What Can Go in Your Skip?
Describe the waste before booking so it can go in the right load.
- Clear groups for common waste
- Heavy and unusual items checked first
- Keep the load below the rim
Everyday project waste
- Wood and DIY offcuts
- Cardboard and packaging
- Metal and general clear-out waste
- Garden cuttings
Describe the full load before booking so the waste can be agreed.
Agree these first
- Soil, bricks and rubble
- Plasterboard
- Mattresses and upholstered furniture
- Electrical items and tyres
These may need a separate load, specialist handling or a different service.
Keep these out
- Asbestos
- Paint, solvents and chemicals
- Gas bottles and batteries
- Fridges and freezers
Do not put these in a general mixed-waste skip. Arrange the right disposal route first.
Keep the waste below the rim.
Load evenly and keep everything within the top edge of the skip. Do not pile waste above the rim or add boards to make the sides higher. Heavy waste needs an agreed loading limit.
Compare skip sizesSome waste needs a separate plan
Plasterboard: plasterboard contains gypsum. Keep it separate from mixed waste and agree the disposal route before loading.
Sofas and upholstered seating: some waste upholstered seating contains long-lasting harmful chemicals, known as persistent organic pollutants. This waste needs a separate disposal process. Tell the operator exactly what furniture you have.
Electrical items, tyres and mattresses: describe these before booking. Acceptance, separate collection and charges depend on the item and the service.
Asbestos, chemicals, gas bottles and batteries: keep these out of a general mixed-waste skip. Arrange suitable specialist disposal. Do not break up or disturb suspected asbestos.
Know who is taking your waste
Check the waste transporter or broker on SEPA’s public register and keep the paperwork for the collection. Using a waste service does not remove your responsibility to take reasonable care about where the waste goes.
Tell us what you’re clearing.
Have your postcode, waste type and preferred date ready.