What Can & Can’t Go in a Skip? The Complete UK Guide (2025)
Hiring a skip is one of the simplest ways to clear waste from your home, garden or building project. But UK regulations mean some items are allowed and others are restricted or need special disposal. This guide explains exactly what can and can’t go in a skip, why some materials are banned, and what to do instead—so you can avoid extra charges and stay compliant.
Quick Answer
Allowed: general household waste, furniture, wood, metal, cardboard, plastics, garden waste (soil, branches), bricks, rubble, concrete, tiles, ceramics, non-electrical fixtures and fittings.
Not allowed: electricals (WEEE), batteries, liquid paints/solvents/oils, asbestos, gas cylinders, clinical waste, tyres, and plasterboard mixed with general waste.
Allowed vs. Prohibited Items
| Allowed in a General Skip | Not Allowed / Special Handling |
|---|---|
| Household items (furniture, toys, carpets, non-electrical goods) | Electricals & appliances (TVs, fridges/freezers, PCs, microwaves) – WEEE |
| DIY & building waste (bricks, rubble, concrete, tiles, ceramics) | Batteries (car & household) |
| Wood & metal (doors, shelving, pipes, scrap metal) | Paints, solvents, oils, fuel, chemicals (liquids) |
| Garden waste (soil, turf, branches, hedge trimmings, leaves) | Asbestos (licensed disposal only) |
| General rubbish (paper, cardboard, plastics, packaging) | Gas cylinders & pressurised containers |
| Mattress & sofa (often accepted with surcharge – check first) | Tyres (specialist recycling) |
| Plasterboard (separately bagged or in a dedicated container) | Plasterboard mixed with general waste (not permitted) |
| Non-electrical kitchen/bathroom fittings | Clinical/medical waste (needles, sharps, medicines) |
What Can You Put in a Skip?
- Household waste: furniture, toys, carpets, clothes, non-electrical items.
- DIY & construction: bricks, concrete, rubble, tiles, ceramics, hardcore.
- Wood & metal: doors, skirting, pallets, shelves, pipes, scrap metal.
- Garden waste: soil, turf, branches, hedge trimmings, leaves, plants.
- General rubbish: cardboard, paper, plastics, polystyrene, packaging.
- Plasterboard: allowed only if kept separate (bagged) or in a dedicated container—don’t mix with general waste.
- Mattresses & sofas: usually accepted with a surcharge—ask before loading.
Pro tip: Break down bulky items and fill gaps with small waste to maximise space.
What Can’t You Put in a Skip?
The following are restricted because they’re hazardous, regulated, or need specialist processing:
- Electricals (WEEE): TVs, fridges/freezers, computers, microwaves.
- Batteries: car and household types contain acids and heavy metals.
- Liquids & chemicals: paints, oils, fuels, solvents, pesticides, cleaning fluids.
- Asbestos: must be handled by licensed specialists.
- Gas cylinders: return to supplier for safe reuse/refill.
- Tyres: require specialist recycling.
- Clinical waste: needles, sharps, medicines.
- Mixed plasterboard: not permitted with general waste.
Why Are Some Items Restricted?
UK waste rules protect people and the environment. Items are restricted if they are hazardous (e.g., asbestos, chemicals), regulated under specialist recycling schemes (e.g., WEEE for electricals), or present transport/processing risks (e.g., gas cylinders, liquids). Keeping materials separate also improves recycling rates and reduces landfill.
FAQs: What People Ask Before Hiring a Skip
Can you put a mattress in a skip?
Yes with most providers, but there is often a surcharge due to disposal costs—check before loading.
Can you put a sofa in a skip?
Yes, provided it fits within a level load line. Remove cushions and break down where possible.
Can you put plasterboard in a skip?
Yes, if it is kept separate (bagged) or placed in a dedicated plasterboard container. Do not mix with general waste.
Can you put soil, rubble and hardcore in the same skip?
Yes for small/medium amounts. For large volumes, a dedicated inert skip may be required.
Can you put black bin bags in a skip?
Yes—general household rubbish is fine. Avoid mixing with prohibited items.
Can you put garden soil and green waste in a skip?
Yes—soil, turf, branches and green waste are accepted in general skips.
Can you put tyres in a skip?
No. Use a specialist tyre recycler or ask a local garage to dispose of them.
Can you put paint in a skip?
Liquid paints, oils, and solvents are not allowed. Empty, clean tins may be accepted.
Why was my skip collection refused?
Common reasons are overfilling above the level load, prohibited items mixed in, or unsafe placement/access.
Do I need a permit for a roadside skip?
Yes if placing on a public highway. The Waste Group can help arrange local permits where required.
