What Can Go in a Skip?
Knowing what can and cannot go in a skip helps you avoid issues at collection and ensures waste is handled correctly. Below is a general guide to commonly accepted and often restricted items. Always confirm with us before delivery — rules can vary by skip type and disposal facility.
Commonly accepted (subject to confirmation)
Wood
Timber, floorboards, skirting, and general wood waste
Furniture
Sofas, tables, chairs, and bulky household items
Non-hazardous household waste
General domestic waste and bric-a-brac
Metal
Pipes, radiators, domestic appliances (subject to confirmation)
Garden waste
Branches, leaves, shrubs, turf, and soil
Bricks and rubble
Bricks, concrete, and demolition rubble
Soil
Earth and soil from excavation or landscaping
Packaging
Cardboard, wrapping, and packing materials
General renovation waste
Mixed waste from home improvement projects
Acceptance depends on the skip type and disposal facility. Some items may be accepted at an additional cost. If you are unsure, tell us what you have before booking.
Often prohibited or requiring separate arrangements
Asbestos
Requires licensed specialist disposal
Gas cylinders
Pressurised containers need separate handling
Batteries
Vehicle and household batteries need specialist recycling
Tyres
Often excluded from standard skip waste
Paint and liquids
Liquid waste requires separate disposal
Chemicals
Hazardous chemicals need specialist facilities
Solvents
Flammable solvents are not accepted in mixed skips
Medical waste
Clinical waste requires licensed disposal
Refrigerators and freezers
Fridges and freezers need specialist recycling
Some electrical items
WEEE items may need separate collection
Plasterboard in mixed loads
Often must be separated from general waste
Mattresses
Some providers accept mattresses but others may charge separately or require specialist disposal
Hazardous materials
Any hazardous substance needs specialist disposal
Always confirm the waste type before delivery
Rules can vary by operator, skip type and disposal facility. Some items that are accepted by one provider may be restricted by another. If you have any waste type you are unsure about, mention it when requesting a quote so we can confirm. It is better to check beforehand if you are unsure about an item.
Common waste questions
Can furniture go in a skip?
Yes, household furniture such as sofas, tables and chairs is commonly accepted. Very large items may take up significant space — tell us if you have bulky pieces.
Can concrete go in a skip?
Concrete, bricks and rubble are often accepted, but they are heavy and may be subject to weight limits. Contact us before loading.
Can soil go in a skip?
Soil is usually accepted but is heavy. Even a small amount can quickly reach the weight limit of a skip. Tell us how much soil you have and we will advise on the right skip.
Can plasterboard go in a skip?
Plasterboard often needs to be separated from other waste and may require a specific arrangement. Mixed loads containing plasterboard may be refused at disposal facilities.
Can electrical items go in a skip?
Some electrical items may be accepted, but many WEEE items need separate collection. Fridges, freezers and some appliances often require specialist disposal.
Can paint go in a skip?
Paint and liquids are generally not accepted in standard skips. Liquid waste requires separate disposal arrangements.