Skip Hire Tips: What You Can and Can’t Put in When You Order One
Hiring a skip is a simple and effective way to handle large volumes of waste. Whether you're renovating your home, clearing out an office, or managing construction debris, it’s important to know what can and can’t go in. Placing the wrong items in the skip can cause delays, added costs, or even fines — so it’s vital to understand the rules before you order a skip.
What You Can Put in a Skip
There are plenty of everyday materials and items that are perfectly acceptable to place in your skip. Here’s what you can confidently dispose of when using a skip for residential, commercial, or construction needs:
Household Waste
General rubbish from clear-outs is fine — think of items such as old furniture, clothes, cardboard, non-electrical items, toys, and packaging.
Construction Waste
Skips are well-suited for disposing of heavy materials like bricks, rubble, concrete, tiles, and wood. Plasterboard can also be included, but it must be placed in a separate bag as required by UK regulations.
Garden Waste
Grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, soil, turf, and tree branches are all acceptable. These materials are typically green waste and are processed separately for composting.
Office and Event Waste
Filing cabinets, desks, chairs, old marketing materials, and packaging waste from event setups are all commonly disposed of in skips.
When time is of the essence, same day skip hire options are often available, making it even easier to get rid of waste without waiting around.
What You
Can’t Put in a Skip (and Why)
Although skips are versatile, there are certain materials that should never be placed in one. These items are either hazardous, restricted by law, or require specialist disposal.
Hazardous Materials
Items like asbestos, paint, fuel, batteries, gas cylinders, and tyres pose serious risks to the environment and health. These are banned from skips and must be handled by licensed hazardous waste specialists.
Electrical Items (WEEE Waste)
Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, appliances such as fridges, TVs, monitors, microwaves, and computers cannot be disposed of in a skip. These must be recycled via approved methods.
Medical and Chemical Waste
Waste from medical or chemical sources (including needles, medication, and solvents) is strictly prohibited. These require controlled and certified disposal methods.
Liquids and Oils
Liquids of any kind, including cooking oil, engine oil, and cleaning fluids, are not permitted as they can leak and contaminate other waste or the environment.
Incorrect disposal of these items not only creates safety concerns but may also impact the overall cost of skip hire, as providers may charge for improper use or reject the skip altogether.
Alternatives for Prohibited Items
Just because certain items can’t go in a skip doesn’t mean you’re left without options. Here are safe and legal ways to dispose of restricted materials:
Council Collection Services
Oldham Council and other local authorities offer collections for items like electricals and bulky waste. Hazardous materials often have designated drop-off points.
Retailer Take-Back Schemes
Many electrical retailers offer recycling services when you buy a new product, making it easy to dispose of old appliances safely.
Licensed Waste Specialists
For commercial or large-scale hazardous waste, using a certified waste removal company is the best choice. They ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Using a trusted local skip hire company means you can also get advice on what to do with materials that aren’t allowed in a skip — helping you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary hassle.
Tips Before You Order a Skip
Before you go ahead and book your skip, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the process smooth and efficient:
1. Know Your Local Rules
Some local councils require permits if the skip will be placed on a public road. It’s worth checking before booking to avoid delays.
2. Choose the Right Skip Size
From mini skips for small jobs to builder’s skips for renovation waste, selecting the correct size ensures you don’t pay for more than you need — or end up needing a second skip.
3. Don’t Overfill
Skips must not be filled above the top edge (known as the “level load” line). Overfilled skips can’t be legally transported and may result in extra charges.
4. Ask If Unsure
If you’re unsure about a particular item, always check with your skip provider. They’ll guide you on the best way to dispose of it safely.
When searching for skip hire near me, make sure you choose a provider that’s not only local but also knowledgeable, reliable, and committed to legal, safe waste disposal.
And remember — when it’s time to tackle a major project or clean-up, knowing what can and can’t go in the skip is a must before you order a skip.
Skips are a practical and reliable solution for managing large volumes of waste, but not everything can be tossed in without thought. From household items to construction debris, there’s a wide range of materials you
can dispose of safely in a skip. However, hazardous, electrical, and certain restricted items should always be handled differently.
Whether you're a homeowner in Oldham clearing out your loft or a contractor managing site waste, understanding the guidelines helps ensure responsible, legal disposal — and saves you money and time. Always check with your skip provider when in doubt, and use this guide as a reference before you order a skip.
At
Skip Hire Oldham, we make waste disposal simple, safe, and affordable. Here’s why customers across Oldham trust us:
- Fully licensed and insured – you’re in safe hands
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees
- Fast turnaround – including same day delivery where possible
- Friendly, expert advice – get answers to all your skip-related questions
- Local knowledge – we understand Oldham’s waste regulations and council requirements
Update on X: Skip hire advice – what’s allowed when you
order a skip!
You might also like
