It is important to note when hiring a skip, that not everything can go in them. Due to safety and environmental regulations, it is important to understand skip waste restrictions if you’re doing a clean-up from a home renovation or construction project. Here we will provide you with clear skip guidelines surrounding what can and cannot go in a skip, different skip companies may have different guidelines, this is based on our restrictions at Fowles.
What belongs
- General household waste including old furniture, cardboard, paper and non-recyclable plastics. Although allowed, consider before disposing of these items whether you could give or sell them to a better home, to help someone else and maybe make yourself money, especially on larger items such as household furniture.
- Green waste such as garden clippings, branches, leaves, and other organic materials can all go in our skips.
- Construction and Demolition Waste: Bricks, concrete, tiles, and other construction debris are accepted in our skips. These materials are heavy so it is essential you pick the correct skip size for these items and maximise space with smart stacking
- Recyclable materials – at Fowles we have our own inhouse recycling facilities and recycle over 90% of waste so we welcome this in our skips. This includes glass, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and certain types of cardboard.
- Furnishings and Household Items but NO MATTRESSES: old furniture and household items like carpets and rugs can be placed in a skip. However, be mindful of weight limits, as these items can be heavy and consider before disposing of these items whether you could give or sell to a better home, to help someone else and maybe make yourself money.
- Wood and Timber: Timber and wooden materials can be disposed of in a skip. Remember to check for nails and remove them to avoid injury.
- Metal Scrap: Metal items like old pipes, wiring, and appliances can go into a skip. Scrap metal can often be recycled, so it’s worth considering a separate collection if available.
What does not belong
- Hazardous Waste: Hazardous materials such as chemicals, paints, solvents, and oils must never be placed in a skip. These substances can be harmful to the environment and our staff handling this waste.
- Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials are highly dangerous. If you suspect that your project involves asbestos, consult a professional for safe removal and disposal.
- Batteries: Batteries, especially car batteries, contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals so can be a safety hazard. If you want to dispose safely, many recycling centres accept batteries.
- Gas Cylinders: Propane or gas cylinders can never be placed in a skip, under pressure they can explode so it is better to return them to the supplier or an appropriate disposal facility.
- Medical Waste: Items such as syringes, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals should not be placed in a skip. Proper medical waste disposal is crucial to prevent contamination and health risks.
- Tyres: Old tires should not be placed in a skip, as they can pose environmental problems. Many tire retailers offer recycling services for old tires.
- Mattresses: at Fowles, we do not accept mattresses in our skips.
Overall, these are some of the key things to consider when hiring a skip as we are serious about these guidelines, especially those that can cause significant environmental and safety hazards and potential legal consequences. If you are still unsure about what can or cannot belong in skips, especially at Fowles, feel free to contact us today to get expert guidance.
