Easy Guide to What You Can and Can't Recycle in a Skip
If you're hiring your first skip, you might be wondering what you can and can't recycle in it. While there might be some slight variation from company to company, the rules around what you can and can't put in a skip are pretty universal. Read on for a comprehensive list, and check your waste against it. Recycle everything you can to help the environment, and take any forbidden items to specialist disposal centers where they can be dealt with safely.
What you can't put in a skip
There are certain items that should never put in a skip, for various reasons including health, safety and lack of recycling facilities.
Here's what you can't chuck in the skip:
- Asbestos - if you've recently had building work completed, make sure none of the waste material contains asbestos. It can seriously damage your health and needs to be disposed of by professionals.
- Batteries - if you're throwing away old appliances like radios or remote controls, be sure to remove the batteries first. Dedicated battery recycling facilities can take care of these.
- Pressurized containers - these can explode during the recycling process, making them unsafe to dispose of in your skip. It doesn't matter if a container's full or empty, you can't throw it in a skip.
- Fridges and freezers - contact a specialist service to dispose of these, or see if the manufacturer offers a collection service.
- Clinical waste - this can be hazardous and should never be thrown away in a skip.
- Liquids, including paints
- Tyres
When you hire a skip bin, ask for a list of items that can't be thrown away in it. This way you'll be sure that you're complying with all local regulations, and there won't be any issue getting rid of your waste.
What you can put in a skip
The rules about recycling in a skip might be a little different to those for your regular recycling bin. Most skip bin providers are able to recycle a much wider selection of materials, making skips a great choice if you want to help the environment while having a clear out.
Here's what you can dispose of in your skip:
- Paper and cardboard
- Wood
- Plastics
- Metals
- Glass
- Textiles
- Soil and garden waste
- Hardcore
It's important to check all items against the list of forbidden items before you throw them in, as some might catch you out. For example, while a spray paint can is made of metal, it also contains pressurized gas, meaning that you can't throw it away in the skip.
Hiring a skip? Make sure you're clued in on what you can and can't throw away before you start.