Decluttering is a great way to organise and regain some of the valuable space in your home. However, if you have a lot of things to get rid of and are considering how best to dispose of the items you no longer need, you’re probably wondering, ‘what can I put in a skip?’.

So, what can you put in a skip? Read on to find out.

What Exactly Can I Put in a Skip?

Due to their size, skips are typically used to get rid of bulky items or large amounts of waste. The purpose is to make disposal easier and more efficient for you, but what exactly can you put in a skip?

Garden Waste

Garden waste includes leaves, branches, grass, soil and any other waste created in your outdoor space. 

General Household Waste

This refers to any waste that is generated in your house that you can’t recycle. It could include plastics, food packaging, clothing or any other non-hazardous materials.

Building Waste

Building waste, such as construction materials and rubble, is perfectly fine to go into a skip. This includes concrete, bricks, clay and stones.

What Can’t You Put in a Skip?

Another common question we get asked is, what can’t you put in a skip? Here are some of the materials that you can’t use a skip to get rid of, which you need to abide by for both safety and environmental reasons. 

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste could pose a risk to people’s health and safety if it’s put in a skip, so it needs to be disposed of more carefully. This includes things like asbestos, gas cylinders and batteries.

Electrical Items

Because they usually contain hazardous materials, items such as televisions and computer monitors cannot be put into skips.

Asbestos

Asbestos is dangerous when it is broken up, so it needs to be disposed of in a safe way that ensures the spores cannot impact anyone’s health.

Fluorescent Tubes and Bulbs

These items contain harmful materials such as mercury, which means they need to be disposed of properly to avoid harm.

Tyres and Batteries

Due to the chemicals and metals used in these items, they need to be individually treated before they can be disposed of.

Fridges and Freezers

These machines usually contain refrigerant gases, which means that they cannot be thrown in a skip. However, you may be able to arrange for their removal with the same company or even your local council.

Plasterboard

You may be wondering, ‘why can’t I put plasterboard in a skip?’. This is because it has a high gypsum content, meaning it’s more likely to rot and decay. 

What Else Should I Consider Before Booking a Skip?

As well as taking into account what a skip can and can’t be used for, you also need to consider a few other things before you hire one:

Local Council Permits

For a skip to be placed on the roadside, you need to have permission for it from your local council. It’s worth noting that these permits do usually come with a fee. 

Size of the Skip

When it comes to the size of the skip, not only do you need to consider how much waste you have to get rid of, but also how much room there is where you’re wanting to place the skip. 

Delivery and Collection Times

You need to be aware of when the skip is going to be delivered so you can ensure the area is clear, especially if it’s going on your driveway. If the skip can’t be dropped off, you may have to pay for its delivery again. Also make sure you clarify the collection date as this way, you can make sure you have everything disposed of in time. 

Ensuring You Have Enough Space to Accommodate Your Skip

If you are planning to store your skip on private land, you need to ensure that you have enough space for the size of the skip you’re wanting to hire – this includes access to the land as well. If you are putting your skip on the roadside, you’ll need to check with your local council about any size constraints. 

Book a Skip Online

Be sure to get in touch with us at The Waste Brokerage Company to book your skip today – we have a wide range of sizes from 2 to 40 yards, we’re confident we have something perfect for your requirements.