Hiring a skip is one of the easiest ways to clear large amounts of waste. But before you start loading it up, it’s important to understand what can and can’t go in.
Putting the wrong items in your skip can lead to extra charges, rejected collections, or a hazardous waste classification. It’s important to get it right first time so your skip hire experience runs smoothly and is hassle free.
Here’s a simple guide based on our official material lists.
What CAN Go in a General Waste Skip
General waste skips are suitable for a wide mix of everyday waste, including:
- Household items (including curtains and blinds)
- Furniture and furnishings
- Carpets and textiles
- Wood and timber
- Mixed metals and cables
- Non-recyclable / hard plastics
- Food packaging, paper and cardboard (bagged)
- Polystyrene
- Garden waste and turf (bagged)
- Sub-soil, rubble, sand or gravel
- Concrete or mortar
- Roof felt, ceiling panels and insulation materials
This makes general waste skips ideal for house clearances, decluttering, and light renovation work.
Items That Incur Additional Charges
Some materials can go in your skip – but will come with extra costs:
- Tyres
- Waste electrical items
- Mattresses
- Upholstered furniture
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check before loading your skip.
What CANNOT Go in a General Waste Skip
Some items are strictly prohibited due to safety and environmental regulations.
Do NOT put the following in your skip:
- Asbestos
- Paint tins containing liquid paint
- Railway sleepers
- Hazardous waste (chemicals, solvents, fuels)
- Gas bottles or pressurised containers
- Batteries
- Electrical items (WEEE)
- Upholstered domestic seating (sofas and armchairs) containing organic pollutants (POPs)
If these items are found, your skip may be reclassified as hazardous, which can significantly increase disposal costs. We do have skip solutions for these difficult wastes so please do contact us if you have any of these items.
Doing Building Work? You Might Need a Different Skip
If your waste includes heavier construction materials, a mixed construction & demolition skip is often the better option.
These skips are designed to handle materials such as:
- Bricks, concrete, rubble and hardcore
- Tiles, sand and gravel
- Wood, plastics and insulation
- Porcelain (e.g. sinks, toilets)
- Mixed metals and cables
They can also accept small amounts of gypsum (plasterboard) if kept separate and within limits.
Why It Matters
Incorrect waste disposal doesn’t just cause inconvenience – it has real consequences:
- Loads may be rejected or delayed
- Extra charges may apply
- Hazardous contamination risks increase
- Recycling rates are reduced
Not Sure? Just Ask
If you’re ever unsure about what can go in your skip, it’s always best to check first.
Getting it right helps us:
- Recycle more
- Reduce landfill
- Keep costs down for everyone
Need More Guidance?
For full material lists, you can view:
Or get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to help.
Hiring a skip is one of the easiest ways to clear large amounts of waste.