What Can and Can’t Go in a Skip

Frederick King • March 3, 2026

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What Can and Can’t Go in a Skip


Skip hire is a convenient and effective way to dispose of household or commercial waste. Instead of having to transport your waste to the tip, a skip will be delivered to your address, where you can fill it up at your own pace before it’s taken away for you. 


However, it’s important to understand skip hire rules, and this includes what can and can’t go in a skip. 


At RF Recycling, we supply a wide range of skips in Ringwood, Salisbury and Bournemouth that can collect all types of waste. However, not everything can be put in a skip, and it’s important to know the rules.

rf recycling skip dont's sticker

What can you put in a skip?


Skips are a versatile waste management solution that can be used for all kinds of waste, including:


Household waste – Furniture, domestic furnishings, carpets and more

Garden waste – Grass, leaves, soil, branches and other natural materials

Construction waste – rubble, bricks, timber, tiles, sand and more

Paper and cardboard – boxes, newspapers and paper documents

Scrap metal – old metal pipes, appliances and components

Glass – bottles, windows and glass panels


While skips are great for many materials, there are several things that must not be put in them:


Hazardous Waste – Asbestos, chemicals, paints and more

Medical Waste – Bandages, dressings and needles

Batteries – Lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard

Plasterboard – It contains toxic hydrogen sulphide and requires a specialist approach

Mattresses – Due to their size and material composition, a skip is not suitable

Tyres – They require specialist recycling

*We can still dispose of the items in this list, separately. Contact us for more information.


Choosing the right skip size


Different-sized skips are suitable for different projects, so make sure you choose yours carefully.

rf recycling lorry unloading skip

We offer:


Four yard skips (approximately 40 bin bags)

Six yard skips (approximately 60 bin bags)

Eight yard skips (approximately 80 bin bags)

Ten yard skips (approximately 100 bin bags)

Twelve yard skips (approximately 120 bin bags)

Fifteen yard RORO skips (approximately 150 bin bags)

Forty yard RORO skips (approximately 350 bin bags)


Smaller skips tend to be better for domestic DIY jobs, whereas large construction projects may require a larger size. Our team can help you decide on the best type for your needs.


Our latest skip hire prices can be found here.


Why you should follow skip hire rules


It’s important to follow skip hire rules for several reasons. 


Firstly, placing inappropriate materials in a skip will likely see you fined by your skip hire company. As well as this, there are many government regulations and environmental laws regarding how hazardous materials should be discarded. Breaking these rules can result in legal action and potentially cause harm to human health and the environment. 


At RF Recycling, we’re here to help you remain compliant and safely dispose of all waste types.


Are you looking for skip hire?


If you need skip hire for your next domestic or commercial project, RF Recycling is here to help. With our zero-waste-to-landfill policy, you can rest assured that all of the waste we collect will be disposed of in the most responsible way possible at our dedicated recycling centre. 


Book your skip online today or give our team a call for advice on the best size for your needs.

rf recycling empty skips stacked up

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