Skip hire is an affordable, convenient way of disposing of a wide range of different waste materials. Where countless items can be placed in either a domestic, commercial or construction skip, there are some materials that need to be disposed of in a careful, responsible manner. Those materials simply cannot be put in a skip. So what can you put in a skip and what waste types will require specially-organised disposal?

What can you put in a skip?

You can use a skip to dispose of most waste materials. Whether you’re wanting to hire a skip for domestic, commercial or construction reasons, Willshee’s will be happy to provide you with a waste management solution that suits you.

With a dedicated, onsite recycling facility, we’re proud to sustainably dispose of the waste we collect. As such, you’ll be able to place the following items in a conventional skip of any size, provided it doesn’t exceed the top line:

Food
Food packaging
Garden waste
Sofas
Furniture
Carpets
Mattresses (at an extra cost)
Non-electrical fixtures and fittings
Plastic
Metal
Wood
Glass
Tiles
Ceramics
Cardboard
Polystyrene
Rubble
Hardcore
Concrete
Textiles
Residual waste
Soil
Bricks

If you do not see a material that you’re wanting to dispose of on the list, then get in touch with Willshee’s to see whether or not we can get rid of that particular product by placing it in one of our skips – our friendly, knowledgeable team will always be on hand to help.

What cannot be put in a skip?

Contrary to common belief, there are some waste types that cannot be disposed of in a skip. It’s a common misconception that everything can be dumped in a skip and taken away, but this simply isn’t true. There are a few limitations when it comes to disposing of waste material in a skip, whether it be domestic or commercial waste:

Can I put fluorescent bulbs in a skip?

Fluorescent lightbulbs cannot be placed in a skip. They contain mercury which can be extremely dangerous and hazardous to humans, wildlife and the environment. As such, they cannot be disposed of in a skip. Instead, you should take it to your nearest recycling centre. Although, here at Willshee’s, we’re able to dispose of these bulbs for you under our hazardous waste management services. For absolute ease, choose Willshee’s to responsibly dispose of fluorescent bulbs on your behalf.

Can I put batteries in a skip?

Batteries of any size cannot be put in a skip. Car garages and auto centres can get rid of old car batteries for you, possibly for a small fee. When it comes to regular batteries used to power everyday appliances, you can place these in recycling points at your local supermarket. Do not put them in a skip. Batteries in general contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if exposed, hence why they need to be separated from other waste types.

Can I put electrical equipment & appliances in a skip?

Electrical equipment, appliances and white goods cannot be put in a skip. The aforementioned categories specifically include, but is not limited to, the following:

Microwaves
Computers
Televisions
Freezers
Dishwashers
Electric cookers
Fridges
Toasters
Kettles

Bring them to a registered WEEE recycling centre in order to ensure responsible and sustainable disposal. For absolute convenience, you should look to Willshee’s to collect and recycle your electrical products. We’re registered and proud to deal with WEEE waste, disposing of it in a safe, eco-friendly way. Our WEEE waste disposal service comes under hazardous waste removal.

Can I put rubber tyres in a skip?

Rubber tyres cannot be put in a skip. When it comes to tyres, you’ll generally have three different options available to you, including:

Recycling it for other purposes around your home, such as a swing in the back garden or a DIY flower bed
Ask the person who changes your tyres to dispose of the old ones for you, although this might come with an additional cost
Get in touch with the Tyre Recovery Organisation to locate your nearest tyre collection point or tyre collection company and organise a home-collection

If you’re wanting to dispose of a rubber tyre, you need to research the guidelines set out by The Environment Agency. If you look at their website, you’ll be given a list of dedicated places where you can take your old, unwanted or damaged rubber tyres.

Can I put medical waste in a skip?

Medical waste cannot be put in a skip. This particular type of waste poses a health threat to waste carriers and so they will often refuse to dispose of it for you. You should ask your local council for advice about how to responsibly get rid of medical waste as it could vary depending on your local authority.

Medical waste is dangerous as it could cause infections, contamination or more serious health problems if not dealt with in the correct way. Medical, biological or hospital waste should be disposed of in line with, and following the rules set out by, the department of health.

Can I put paint, solvents or fuel in a skip?

Paint, solvents and/or fuel cannot be put in a skip. This is because they’re considered to be hazardous and only licensed waste carriers are able to handle and dispose of them, such as Willshee’s. The aforementioned products contain harmful compounds that are hazardous to the health of humans and wildlife, but they can also have a negative impact on the environment if not disposed of correctly.

Can I put asbestos in a skip?

Asbestos cannot be put in a skip, nor can items that contain asbestos. They cannot be recycled or reused, either. Only licensed waste carriers are able to handle and dispose of asbestos, such as Willshee’s. We’re proud to responsibly and safely dispose of asbestos products under our hazardous waste management services.

Asbestos is incredibly hazardous and harmful to humans, animals and the environment. The government has implemented strict laws to ensure that asbestos is safely disposed of in accordance with stringent rules and regulations. If you need to dispose of asbestos, then you have to call a licensed waste carrier to deal with it for you.

Can I put gas cylinders in a skip?

Gas cylinders cannot be put in a skip. It doesn’t matter if it’s empty, full or half full, you cannot dispose of a gas cylinder in a skip. Most waste management companies cannot handle its contents safely so you should not expect them to. Instead, you should be able to take it back to the place you bought the cylinder from in the first place.

Here, they’ll be able to refill it for you if this is something that might work better for you. But if you do not wish to have it refilled, they should be able to take it off you and dispose of it on your behalf. Some companies might charge you for its responsible disposal, whereas others might not – it depends on the company you bought it from.

Can I put plasterboard in a skip?

Plasterboard cannot be put in a skip. This is because it can give off colourless, harmful gases which could end up contaminating other waste types when mixed together. This is why plasterboard needs to be handled as hazardous waste as opposed to harmless domestic waste material. Willshee’s are proud to dispose of hazardous waste, including plasterboard.

If you have plasterboard that you’d like to get rid of, let your waste management company know so they can provide you with the right advice on how to dispose of it responsibly. Plasterboard simply cannot be put in a skip, so you might need to take it to your local recycling centre. Although, calling Willshee’s to deal with it for you would be a far more convenient option, especially for busy homeowners and/or business owners.

Willshee’s are highly-experienced, fully-trained waste management specialists operating throughout Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Swadlincote, Tamworth, Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a domestic skip to help with your home renovations, a commercial skip or construction skip for large-scale jobs or grab hire for particularly large jobs, we’ll be able to help. We’re committed to reducing your carbon footprint, sustainably disposing of the waste you generate in our dedicated recycling facilities. For more information about how we can help you to get rid of waste material, including hazardous waste, get in touch with a member of our specialist team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.