What Can and Can’t Go in a Skip

Because not everything belongs in a skip — including your confusion.

There’s something oddly satisfying about filling a skip. One by one, old furniture, broken tiles, dusty boxes, and long-forgotten clutter get tossed in. With each thud, you feel lighter. Progress.

But then comes the moment of hesitation. You’re holding something questionable. Maybe it’s an old paint tin, a mattress, or a pile of garden waste mixed with bricks. You pause. “Can I throw this in?”

You’re not alone.

While hiring a skip with WasteOnline is one of the easiest ways to manage waste — especially during clear-outs, renovations, or garden projects — knowing what can and can’t go in isn’t always obvious. And getting it wrong can mean extra charges, fines, or worse — having the whole skip rejected.

Let’s walk you through it — clearly, practically, and without the legal jargon.

General Waste: Everyday Stuff (But Not Everything)

This is the kind of waste most of us are familiar with. Think of the junk drawer’s greatest hits: old shoes, cracked plastic tubs, worn-out rugs, that dodgy garden chair that’s been hanging on for too long.

General waste covers a wide range of non-hazardous items from homes and businesses. If it’s not dangerous, sharp, wet, or weirdly electrical, you’re probably fine.

But just because something seems harmless doesn’t mean it belongs in a skip. Food waste? Not ideal. Paint tins? Hold that thought.

Green Waste: The Garden Gets a Say

After a long-overdue garden tidy-up, your skip may look like a hedge exploded inside it. That’s fine — green waste is welcome.

We’re talking grass clippings, branches, leaves, weeds, and plants. Just keep it clean. No broken plant pots, plastic bags, or leftover barbeque ash, please.

Want to save money and help the planet? Ask us about a dedicated green waste skip — it’s often cheaper, and everything inside can be turned into compost.

Construction Waste: Heavy Stuff, Handled Properly

If you’re knee-deep in renovation chaos — tiles off, walls down, plaster everywhere — a skip becomes your best friend.

Construction and demolition waste like bricks, concrete, timber, and metals are all welcome. Just be mindful: these materials are heavy. Really heavy.

Overloading your skip with hardcore waste can go over the weight allowance. And mixing plasterboard in with everything else? That’s a no-go — it needs its own disposal method.

If you’re unsure, just ask. We’ll help you get the right size and type of skip so you don’t get hit with surprise fees.

Hazardous Waste: The Absolute No-Gos

Let’s be clear: some things should never, ever go into a skip.

This isn’t just a guideline — it’s the law. Items classed as hazardous can pose risks to people, the environment, and waste facility workers. That includes:

• Paints, varnishes, and solvents

• Gas canisters (even if “empty”)

• Asbestos

• Batteries

• Fluorescent tubes

• Medical or biological waste

• Fridges and freezers (yes, even the little ones)

If it explodes, leaks, or has a skull and crossbones on the label — it’s a no. We can help you dispose of these safely, just don’t chuck them in a general skip and hope for the best.

If you do have any of these types on waste, contct our Waste Removal Services  or call us direct on 0330 002 3542

So, What Can Go In?

In short: quite a lot. Skips are brilliant for:

• Old furniture and home clear-out waste

• Renovation rubble, bricks, and wood

• Garden trimmings

• Packaging and non-recyclable plastics

• Carpets, tiles, plaster (with some caveats)

Basically, anything that’s non-hazardous, inert, and doesn’t require specialist handling is fair game.

And if you’ve got a mix of things? We’ll work out the best skip for the job. That’s what we do.

What Shouldn’t Be in There (But Often Is)

Let’s be honest: some people try to sneak things in. A fridge hidden under garden waste. A battery taped inside a sofa cushion. We see it all.

But it’s not worth the risk. If we spot restricted items, the whole load could be refused — and guess who still has to deal with it?

Here’s what to leave out:

• Hazardous materials

• Electrical goods (WEEE items)

• Tyres and mattresses (unless agreed — some skips allow them with a surcharge)

• Food waste

• Wet paint or solvents

• Anything you wouldn’t want leaking in your driveway

“Why Does This Even Matter?”

Good question.

It matters because proper waste handling:

• Protects our environment and wildlife

• Keeps recycling systems working

• Prevents injury to workers

• Reduces landfill and pollution

• Keeps your costs down (no fines, no hassle)

And in a world where we’re all trying to reduce our footprint, even small decisions — like what goes in your skip — make a difference.

Tips for Stress-Free Skipping

Here’s how to get the most from your skip:

• Plan your load. Put flat items in first, then fill gaps with bulky stuff. It’s like Tetris, but messier. check out our blog on how to pack a skip like a pro.

• Don’t overfill. Skips should be level-loaded — anything sticking out can’t be legally taken away.

• Separate where possible. Soil, bricks, and green waste often benefit from separate skips (and cost less).

• Book in advance. Especially during busy periods like Christmas, Easter, or Bank Holidays.

And most importantly: ask if you’re not sure. We’d rather answer a quick question than fix a big mistake.

Let Us Handle It

At WasteOnline, we make waste removal easy — whether it’s a simple skip drop-off or a complex clear-out.

We offer:

• Skips in all sizes (with advice on what’s best for you)

• Man with a Van service for awkward or mixed loads

• Support for homes, businesses, and trade projects

• A friendly team who doesn’t make you feel silly for asking what goes where

So if you’re planning a project or knee-deep in mess, let us sort your skip — and your stress.

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