How Do I Stop People Putting Things in My Skip?

Frederick King • March 3, 2026

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How Do I Stop People Putting Things in My Skip?


If you’ve hired a skip, then it’s fair to say it will be for the purpose of disposing of waste. You will likely have hired a skip of a certain size based on the specifics of your project, so if it gets quickly filled up due to other people putting their waste in it instead, it can be both frustrating and costly. 


With this in mind, keeping your skip safe from unwanted waste is bound to be a priority, and in this article, we’ll explain the various ways you can stop people dumping their waste in your skip.


rf recycling lockable skip

How do I stop people using my skip


There is a wide range of ways you can stop people from using your skip, including:


Talk to them


If you know who the culprits are, it might be worth having a polite word with them. Asking people to stop using your skip is often the quickest way to deal with the problem, but remember to stay civil and non-confrontational when you approach them. 


Place the skip on private land


People are less likely to put waste in your skip if it is on private land as opposed to a public place like a road. If you have gates at your property, then having the skip on your driveway is a good way to keep it protected. Sometimes, even skips on driveways will not stop people from dumping their waste, so if it’s practical, you may also want to consider keeping the skip in your back garden.


Use a skip cover 


You can cover your skip with a sheet of tarpaulin when not in use. This will deter people from using it, as a covered skip is often less appealing than one that is open.


Hire a lockable skip


Some skips are lockable, meaning they can be locked when not in use. This makes it impossible for people to dump waste in when it is locked.


Secure your Skip


As mentioned above, the best way to secure your skip is to hire a lockable skip from RF Recycling. These skips are fully contained and come with a lid that can be opened and closed rather than being open like traditional skips. When not being used, the lid can be locked, preventing people from discarding unwanted waste within it. 


We provide lockable, enclosed skips in two sizes, 6 Yard and 12 Yard meaning you can prioritise skip safety and security no matter what kind of project you’re working on.


Is it illegal to use someone else’s skip?


Yes, using someone else’s skip without permission is actually illegal. It is classified as fly-tipping and also trespassing if someone goes onto your private land to do it. If caught, consequences can include hefty fines. In rare cases, fly-tipping offences can even result in a prison sentence. 


However, while it is illegal, it can be difficult to prove, so having a deterrent like a lockable enclosed skip is always worthwhile. 


Working across Salisbury, Ringwood, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, for more information, contact our team today.

rf recycling lockable skip

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