When hiring a skip, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: what can you actually put in it? Whether you’re clearing out your home, managing building waste or handling a renovation, knowing what’s allowed can save you time, hassle, and unexpected charges. At Stevensons Skip Hire, we want to make the process as straightforward as possible, and that starts with clarity.
Everyday Waste You Can Throw Away
Most non-hazardous waste from households or building projects can go straight into a skip without any special arrangements. If you’re disposing of general rubbish from a loft or garage clearance, for example, items like old clothes, broken furniture, packaging, and toys are typically acceptable. Similarly, building materials such as bricks, tiles, and wood, are generally fine.
For garden projects, you can use a skip to dispose of soil, hedge cuttings, branches, turf, and other green waste. If you’re hiring a skip specifically for garden clearance, just let us know. The weight of materials like soil and rubble can add up quickly, and we can advise on the most suitable skip size to stay within safe limits.
Waste Types That Often Cause Confusion
There are a few items that people assume are acceptable, but actually require special handling. Electrical items, for example, fall under WEEE waste rules and usually can’t be placed in a skip. That includes televisions, fridges, freezers, and anything with a plug or battery. Similarly, upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs may be subject to POPs regulations, which restrict how certain materials are disposed of. These items can still be removed, but only with proper preparation or alternative arrangements.
Other common problem items include paint tins with leftover liquid inside, tyres, gas canisters, asbestos, and chemical containers. These are not permitted in standard skips and must be dealt with separately through a licensed hazardous waste service.
| Allowed in a Skip | Not Allowed in a Skip |
|---|---|
| General household waste | Fridges and freezers (WEEE) |
| Old furniture (non-upholstered) | TVs, computers, and other electronics |
| Soil, grass, and garden waste | Paint, solvents, and liquids |
| Bricks, tiles, and rubble | Tyres |
| Wood, timber, and offcuts | Asbestos |
| Cardboard, paper, and packaging | Upholstered furniture with POPs (sofas, chairs) |
| Broken toys and non-electrical items | Gas bottles and canisters |
| Metals (non-hazardous, non-electrical) | Batteries and chemical containers |
When in Doubt, Call Us First
If you’re not entirely sure whether an item is allowed, we always recommend calling us first. It’s far better to get clear guidance than to risk extra fees or delays if prohibited items are found during collection. Our team is used to advising on all types of domestic and trade waste, and we’re more than happy to help you get it right from the start.
Booking a skip should be simple, and it is, when you know what’s going in it. With clear rules and support from the Stevensons team, you can focus on the job at hand while we take care of the waste.