Whether it’s rubble or garden furniture, bathroom suites or garden waste, there are many different waste types you may want to dispose of. However, some waste materials cannot be simply disposed of in a skip due to waste-type legislation requirements. If you have any of these types of waste and need to know how to get rid of it, please give us a call! We’ll discuss how to handle it.
Waste types that don’t belong in a skip
Asbestos
Asbestos is potentially deadly if handled incorrectly. It needs professional attention and care to be located, identified, removed and disposed of. Please don’t place anything you think might contain asbestos into a skip. Instead, call us for advice on managing and safely dispose of asbestos.
Fluorescent Tubes
These harmless-looking bulbs contain potentially dangerous gas that should not be allowed to escape into the air. Disposing of fluorescent tubes in a skip is illegal and hazardous for anyone who comes into contact with them. Proper disposal methods are required to ensure safety.
Gas Bottles and Cylinders
Any cylinders or bottles that contain gas pose a fire risk—even if they seem empty. In a skip, they could be next to flammable materials, which increases the risk significantly. Always ensure gas bottles and cylinders are disposed of properly through specialized facilities.
Solvents
Many hazardous substances have warnings on their packaging. Solvents, acids and other unknown liquids should not go in a skip under any circumstances. These substances can cause chemical reactions that are harmful both environmentally and physically.
Clinical Waste
Medical or clinical waste, such as needles or used dressings, must never be placed in a skip. This can spread infections, posing serious health risks. Specialized disposal services exist for clinical waste and should always be used.
Batteries
Batteries contain acids that could cause fires or burns if they leak or come into contact with other materials in the skip. Batteries are widely recycled at facilities all over the UK; use these services rather than risk improper disposal.
Petrol, Diesel and Oil
Any oil, whether for lubrication or cooking, is a fire risk and doesn’t belong in a skip. Oils can also contaminate other materials, making them more difficult to recycle properly.
Paint Cans
Paint can be toxic and often contains solvents, making it unsuitable for skip disposal. Specific guidelines for disposing of paint cans safely should always be followed.
Electrical Items
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) rules cover all electrical equipment disposal, so it cannot be disposed of in a skip. These items require special handling due to their components, which may include hazardous substances like lead or mercury.
Martland Skip Hire
Understanding what waste types don’t belong in skips is crucial for both legal compliance and environmental protection. Mismanaging these materials can lead to severe consequences, including fines, health risks, and environmental damage.
Put simply, anything that could cause a fire, explosion, or harm to health can’t go in a skip. If you are unsure, call the Martlands Skip Hire team for advice.
Burscough Skip Hire 01704 779345
Southport Skip Hire 01704 779345
Skelmersdale Skip Hire 01695 769123
Bamber Bridge Skip Hire 01772 364 399
Chorley Skip Hire 01257 752399
Ormskirk Skip Hire 01704 779345
Leyland Skip Hire 01772 364399
