What Can You Put In A Skip?

No matter the size of our project, a skip will be essential for house clearances and building construction. They’re both convenient and economical, as we aim to recycle 100% of the waste we collect. However, there are restrictions as to what can be disposed of in a skip. To add some clarification, we’ve presented a guide to what can and cannot be placed in one of our most popular waste management solutions.

What you can put in a skip

Wood, plastic and metal – commonly found in both domestic and commercial settings, these can be placed in one of our skips and recycled accordingly.

Rubble and bricks – most building waste can be disposed of with the help of a skip, making them an essential part of any building or renovation project.

Polystyrene – this can be disposed of in one of our skips where it will be processed accordingly.

Gas cookers – once fully and safely disconnected by a professional, your old gas cooker can be disposed of in one of our skips.

Garden waste and soil – trimmings, soil, bird feed, flowers and other types of garden waste can be placed in a skip.

Furniture – the majority of home and office furniture can be disposed of in one of our skips, where we will aim to recycle the materials.

Cardboard and paper – these can easily be recycled, just be sure to remove sensitive, personal or private information before disposing of them.

Non-electrical fittings – kitchen, bathroom and other non-electrical fittings can be placed in one of our skips.

Carpet – once being sent to landfill, carpet is now widely accepted for recycling, something we pride ourselves on here at Camiers.

Tiles – whether coming off walls or floors, tiles are widely accepted as skip waste.

Ceramics – sinks, toilets and bathtubs also come under this category. Ceramics can be disposed of in one of our skips.

Mattresses – most companies accept mattresses as skip waste, although some will charge extra. It’s always important to check with the skip company you’re opting to use to avoid disappointment.

What you can’t put in a skip

Asbestos – this is an extremely harmful material and should never be disposed of alongside general waste. Instead, call a professional contractor to remove and dispose of asbestos for you.

Fertilisers and pesticides – these cannot be disposed of in a skip as they’re labelled hazardous waste. They should be stored and disposed of safely and responsibly.

Electrical items – coming under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), these should be taken to your local specialist WEEE recycling facilities.

TVs – often containing toxic chemicals such as mercury or lead, TVs and monitors should be taken to a participating recycling centre, or donated if possible.

Medical waste – this carries a risk of contamination or infection and therefore needs to be handled and disposed of by licensed firms.

Plasterboard/gypsum – you must contact your local council regarding a recycling facility that will take old plasterboard. This cannot be disposed of alongside general waste.

Tyres – these can be recycled in innovative ways, such as garden furniture. However, if you’re lacking inspiration, they can be taken to your local recycling centre. It will be worth checking with your local council which centres accept them.

Paints and paint cans – paint contains chemicals which cannot come into contact with general waste. Instead, your local recycling facility will be able to dispose of these for you.

Fluorescent tubes – these tubes contain mercury, making them harmful to the environment, local wildlife and humans. They must be handled responsibly by licensed waste companies.

Batteries and car batteries – whatever their size, due to the containment of hazardous and dangerous chemicals, these cannot be disposed of alongside general waste. You can put batteries into recycling boxes that are often scattered around supermarkets and other public locations. Car batteries should be taken to a local garage for disposal.

Chemicals, solvents and fuels – most chemicals are classed as hazardous waste, so avoid putting any in a skip. They could harm humans, the environment and the local wildlife if not disposed of properly. The gov.uk website will be helpful in finding your local hazardous waste disposal service.

Gas cylinders – regardless of whether they’re empty or full, these should never be placed in a skip alongside general waste. Instead, take them to companies who supply gas cylinders – they’re always happy to take them off your hands so they can be disposed of appropriately.

Skip hire at Camiers

If you’re in need of a skip for your domestic or commercial project, then we have a variety of skips in a range of sizes available for hire. From 4 yard mini skips to 40 yard roll-on, roll-off skips, we will have a waste management solution for you. Give our skip size calculator a try and see which skip would be most suitable for you.

Camiers are a professional waste management and skip hire company with over 45 years of industry experience. We operate throughout Tring, Berkhamsted, Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury and the surrounding areas, providing our customers with a prompt and reliable service every single time. If you’d like to hire a skip, or learn more about the services we offer, get in touch with us today – a member of our knowledgeable and dedicated team will be able to help.