A complete guide to prohibited items — what's banned from skips, why, and what to do with it instead.
Most household and construction waste can go in a skip without any problem. But certain materials are banned — either because they're hazardous to the people handling them, to the environment, or because they require specialist disposal under UK law.
Putting prohibited items in a skip can result in your skip not being collected, additional charges, or in some cases legal liability. It also creates a risk to our drivers and the environment. If you're not sure about a specific item, give us a call on 01793 615358 and we'll advise you.
We'd always rather you called to check than put something in the skip that shouldn't be there. We won't be able to collect a skip that contains prohibited items, and in some cases this can result in a return collection charge. It takes 30 seconds to check.
The following items are prohibited from all of our skips. This list is set by UK waste legislation and our Environment Agency licence conditions.
Any asbestos-containing materials — including asbestos cement, insulation board, floor tiles and pipe lagging. Asbestos requires specialist licensed removal and disposal. Contact the HSE or a licensed asbestos contractor.
All gas canisters, cylinders and aerosols — whether full or empty. These are a serious explosion risk when transported and compacted. Return them to your supplier or take them to a licensed waste facility.
Oils, solvents, pesticides, cleaning fluids and any liquid chemicals. These can leach into the ground during transport. Most local recycling centres accept household chemicals free of charge.
Tins of liquid paint cannot go in a skip. Dried, empty paint tins are fine. Allow liquid paint to harden completely before disposal — or use a paint hardener product.
All types of battery, including car batteries, lithium batteries and household batteries. Batteries contain toxic metals. Take them to a supermarket, DIY store or tip — most accept them at no charge.
Fluorescent, CFL and energy-saving bulbs contain mercury and must be disposed of separately. Most DIY stores and council tips accept them.
TVs, computers, monitors, white goods (washing machines, dishwashers), small appliances and anything with a plug or battery. These must be recycled under WEEE regulations. Take to a council recycling centre or arrange a specialist collection.
All refrigeration units contain refrigerant gases (F-gases) that are controlled substances. They must be disposed of by an authorised facility. Most councils offer free collections.
Car, van and lorry tyres cannot go in a skip. Tyre retailers and garages are required to accept old tyres. Some council tips also accept them.
Needles, syringes, bandages, medication and any clinical waste from healthcare settings. This requires specialist collection. Contact your GP, pharmacy or a licensed clinical waste contractor.
Any radioactive materials — no exceptions. These require specialist licensed disposal.
Garden chemicals, weedkillers, insecticides and fungicides in liquid form. Take to your local household waste recycling centre.
The good news — the vast majority of household and construction waste is perfectly fine. Here's what you can freely put in your LK Skips skip:
Plasterboard is a common skip item during renovations — but it does need some care. When plasterboard gets wet or is mixed with biodegradable waste, it produces hydrogen sulphide, a toxic gas. For this reason, there are restrictions on how much plasterboard can be mixed with other waste in a skip.
For small quantities mixed in with other dry inert materials (rubble, timber, tiles), plasterboard is generally fine. For large quantities — such as a whole room of dry lining — please call us before booking so we can advise on the best approach.
The council tip on Waterside Way, Swindon accepts most prohibited items including electrical equipment, fridges, batteries, paint and tyres from Swindon residents, free of charge. Check the council website for opening times.
Unused medication should be returned to your local pharmacy — never put it in a skip, recycling bin or general waste.
Many electrical retailers (including supermarkets) are required to accept old electrical items for recycling when you buy a replacement — ask in store.
Tyre fitters are obligated to accept old tyres from customers. If you're not replacing your tyres at the same time, most garages will still take them for a small charge.
Asbestos must be dealt with by licensed contractors. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has a register of licensed asbestos removal contractors at hse.gov.uk.