Are you considering a skip for your waste disposal needs? If you are, then you might be asking yourself the common question, Can I fill a skip with anything? Understanding what you can and cannot put into a skip is crucial for a seamless and efficient waste management process. At ATS, we’ve compiled an extensive list to guide you through what you can and can’t put into a skip, ensuring you make the most out of your skip hire.

What You Can Put In A Skip

1. General Waste:

Dispose of anything suitable for a standard black bin bag, with the exception of zero-tolerance and prohibited items such as lithium batteries due to the risk of fire.

2. Builders Waste:

For construction-related waste, a skip is an excellent solution. You can safely dispose of hardcore, rubble, bricks, metal, plastic, wood, tiles and ceramic, timber, Empty clean paint tins, carpet and other upholstery, other building rubble and waste from electrical fixtures and fixings, old bathroom and kitchen fittings.

3. Garden Waste:

Green thumbs, use our bags or skips for the convenient disposal of grass, wood, leaves & tree roots.

What You Can’t Put Into A Skip:

1. Zero Tolerance Items:

Exercise caution when it comes to zero-tolerance items, including:

Asbestos – In the realm of waste disposal, strict guidelines are in place to safeguard both the environment and human health. Asbestos, once praised for its fire-resistant properties, is now acknowledged as a severe health hazard. Disturbed asbestos fibers pose a significant risk when airborne, leading to respiratory issues and fatal diseases like lung cancer. Regulations explicitly prohibit the disposal of asbestos in standard skips, this requires specialised handling for removal.

Plasterboard – Additionally, plasterboard disposal is restricted, but fear not; specific skip bags and skips are available for plasterboard disposal, please contact us for further information.

2. Prohibited Items:


Certain items are strictly prohibited from being disposed of in skips due to their hazardous nature. These include a range of items such as gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, clinical waste, dog or human excrement, helium bottles, fire extinguishers, hazardous liquids, flammable liquids, batteries, and hot ash or fire remnants.

Disposing of these materials in skips poses significant safety and environmental risks. Gas bottles and fire extinguishers can be pressurised and may explode, while fluorescent tubes and hazardous liquids can release harmful substances when crushed. Proper disposal methods, such as recycling or specialised handling, are essential to ensure the safety of waste management professionals and protect the environment from potential harm. It is crucial for users to adhere to these guidelines for responsible waste disposal and contribute to a safer and cleaner community.

Additional Services For Your Skip Hire:

When booking your skip, you can include:

  • Sofas, Sofa Beds, futons
  • Domestic fridge freezer
  • Mattress
  • Plasterboard (bagged separately)
  • Single chair, office chair,
  • Foot stool
  • Tyre/s

Size Matters:

Keep in mind that the acceptability of certain items may depend on the size of the skip you’ve chosen. For example, a 6-yard skip is the maximum size suitable for hardcore, rubble, and soil. If you’re dealing with bulky items, a two-yard skip may not be the most suitable choice.

Skip level Matters:

Skips must be filled to a level surface. Our drivers may face legal consequences for dropping any portion of their load or having an insecure load caused by overfilling. Overfilled skips like the below maybe levelled for removal purposes. If you possess any of the mentioned waste types, please reach out to our office staff for a disposal quote. By proceeding with this purchase, you are required to comply with the complete set of terms provided here.

Need Further Guidance Still Unsure about an item that can go in a skip?

We hope this comprehensive list simplifies the process for you. If you’re still unsure about what you can or cannot dispose of, feel free to get in touch with us. Our team is here to provide further guidance and ensure your skip hire experience is hassle-free.

Remember, responsible waste disposal not only benefits the environment but also contributes to a cleaner and safer community. Choose ATS for your skip hire needs and dispose of your waste with confidence! Explore our range of skips today