Not sure what can go in your skip? Use our straightforward Liverpool skip waste guide before you book or start loading.
What Can You Put in a Skip?
Most ordinary non-hazardous waste from clearances, DIY work, gardens and building projects can go into a suitable skip. However, some materials are prohibited, some must be kept separate and others can only be accepted when agreed before delivery.
The safest rule is simple: if you are unsure about an item, contact Liverpool Skips before placing it in the skip. Incorrect waste can lead to refused collection and additional handling or disposal charges.
Common Waste You Can Usually Put in a Skip
The following non-hazardous materials are commonly accepted when placed in the correct skip and kept within the agreed weight limits.
Household Clearance Waste
- Unwanted household clutter.
- Non-upholstered furniture.
- Wardrobes, tables and shelving.
- Carpets where agreed.
- Cardboard and packaging.
- Plastic household items.
- Fixtures and fittings.
Important: black-bin-bag waste, food waste and upholstered seating must not be added unless agreed beforehand.
Garden Waste
- Branches and hedge cuttings.
- Plants and flowers.
- Leaves and grass cuttings.
- Small quantities of untreated timber.
- Soil and turf in a suitable skip.
Tell us in advance if the load will contain large amounts of soil, turf or other heavy material because weight restrictions apply.
Building and DIY Waste
- Bricks and blocks.
- Concrete and rubble.
- Tiles and ceramics.
- Non-hazardous timber.
- Metal.
- Kitchen and bathroom units.
- Non-hazardous fixtures and fittings.
Heavy inert waste must be booked into an appropriate skip. Plasterboard and certain older construction materials need separate approval.
Waste That Requires Prior Arrangement
Do not place the following items in your skip unless Liverpool Skips has agreed to accept them before delivery. Separate handling or additional charges may apply.
Upholstered Seating
Sofas, armchairs, sofa beds, upholstered dining chairs, office chairs, stools, footstools, beanbags and similar seating require separate handling because they may contain persistent organic pollutants.
Mattresses
Mattresses are not included as ordinary mixed skip waste. Tell us how many you have before booking so we can confirm whether they can be accepted and explain any extra charge.
Plasterboard and Gypsum
Plasterboard and other gypsum-based waste must be kept separate from biodegradable mixed waste. Contact us before booking so the correct collection and disposal arrangements can be made.
Electrical Items
Televisions, monitors, fridges, freezers and other electrical equipment require specialist handling. Do not add them to a general skip without prior approval.
Carpets, Rubber and Flooring
Carpet, roofing felt, rubber, artificial grass and plastic flooring can attract separate disposal charges. Confirm the type and quantity before ordering.
Heavy Waste
Large quantities of soil, rubble, concrete, bricks or tiles must go into a suitable skip and remain within the permitted weight. Tell us about heavy waste when booking.
What Cannot Go in a Skip?
The following hazardous, dangerous or specialist materials must not be placed in a general skip.
- Asbestos or suspected asbestos.
- Gas bottles and pressurised cylinders.
- Aerosols in quantity.
- Explosives and fireworks.
- Fuel, oil and petrol.
- Chemicals and solvents.
- Liquids and toxic waste.
- Wet paint or partly full paint tins.
- Batteries.
- Clinical or medical waste.
- Human or animal waste.
- Tyres.
- Hot, burning or smouldering waste.
- Radioactive material.
- Hazardous or special waste.
- Any item we have told you not to place in the skip.
If prohibited waste is found, collection may be refused until it is removed and additional charges can apply.
Important Rules When Loading Your Skip
Keep It Level
Waste must not extend above the top edge of the skip or stick out from the sides. Overloaded skips cannot be transported safely.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Spread heavy items across the base rather than loading all the weight into one corner.
Do Not Burn Waste
Never light a fire inside or close to the skip. Fire can damage the skip and create serious safety and environmental risks.
Prevent Fly-Tipping
You are responsible for waste placed in the skip during the hire. Consider an enclosed or lockable skip where unauthorised use is a concern.
Why Are Some Items Restricted?
Some materials can harm people, damage equipment, contaminate recyclable waste or require treatment at a specialist facility. Plasterboard must be managed separately from biodegradable waste, while discarded upholstered domestic seating may need to be treated as waste containing persistent organic pollutants.
Telling us exactly what you need to dispose of helps us recommend the correct skip, give an accurate price and make sure the waste is handled lawfully.
What Can Go in a Skip FAQs
Can I put a sofa in a skip?
Not without prior arrangement. Sofas and other upholstered domestic seating require separate handling and may incur an additional charge. Tell us about the item before booking.
Can I put a mattress in a skip?
Mattresses require prior approval and are normally charged separately. Do not add one unless it has been included in your booking.
Can plasterboard go in a skip?
Plasterboard must be declared and kept separate from biodegradable mixed waste. Contact us before booking so we can advise on the correct arrangement.
Can I put soil and rubble in a skip?
Yes, in an appropriate skip and within the permitted weight. Large amounts of soil, rubble, bricks or concrete are very heavy, so tell us exactly what you have before ordering.
Can electrical items go in a skip?
Electrical items need specialist handling and must not be placed in a general skip without prior approval. This includes televisions, monitors, fridges and freezers.
Can paint tins go in a skip?
Wet paint and partly full paint tins are prohibited. Contact us for advice before disposing of empty, completely dry containers.
Can black bags go in a skip?
Do not place ordinary black-bin-bag household or food waste into the skip unless this has been specifically agreed as part of your booking.
What happens if I put a prohibited item in the skip?
Collection can be refused until the item is removed. You may also be charged for wasted journeys, additional hire, sorting, handling, storage or specialist disposal.
Choose the Right Skip for Your Waste
The right skip depends on both the amount and type of waste. Heavy rubble needs a different approach from a light household clearance, while specialist items must be declared before booking.
Small Clearances
Renovations and Building Work
Larger Clearances
Commercial Waste
Unsure Whether We Can Take It?
Tell us what you need to dispose of before placing it in the skip. We will confirm whether it is accepted, whether it needs separate handling and whether any additional charge applies.