Here at Kollect we love to talk, and we love to answer our customer's questions even more. So when a customer has a query about our services, we love to show the depth of our knowledge of the waste industry and provide our customers with as much information as possible.

One of the most popular questions we get asked is “What can I put in a skip?. It's very easy to give the very broad answer of “everything, EXCEPT, so we have compiled a detailed list of everything you CAN put in a skip, as well as some things you can't.

Things You Can Put in a Skip

1. Cardboard

Cardboard is one of the most easily recycled materials. and all forms of cardboard can be put in a skip.

2. Construction/Demolition Waste

Items that are considered construction waste are items such as nails, electrical wiring, shingle, and roofing as well as waste from site preparation such as dredging materials, tree stumps, tree branches, and rubble, all of which can be put into a skip.

3. Household Waste

Items such as bottles, cans, clothing, compost, disposables, food packaging, food scraps and yard trimmings are considered household waste and can be put into a general skip.

4. Magazines and Brochures

All kinds of magazines, papers and newspapers can also be put in skips as they would also be considered household waste, and can be disposed of in a skip.

5. Mixed Metals

All types of metals, steels can coppers can be put in a skip.

6. Timber

Timber products such as panels, composite panels, veneers and timber flooring can all be placed in a general skip

7. Wood and Wood Products

Wood and wood products such as old furniture, hardwood flooring and tree stumps can be put into skips.

8. BONUS ITEM: Mixed Recyclables

People under the impression that only rubbish can go into skips - that is definitely not the case. Recyclable items such as plastic bottles, cans, glass and paper can be disposed of into a skip.

Things You Can't Put in a Skip

1. Asbestos

Due to it's toxic nature, asbestos cannot be deposited into a general skip. Asbestos must be disposed of by licensed specialists.

2. Batteries

Batteries can not go into general skips due to the hazardous materials they contain. Car, machinery and rechargeable batteries can be disposed of at garages or recycling centres.

3. Fridges/Freezers

Fridges and freezers can't be disposed of in skips, however, some councils offer specialised collection services for items such as these.

4. Tyres

Due to the nature of the materials, you cannot dispose of tyres in a general skip. Tyres can be disposed of by tyre fitters, or by contacting the Tyre Recovery Organisation they will be able to find a tyre collector.

5. BONUS ITEM: Paint and Paint Cans

Because of the toxic chemicals in paint, it cannot be disposed of in skips. Similarly, paint cans with paint in them cannot be disposed of in a skip. Paint cans can only be disposed of if they are completely empty of all paint contents.