What Can Go in a Skip: Permitted Waste, Restrictions and Practical Tips

Skips are a convenient way to dispose of large volumes of waste from home renovations, garden clearances, and construction projects. Understanding what can go in a skip helps you avoid unexpected fees, delays, and legal issues. This article explains common permitted materials, items frequently rejected by skip hire companies, and practical advice for safe, compliant skip use.

Types of Waste Commonly Accepted in Skips

Skips are designed to handle a wide range of non-hazardous materials. Below is a breakdown of common categories that are typically accepted:

Household and General Waste

• Domestic rubbish from decluttering and house clearances, including packaging, clothing and soft furnishings (note: some companies may restrict upholstery if contaminated).
• Kitchen waste such as broken crockery, small amounts of non-hazardous food waste and general disposables.
• Cardboard, paper and light packaging—these are often separated out for recycling.

Garden Waste

• Grass cuttings, leaves, branches and hedge trimmings. Long branches should be cut to manageable lengths.
• Wooden fencing panels, decking offcuts and untreated timber.
• Soil and turf may be accepted by some providers but often carry extra charges; check before ordering.

Construction, Demolition and DIY Debris

• Bricks, concrete, rubble and blocks in moderate quantities.
• Plasterboard, timber offcuts, metal scrap, tiles and ceramics.
• Mixed bulky waste from renovations such as kitchen units and bathroom suites (but sinks and toilets may need to be drained of water).

Materials That Require Special Handling or Additional Charges

Some items are allowed in skips but come with specific rules or surcharges. These materials often need to be separated or disposed of via special routes.

Plasterboard

Plasterboard must often be separated from general construction waste because it can contaminate other recycling streams. Many skip hire companies charge extra to dispose of plasterboard correctly.

Soil, Hardcore and Hardcore Mixtures

Soil and hardcore can be heavy and may quickly exceed the weight limit for your skip. Providers may impose weight-based fees or refuse large volumes altogether.

Metal and Scrap

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are typically accepted and often recycled. Sometimes, high-volume metal loads may be collected separately for scrap value.

Commonly Prohibited Items: What Cannot Go in a Skip

Disposing of prohibited items in a skip can be illegal or pose serious environmental and health risks. These materials are usually refused and must be handled through specialist channels.

Hazardous and Toxic Waste

• Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials — extremely hazardous and require licensed removal.
• Batteries (car or household) — contain heavy metals and corrosive acids.
• Paints, solvents and chemicals — including varnishes, thinners and pesticides.
• Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) — contain mercury and must be recycled safely.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Large items such as fridges, freezers and air conditioners contain refrigerants and need specialist disposal. Small WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) items may be accepted by some providers but are often better recycled at dedicated facilities.

Medical and Clinical Waste

Sharps, pathological waste and other medical materials must be handled by licensed clinical waste handlers due to infection risk.

Other Prohibited Materials

• Gas cylinders and pressurised containers.
• Tyres — often not accepted or may incur extra charges.
• Explosives, ammunition or firearms.
• Animal carcasses or biological matter.

Practical Tips for Loading a Skip Safely and Efficiently

Loading a skip correctly improves safety, reduces costs and helps ensure your waste is recycled where possible. Use the following tips:

• Plan ahead: Sort waste into categories—timber, metal, plasterboard, general waste—before the skip arrives. This reduces contamination and possible surcharges.
• Break items down: Dismantle bulky furniture and cut large items into smaller pieces to maximise space.
• Place heavy materials at the bottom (bricks, rubble) and lighter materials on top to maintain stability and prevent damage to the skip sides.
• Don’t overfill: avoid piling waste above the skip’s rim. Overfilled skips can be dangerous and the hire company may refuse collection.
• Secure loose items: use nets or tarpaulins if required—this is especially important for highway placements.

Skip Sizes and Typical Uses

Skips come in a variety of sizes. Choosing the right size prevents multiple hires and helps control costs.

• Mini skips (2–3 cubic yards) — ideal for small home clear-outs, garden waste, and minor DIY projects.
• Midi skips (4–5 cubic yards) — appropriate for kitchen refits, garage clearances and small renovation debris.
• Builders skips (6–8 cubic yards) — common on construction sites and larger renovation projects.
• Large roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) skips (20+ cubic yards) — used for substantial demolition work or commercial clearances.

Legal and Environmental Considerations

Using a skip responsibly includes understanding legal obligations and the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Licensing and Permits

If you place a skip on a public road or pavement, you may need a permit from the local authority. Failing to obtain a permit can result in fines or the removal of the skip.

Waste Transfer Notes and Documentation

Businesses must keep a waste transfer note (WTN) when disposing of commercial waste. The skip hire company often provides documentation showing where waste is taken and how it is processed.

Recycling Targets and Environmental Benefits

Many skip hire companies operate recycling policies to reduce landfill. Separating recyclables at source increases the proportion of waste that can be recovered, saving resources and lowering disposal costs.

When in Doubt: Ask Before You Load

Always check with your skip hire provider if you’re unsure about particular items. Policies vary between companies and regions, and asking ahead avoids rejected loads, extra fees or delays. If you anticipate disposing of hazardous materials or unusually heavy loads, arrange specialist collection instead.

Summary: Skips accept a wide array of non-hazardous household, garden and construction waste, but hazardous materials, asbestos, certain electronics and medical waste are typically prohibited. Proper sorting, safe loading and knowledge of skip size limits and legal requirements ensure cost-effective, environmentally responsible disposal.