What can and can’t I put into a skip? 

Skips are great for most types of waste, but there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of before rushing out and booking your delivery. Items that are prohibited are normally either dangerous or require specialist disposal; most local councils provide advice and services for the disposal of any waste that cannot be thrown into a skip. 

Items that are permitted in a skip include: 

Bricks and rubble 
Metal 
Non-electrical fittings 
Construction Waste 
Soil (2-yard skips only) 
Garden waste 
Wood 
Domestic waste 
Furniture 
Plastic 

Items that are prohibited from skips include: 

Hazardous waste 
Asbestos 
Batteries 
Electrical items (WEEE) 
Fluorescent bulbs 
Chemicals 
Paint 
Tyres 
Medical waste 
Compressed gas cylinders 
Plasterboard is also prohibited from skips with mixed waste. If you will be disposing of plasterboard, we can provide a plasterboard bag to ensure your plasterboard is kept separate from your other waste. 

Do I need a skip-hire permit? 

Skip permits are required when you place a skip on council-owned lands, e.g. a public road. If you are able to put the skip on your own land, such as a driveway, you will not require a council skip hire permit. Your local council issues skip permits; prices vary throughout the UK, with most permits costing between £15 and £60. Permits are typically obtained by your skip provider on your behalf and are generally valid for two weeks to one month. 

Will the skip damage my driveway? 

In most cases, putting a skip on your driveway won’t cause any damage. However, soft tarmac and paved driveways can be marked or damaged by heavier skips or the lorry loading support beams. 

Can I have a fire in my skip? 

No, you cannot light a fire in your skip. We strongly advise that you do not light a fire in a hired skip as not only does fire cause damage to the skip and paintwork, but it is also a contravention of the fire safety guidelines. If you light a fire in your skip, you will be liable for damages and may be prosecuted by the Environmental Agency. 

How full can I load the skip? 

It is important that you do not overfill your skip. You should not fill the skip past the top of the sides to ensure that it will be safe to load and transport. Most companies will refuse to take a skip if it has been overfilled, so if you have underestimated the amount of waste you have generated, you may wish to consider hiring an additional skip.