What Can & Can’t You Put in a Skip? Here’s All You Need to Know

When it comes to skip hire, knowing what you can and can’t throw in your skip is essential. It’s not just about avoiding fines; it’s about ensuring your skip is collected on time and without hassle.

At Hamilton Waste, we want your skip hire experience to be smooth, stress-free, and compliant with UK regulations.

Why It’s Important to Know What Goes in a Skip

Disposing of the wrong items in a skip can lead to extra charges, delays, or worse, a refusal of collection. Nobody wants that in their lives, let’s be honest.

Some materials are hazardous or need special treatment, so it’s essential to know what’s acceptable to avoid headaches. By familiarising yourself with these rules, you avoid unwanted surprises and ensure your waste is disposed of in the most responsible way possible.

Items You Can Put in a Skip

Construction and Renovation Waste

For construction companies segregates skip are a must-have, and are ideal for materials like:

Rubble (bricks, concrete, tiles)
Wood (non-treated)
Drywall and plasterboard
Flooring materials (e.g., carpet or laminate)

Important: If you’re dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, these require specialist disposal. Check out our specialist construction waste management page for more information.

Household and General Waste

For the most part, household waste can easily go into a skip. Here’s a list of common items you can dispose of:

Old furniture (e.g., sofas, chairs, mattresses)
Cardboard and paper
Plastics and packaging (as long as they’re clean)
Small kitchen appliances
Clothes and fabrics (excluding those with hazardous materials)

Reminder: Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), like old sofas, armchairs, and cushions, that contains chemicals used as flame retardants before 2019 need to be kept separate from other waste streams.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure whether an item is ok to put in your skip, don’t hesitate to ask! We’re always here to give advice and pointers on how you can dispose of your waste responsibly.

Garden Waste

Perfect for those much-needed garden clearances we’re all putting off. Skips are great for biting that particular bullet, and are perfect for:

Grass cuttings, leaves, and weeds
Branches, twigs, and tree clippings
Hedge trimmings

Just make sure that the waste isn’t contaminated with soil or large tree stumps. These can complicate things and may affect the price or collection schedule.

Miscellaneous Items

Other things you may need to dispose of include:

Old appliances (as long as they’re not electrical)
Bulky waste, such as old furniture
Electronics, which can often be recycled if you follow the proper procedures

View our skip range:

What Items Can’t Go in a Skip: Avoid These Common Mistakes

When it comes to skip hire, not everything is suitable for disposal. To help you avoid fines, delays, it’s crucial to know which items should never be thrown in a skip.

Here’s a look at what you need to keep out of your skip, starting with the most important ones.

Hazardous Materials

Some items are simply too dangerous to go in a standard skip. These include:

Asbestos: Known for its health risks, asbestos must be disposed of through a specialist service
Paints, solvents, and chemicals: These fall under hazardous waste and need a proper disposal route
Oil, fuels, and lubricants
Batteries (especially car batteries)

We know it can be tempting to toss everything into the skip, but when it comes to hazardous items, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re ever in doubt, we can advise on the right disposal methods.

Electrical Items

Electrical items, also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), cannot be placed in your skip. These include:

Fridges and freezers
TVs, computers, monitors, and other electronics
Small electrical appliances (e.g., toasters, microwaves)

These items need to be taken to designated recycling points. Not to worry though — we can help you find the closest one!

Items That Require Special Disposal

Some materials need a little extra care due to their size or toxicity. These include:

Tyres: You’ll need to take these to a specialist tyre recycling facility
Large appliances: These sometimes need to be dismantled or sent to a particular disposal site
Gas canisters: These are highly flammable and should never go in a skip

If you’re unsure, just ask! At Hamilton Waste, we want to make sure everything goes where it’s supposed to, safely and responsibly.

We do have a Dos and Don’ts Guide available for download on our website.

More Skip Hire FAQs

Do I Need a Permit to Place the Skip on a Public Road?

Yes, if you’re placing the skip on a public road, you’ll need a permit. Don’t worry — Hamilton Waste can help arrange this for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

What Happens if I Put Banned Items in the Skip?

If banned items are found, your skip may not be collected, or you could face extra charges. In some cases, the waste might need to be removed manually, which is why it’s best to get it right the first time. We’ll always provide a detailed list of what’s acceptable and are happy to assist with any questions you have.

Can I Mix Waste Types?

While it’s tempting to mix everything in one go, it’s best to segregate your waste beforehand. Different types of waste require different handling, and mixing hazardous materials with general waste can cause issues when it comes to disposal. The cleaner the segregation, the easier it is for us to manage.

How Much Will It Cost If I Exceed the Weight or Fill with Prohibited Items?

Exceeding the weight limit or filling your skip with prohibited items will result in extra charges. These are usually based on the weight of the materials or the need for special disposal. To avoid these unexpected costs, make sure to follow our guidelines.

Tips to Make Skip Hire Smooth and Cost-Effective

Plan Ahead: Know what you can and can’t dispose of, and pick the right size skip for your needs.
Segregate Your Waste: Separate recyclables, hazardous materials, and general waste before your skip arrives. It’ll make the whole process easier for you (and us!).
Follow Local Regulations: Check your local council’s rules if you need to place the skip on the road or have any specific disposal questions.
Know Your Size: Don’t go for the smallest skip if you have a lot of waste — overfilling will only lead to extra charges. If in doubt, our team is here to offer advice.

Why Choose Hamilton Waste & Recycling for Your Skip Hire

When you choose Hamilton Waste, you’re choosing a team that knows the ins and outs of responsible waste disposal. We’re fully compliant with UK regulations, and we offer transparent pricing, quick delivery and collection, and friendly customer support. We’re here to ensure your skip hire is hassle-free, compliant, and easy from start to finish.

Our Compliance and Recycling Credentials: We take recycling seriously and ensure all materials are properly processed.
Quick Delivery & Collection: We’ll have your skip at your door and picked up on time.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees when you follow our guidelines. What you see is what you pay.

For a full range of our skip hire FAQs, please visit this link.

Get a Quote & Book Your Skip Today

Ready to hire a skip? Book now with Hamilton Waste for a seamless experience, and we’ll ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.