Many people find hiring a skip to be the easiest part of clearing a property but have no idea what cannot be put in a skip and how this could result in a skip not being collected, additional charges or even fly tipping.
Hazardous Chemicals and Liquids
Common examples of hazardous waste are items like old paint, chemicals and household products, and oils such as engine oil. As a rule, tip operators refuse to mix such materials with other waste, because there’s a real risk of them leaking out and causing harm to the environment. You can take such materials to your local household waste recycling centre (as outlined in the local household waste recycling centre rules).
Asbestos and Asbestos-Containing Materials
Old roofing materials, textured paints and some floor coverings may contain asbestos which MUST NOT be put in a skip. Materials that may contain asbestos MUST NOT be broken up in order to make them fit in a skip as the fibres can become airborne and cause great harm. Only a licensed asbestos remover will remove asbestos containing materials and transport them safely to an approved landfill site.
Fridges, Freezers and Anything With a Plug
Many items containing WEEE such as fridges, freezers, lights, kettles, etc. need to be collected separately from general waste as the gases and parts within can cause serious harm if crushed or landfilled. Collection of these items is usually covered by your local council who can collect from your home and will also accept them at local recycling centres for electricals.
Gas Bottles, Cylinders and Aerosols
Just because something looks empty does not mean that it does not contain pressure. In waste disposal, gas bottles and aerosols are classed as sealed drum waste and are one of the items that are refused by skip firms. Many councils also refuse sealed drum waste for the same reasons. You should contact your local council or supplier for safe return or collection of gas bottles and aerosols.
Tyres
Most skips do not take old tyres, for the reason that they are banned from landfill because they do not compact down, and later on in the waste’s waste’s life can fill with gas. Many tire centres and garages will take old tyres back for recycling and may even charge a small fee for this service. Many household recycling centres can also take old tires for recycling but may only take a certain number at any time.
Plasterboard
Plasterboard is normally placed in skips in separate bags and can be a problem for skip companies as it produces hydrogen sulphide gas whilst it is decomposing in the waste. This gas is particularly noticable in skip waste that contains a lot of other rubbish and is left to decompose in damp conditions. It is wise to ask prior to placing an order for skip hire for a renovation or refurbishment project how a skip company such as Swansea Skip Hire would like you to bag up the plasterboard and whether there is to be any limit on the amount that can be placed in the skip with general waste.
All waste is governed by the rules for waste management in Wales which detail everything from the environmental permits needed to operate a waste site to the penalties for fly-tipping. So always best to check before you load up with anything that you suspect may not be accepted by a skip hire company.
It’s also worth noting that by having a quick chat with the skip hire company before you start filling up the skip you can clarify what you can put in the skip and what you cannot put in the skip.