of syringes?

Contact a specialist company who deals with medical waste removal.

 

Can you put plasterboard in a skip?

You can’t put plasterboard in a skip. When plasterboard breaks down it can emit toxic gases that will contaminate everything else in the skip.

How do you dispose of plasterboard?

Contact your local council for advice on how to safely dispose of plasterboard

 

What can you put in a skip?

The following items are suitable for disposal in our skips:

• Bricks
• Wood
• Plastic
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Textiles
• Plastics
• Soil
• PVC
• Glass

 

If you’re undergoing a home renovation or commercial building project and need somewhere to put your waste, we’ve got you covered. SCS Waste offer skips for hire in a wide range of sizes, everything from our 2-yard mini skips to our 12-yard monsta skips. If you need a skip delivered fast, contact our team today.