Safety First!

There are some things you can't put in a skip:

• Refrigerators and Freezers
• Tyres
• Asbestos
• Clinical/Medical waste
• Any Liquids (including Oil, Paint and Solvents)
• TVs
• Fluorescent Tubes and Light Bulbs
• Vehicle Batteries
• Gas Bottles
• Any Hazardous, Flammable or Toxic material.

If you happen to have any of these things or materials, ask your skip hire company, they should be able to help or suggest someone who can.

Also:

• Don't place your skip over manhole covers or any other utility access.
• Make sure your skip is easy to see: Place reflective material on both ends of it and cones or flashing lights around it if it's dark or foggy.
• Keep all contents inside your skip: If things stick out it may be dangerous for pedestrians and drivers.
• Don't overfill your skip. It is illegal.
• Don't put your skip on the pavement, or where it might obstruct access to your neighbours' driveways.
• Use Common Sense.

Beware of the cowboys!

Make sure the skip hire company you choose is registered as Environment Agency approved (see website in our Further Reading section). You'll find a list of approved skip hire companies from all over the U.K. in our Pros Directory It saves money to consider at least three estimates from three different companies before choosing one. This is the recommended approach when choosing any property professional or contractor.

Further Reading

• Direct.gov.uk Everything about local government, regulations and taxes. Helpful in finding out details about applying for skip hire permits.
• The Environment Agency's public register.