There’s no getting around it – your house generates lots of waste. So, whether you’re dabbling in DIY or moving home, having a skip on hand will simplify the whole process. Decent skip hire companies will also recycle as much of the collected waste as possible, making this an eco-friendly disposal option. But what materials can skips actually accept? And which are total no-nos? In this comprehensive guide, we cover a wide range of waste types to investigate whether they belong in a skip or whether they require special treatment – helping you stay on the right side of the law.
Bulky items of furniture are impossible to fit into your bin, so that’s where a skip comes in handy. If they’re not quite up to scratch for the charity shop, place these past-it items in a skip to be safely disposed of.
If you’re sprucing up your bathroom, any tiles and bathroom fixtures and fittings can be placed in skips.
If you’ve given your garden a facelift, you’re in luck. Trimmings, soil, bird feed, flowers and other green waste can all be placed in a skip.
Mattresses are accepted by most companies – but not all. Check with your chosen company to see if they have the ability to take mattresses off your hands.
Check there is no sensitive information on your paper waste before disposal.
Most building waste can be disposed of in skips, making these vessels an essential part of construction or demolition projects. Waste can simply go straight in the vessel to clear up the site with minimal hassle.
These materials are commonly found in both domestic homes and in commercial settings, and are generated in excess during renovation projects – having a convenient place to store these materials is vital for the efficiency of any project.
Extremely harmful to human health, asbestos should never enter a skip alongside general waste. Legally, asbestos must be removed by a professional contractor – one such as David Brown Skip Hire.
Whatever their size, due to containing dangerous chemicals and metals, batteries are viewed as hazardous waste and should instead be disposed of in battery recycling boxes, commonly found at supermarkets and other public locations. Car batteries contain traces of lead – call your local garage for disposal advice.
Most chemicals and pesticides are categorised as hazardous waste that is detrimental to humans, animals and the wider environment. Businesses should conduct relevant risk assessments and store chemical waste appropriately, and households should not be careless when throwing out chemical waste
Under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), all electrical items are unsuitable for skip collection and should instead be taken to specialist WEEE recycling facilities.
Often used for lighting, these tubes contain mercury and can be harmful to the environment, local wildlife, and humans. They therefore must be handled by waste companies who are licensed to deal with them.
Whether empty or full, skip companies are not licensed to deal with gas cylinders as any leftover residue could be potentially dangerous. Sometimes, the company who produce the gas cylinders are happy to collect them on your behalf.
These items are especially problematic and often contain toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury. Instead, consider donating, or bringing it to a participating recycling centre.
Medical waste carries the risk of infection or contamination, and therefore needs to be dealt with by licensed firms – the Department of Health should be able to offer insight.
You must be careful when disposing of gypsum-based products, such as plasterboard. Hunt down your local specialist recycling plant by contacting your local council.
Tyres can be upcycled in many inventive ways, such as for furniture creation or garden design – the internet is awash with creative ideas. Though, if you’re lacking inspiration, they can be taken to your local recycling centre – check with you council beforehand to make sure they will accept them.
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