What can you put in a skip?

Ever wondered what can actually go in a skip? Has the belief that many materials aren’t permitted put you off hiring a skip in the past? We have all you need to know about what’s suitable for skip disposal and a bit more info besides…

There are certainly a lot more materials that can go into a skip than those that can’t – and the ones that can’t are largely restricted to maintain safety standards and comply with health regulations, so it’s in everyone’s interest to follow the guidelines!

On the whole, the majority of skip hire is undertaken by domestic customers having a clear out or undertaking a DIY project or by construction companies carrying out building projects of varying sizes for domestic or commercial customers, so a lot of the waste is going to be standard materials which are absolutely fine to go into a standard skip.

Responsible skip use is essential at a time when we are all trying to do as much as we can to improve sustainability. Only putting in items that are permitted allows our sorting operatives to do their jobs more efficiently, allowing us to decrease the amount of waste going to landfill and increase recycling rates. 

WHAT CAN GO IN A SKIP?

• Wood
  Everything from floorboards and joists to window frames and fence panels and everything in between.
• Cement
  Any old unwanted cement blocks or broken up cement can go in.
• Rubble
  If you’re doing a project that involves structural work you may find yourself with piles of rubble – this can all go in the skip.
• Tiles
  Kitchen and bathroom refits will probably involve removing a lot of old tiles – throw them all in! Always be careful not to take any plasterboard with the tiles as this cannot go into a general skip!
• Bricks
  Any bricks you have from demolition work can go in.
• Electrical cabling
  When rewiring, the old, unwanted cabling can be put in the skip.
• Metal
  Any unwanted bits of metal, such as corner edging, pipes or radiators can be disposed of in your skip.
• Glass
  If you’re replacing windows, the frames and glass from the old ones can go in the skip – gently!
• Kitchen refits
  These are big projects that can generate a lot of waste. Kitchen appliances such as ovens, hobs and extractors can go in your skip, along with any small electrical appliances such as microwaves and blenders, old worktops and even the kitchen sink!
• Bathroom refits
  Another big but common job – unwanted items such as bath tubs, sinks, toilets, taps and old showers can all go in.
• Flooring
  When replacing any flooring, all the old stuff can go in the skip – lino, laminate flooring and carpets as well.
• Garden toys and furniture
  Any unwanted or broken bits from your garden can go in – such as old plastic toys, that punctured paddling pool, old hose or broken chair.
• Garage or loft clear outs
  Many of us like to give the garage or loft a good clear out from time to time – so rest assured that old tools, furniture, buggies, camping equipment can all go in! Likewise any old baby items you have such as walkers, bouncers, high chairs can all go in.
• Garden waste
  Branches, turf, soil, paving slabs and many other garden items can all go in!

SO WHAT CAN’T I PUT IN A SKIP?

• Plasterboard (it must be segregated from other wastes, but we can supply a plasterboard-only skip, please enquire now!)
• Asbestos (please enquire about our asbestos disposal service)
• Creosote or the cans/containers that have contained any of these products
• Oil, petrol, diesel, grease or lead-based paints or the cans or containers that have contained any of these products
• Liquid waste of any nature
• Fluorescent tubes
• Pressurised containers e.g. gas bottles
• Batteries
• Car engines or tyres
• Fridges or freezers
• Televisions or computer screens
• Japanese Knotweed
• Clinical waste, including syringes or needles

If the material that you’re looking to dispose of is not on our approved list, please get in touch and we may be able to assist you with an alternative solution. You can also read our blog on Types of waste for more info…

WHAT SIZE SKIP?

At TJ we offer a range of skips to suit every requirement. The following information is also on our skip hire pages, along with helpful videos that will make choosing the skip size you need quick and easy.

2 yard
The smallest skip available, the ‘mini’ 2 yard skip can accommodate approximately 20 bin bags full of waste, making it perfectly placed for small domestic jobs such as garden work and DIY projects.

4 yard
With the capacity to accommodate approximately 40 bin bags full of waste, the 4 yard skip is ideal for a range of home projects, as well as major garden clearances.

6 yard
The classic builders skip, the 6 yard skip has ample space to accommodate approximately 60 bin bags. This skip is perfect for moderate amounts of bulky waste – making them ideal for domestic projects such as kitchen and bathroom refits and other home renovations.

8 yard
The 8 yard mega skip is amongst the most popular skip size in the UK, perfect for large yet lightweight bulky items as well as small amounts of heavy waste. In terms of capacity, it is able to accommodate approximately 60-80 bin bags’ worth (depending on the type of waste you are disposing of) but this should give you a good idea of how much it will take.

12 yard skip
The 12 yard jumbo skip can hold approximately 120 bags of waste and accommodate large amounts of high volume waste such as metal, wood, plastics and packaging. It’s important to note that skips of this size are not suitable for heavy loads such as rubble and concrete, as it will make the skip too heavy to be lifted once full.

5 REASONS TO USE TJ…

1. We’ve been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award for the fourth consecutive year! It’s an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.
2. We have a wide range of skips available, from 2 to 35 yard, all at competitive prices.
3. We’ll recycle up to 100% of your waste, so you can rest assured that we divert from landfill at every opportunity.
4. We can deliver as quickly as the next working day! With our collection of over 2,000 skips of all sizes, our availability is great and you can rest assured that we will be able to fulfil your order whatever your requirements and timescales are.
5. Road safety and keeping our fleet in the best possible condition are amongst our top priorities. All of our vehicles – including our skip lorries – are part of a continual renewal and maintenance scheme so that they are always well looked after and safe on the roads.

Visit the gov.uk website for more information on waste types and classification. Find out more about our skip hire service and read our blog to discover how to prepare for delivery day…