Why Are There Waste Restrictions?

If you have a large amount of waste, hiring a skip can be a really useful tool for you. They are cost-effective for large amounts and can make your life much easier. We want to make sure that as much waste as possible goes to the appropriate places and doesn’t end up in landfill. There are certain items that, unfortunately, we just can’t help with. Usually, this is because they can cause harm to you and others coming into contact with your skip. Here is a simplified list providing the main items that shouldn’t be in your skip, for a full list please visit our terms of business.

Why Choose Reliable Skip Hire Swindon?

  • Following day delivery
  • Morning or Afternoon delivery
  • Collections booked in advance
  • Cheap prices

Our Restrictions List

Every skip hire company will have their own personal rules, however, a lot of these are covered for everybody. If you don’t follow these guidelines there may be legal action taken against you. Take a look at some of the restrictions below. 

Sofas, Armchairs, and Other Upholstered Items (POPs)

New regulations regarding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been introduced at the beginning of 2023. This changes the way that upholstered items such as sofas, armchairs, and footstools are stored, processed, treated, and destroyed. They don’t break down efficiently which leaves the chemicals in our environment and in the fatty tissue of all animals and humans. They will need additional processing and specific rules for destruction. Please contact our customer service team if you need to dispose of any items like this.

pile of used batteries

Batteries

Batteries are a very common item in skips, they also contain harmful chemicals such as lead, which can become dangerous if they begin to leak. Before they go to landfill they should be cleaned out properly. For this reason, they should always be taken to a battery bin. This applies to all batteries from AAA’s to car batteries.

Skip With a Mattress

Mattresses

They may be large but we are still able to dispose of mattresses for you. However we do ask for an extra fee of £45 – £50 + VAT per mattress. If you’d still like us to do this for you, inform us before putting it in the skip.

Electrical appliances

Electricals

Again, these are very common items that can be hazardous to people who come into contact with your waste. If you are unsure, don’t put it in if it needs batteries, a plug or a charger to work. Take any electrical items to a recycling point near you, find one here.

Medical waste, used syringes and medicine bottles

Medical Waste

This can include any item from a medical setting such as needles, gloves, bodily fluids or parts. Anything that may contain infections or cause cross-contamination. We want to protect every person that may come into contact with your waste so ask for these items to not be placed into a hired skip. 

Old asbestos requiring disposal

Asbestos

This may be the most dangerous one on the list, if you find asbestos anywhere you should call a specialist immediately. It is much safer to have a company with relevant experience and equipment. Asbestos can cause cancer, lung disease and various other illness that may not present for many years. Always stay safe if you come across any during your projects.

Stack of old gas cylinders for recycling

Gas Cylinders

Many people think that gas cylinders are empty when they never really are. Again, they are another item that are prone to combustion. If you need to dispose of any, please contact the manufacturer to get responsible instructions or call a local specialist. 

Plasterboard Waste

Plasterboard

Plasterboard is a great building material, which is why it is found regularly at construction jobs. However, it can produce dangerous chemicals when it is mixed with water or bio-degradable items. As a result of this, we can’t have much in a skip, we accept 1-2 bags placed on top of the skip at the time of collection. If you have large quantities please contact us to arrange a plasterboard-only skip. 

Glass Waste

Glass

Glass is found everywhere, we know it’s impossible to not put any in the skip. As we all know, it is very fragile and breaks into very sharp pieces. For this reason, we can only accept a small amount to protect employees that sort through your items. We can supply glass-only skips for anyone that has large amounts to dispose of.

pile of used tyres for disposal

Tyres & Other Items

There are some other items that we can dispose of but require an extra cost on top of your hire fee. If you have any items that you’re unsure of, please contact your local council to check their restrictions.

Used paint tins, fuels and solvents.

Solvents

These items include paints and fuels, which obviously, can be a very high-risk items due to the chance of combustion. Anything of this nature should be taken to a specialist centre to be disposed of appropriately. 

Ready To Book Your Skip?

They can be a really great tool for any person or business that needs to dispose of waste. Even with all of these items that shouldn’t be in there, they can still contain a wide range of items including building materials and general waste. They are available right now for the most affordable prices in your area.

Click here to take a look at prices in your area and choose the ideal size for you.