Skips are the perfect way to get rid of large amounts of rubbish, but there are a few things that you can’t put in your skip.
To ensure that your skip hire experience is as stress-free and straightforward as possible, it’s important to know what can and cannot go into a skip. In this article, we explain exactly what you can (and cannot) put in a skip so that you can make an informed decision when hiring one. We also provide some helpful tips on how to dispose of certain items correctly and safely.
So, whether you need advice on the correct disposal of hazardous waste or simply want to know which items should not be placed in a skip, read on for all the information you need!
What You Can’t Put In A Skip…
Online hire company JustHire Skips state that hazardous materials such as asbestos and chemicals must not be placed in a skip. This is because they can be dangerous to people and the environment, so instead you should contact your local council or environmental agency for advice on their correct disposal.
Other items that are prohibited from being placed in skips include tyres, fridges, freezers and other electrical goods, paint cans and solvents. These items need to be disposed of separately in an appropriate way – check with your local council for more information.
You also cannot put any organic material such as food waste into a skip due to health and safety regulations. In addition, mattresses should not be thrown away into a skip either; instead you can take them to a local recycling or rehoming centre. Only non-hazardous items such as furniture, garden waste and construction materials can be placed in a skip.
Finally, it is important to note that some operators may have their own restrictions on what they will allow in their skips and this should be clearly stated before hiring. So always check the terms and conditions of the skip hire company you are using before loading the skip with any materials.
Do Different Sizes of Skips Allow for Different Types of Waste Disposal?
Yes, the size of a skip affects what types of waste can be disposed of in it. Smaller skips usually limit customers to lighter materials like wood, paper, and cardboard whereas larger skips are designed for heavier items such as concrete and soil. To ensure that you don’t exceed the weight limits set out by your local council or hire company, it is important to consider the size and type of materials before deciding on a skip size.
Some hire companies may also refuse hazardous waste items such as paint cans, aerosols and batteries since they pose an environmental risk. If you need to dispose of any hazardous materials, it’s best to check with your local council about approved disposal methods.
Is it Legal to Put Asbestos in a Skip?
No, it is not. Asbestos is a hazardous material and must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant regulations. In most cases, this means professional asbestos removal and disposal by a licensed contractor. If you are unsure whether something contains asbestos or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek expert advice. Putting anything containing asbestos into a skip without a licence could result in hefty fines and other penalties for both you and the hire company you rent your skip from.
Other hazardous materials include paint cans, gasoline, oil drums, battery acid, medical waste, solvents and pesticides – all of which should never be placed in a skip.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that you get the most out of your skip hire experience – and make sure nothing illegal or dangerous ends up in the wrong place! If you’re ever unsure about what can or cannot go into a skip, then contact your local council.
