There is often a lot of confusion that comes with filling a skip.
Many people consider a skip as a free for all. As helpful as they are, they aren’t the all-in-one solution for getting rid of what you need to. It’s very important to note some waste can’t be collected and disposed of in a skip. Maybe this is because the materials can’t be recycled, or maybe it is too dangerous to be around and therefore needs specialist disposal. Whatever the reason, we thought it is best to compile a comprehensive list of what we can help you dispose of with our skip hire.
What can I dispose of?
Food waste can absolutely be disposed of in a skip. Thanks to its biodegradable nature, you rarely have to worry about food waste negatively impacting the environment. Your food waste can be broken down, allowing it to produce heating, electrical power and transportation fuels. It can also be turned into compost for agricultural use. This also applies to garden waste such as hedge trimmings. It’s important to note that leaving food waste in an open skip could potentially attract vermin, so be cautious.
Clearing out your house?
Having some construction work done? A skip is perfect for clearing out the furniture in your house, as it gives items such as sofas a place to go. Rather than leaving it at the front of your house, waiting for the local council to move it, leave it to Fresh Start to dispose of. Bricks, and rubble from knocking down walls, tiles, and all the carpet you have pulled up are perfect candidates for skip waste too. Household waste is a broad term, but it’s most likely that if it falls under that umbrella, it can be put in a skip.
Finally scrap plastic, wood, metal and general waste can be abundant depending on the project you are working on. These are all easily recyclable so make sure to put them in the skip so they can be reused for something new.
What can’t I dispose of in a skip?
When talking about things that you shouldn’t put in a skip, it is a common thread that various types of electronics shouldn’t be disposed of that way. But what electrical items does this rule include? Firstly household appliances need to be disposed of specially, by being taken to your local tip. This includes fridges, microwaves and televisions. This is because they contain materials hazardous to people and the planet. For example, fridges contain gases that damage the ozone layer. It is also important to note here that batteries can’t be put in skips due to the poison chemicals, such as mercury, found inside.
It is illegal to dispose of tyres in a skip or a landfill as it breaks the Environmental Protection Act. They must be disposed of at recycling centres, or at a garage. The rubber from recycled tyres can be used in construction materials and shoes, while other people may find ways to repurpose them instead.
Due to containing many different types of materials such as foam, fabrics and metal, mattresses should also be avoided when filling your skip. Take mattresses to your local recycling centre for proper disposal.
What dangerous materials should I avoid putting in a skip?
It is incredibly important for our team to be kept as safe as possible while disposing of materials. So it is essential to make you aware of hazardous materials you should not put in your tip, as a way of minimising risk. One thing you should avoid is fluorescent lighting. They can release phosphorus and mercury which are extremely harmful if accidentally inhaled. Another material to avoid is asbestos. If you have asbestos that needs removing, it is essential that you call asbestos removal specialists. Asbestos fibres in your system can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious diseases. Don’t risk it.
Let’s end things off with a rapid fire of what else you shouldn’t dispose of in a tip and why.
These include:
Paints – Highly flammable
Fuels – Must be disposed of at a licensed waste plant
Gas cylinders – Highly flammable
Plasterboard – contains reactive chemicals that can create dangerous compounds.
Clinical waste – could spread illnesses when not handled correctly
We hope this article has cleared up any misconceptions about skip disposal. If you are looking to hire a waste container for domestic or commercial use, then please contact us for a free quote.
