Can I Put Electrical Items In A Skip?

Putting hazardous waste in a skip isn’t allowed but what you may not know is that electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is categorised as such. These goods must be disposed of in the correct manner and in this instance, a skip isn’t the way to do it.

Your old electrical goods, from washing machines to hairdryers, need to be disposed of in a responsible manner to help protect the environment.

If I Can’t Skip Old Electrical Items What Can I Do With Them?

EEE waste includes anything that has a plug or contains batteries – all of these items can’t go to general landfill and need to be disposed of in the correct manner.

Here are some tips for disposing of your old electrical goods:

  1. Reuse and regift where you can.

Is your item broken or is it just unwanted? If an item is broken, you understandably want to get rid of it but if goods can still be used, why not check with friends and family if they would like the item? For well-working goods such as old computers or even large items like freezers, you could earn some extra cash by selling them. Try e-bay, Facebook, or a local selling site.

  1. Look for specialist recycling companies.

Some items you may consider useless can be completely recycled and turned into new items. Look for businesses that accept waste EEE for recycling. A popular example are websites that recycle mobile phones – with most, such as Mazuma offering you cash for your goods. They even accept tablets, laptops, and game consoles.

  1. Find a licensed recycling site.

Check with your local recycling plant what waste they accept. Most will have facilities for accepting EEE and wont charge you either. These sites are highly regulated, often ran by local councils, and you can ensure that your old goods won’t be going into landfill.

  1. Phone your local council.

For removal of large EEE, such as fridges or washing machines, phone your authority and ask if they have a collection service. Most councils will collect large electronic goods and dispose of them in a safe way. there is a usually a small charge for this service.

  1. Return to the manufacturer.

Government legislation has required EEE manufacturers to have some sort of scheme in place to take responsibility for goods once they are no longer required by customers. Check the website of the manufacturer of the item you want to dispose of and see if they have a scheme to take back unwanted items. If you’re buying a new item, they have a legal responsibility to take your old item. You can read more about WEEE recycling here.

Skip Hire for Your Other Waste

Do you have other waste to dispose of that doesn’t include electrical items? Hiring a skip is the ideal way to dispose of other waste materials including general waste or garden rubbish.

Hiring out skips is our speciality. If you want a skip please fill in our order form, or call us on 0800 652 0160.

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