What Can I Put in My Skip?

 Whether you are renovating, decluttering or working in the garden, hiring a skip is a quick and tidy way to handle waste. Knowing what is allowed and what is not can save you extra fees and help Ireland move toward a circular economy. This guide will help you use your skip in a smart and sustainable way.

Skip-Safe Materials

You can place a variety of items in your skip including:

✅ Bathroom furniture and tiles

✅ Garden furniture and garden waste including soil, plants and cuttings

✅ Kitchen furniture, cupboards and counters

✅ Paper products and cardboard

✅ Wood and mixed metals

✅ Tiles, slate, roofing materials, pottery and glass panes

✅ Construction waste including timber, rubble and stone

What Isn't Allowed?

Some items cannot go into a skip because they are hazardous or require special disposal. These include:

🚫 Paints, solvents, oils, fuels, chemicals and pesticides

🚫 Gas cylinders and pressurised containers (even if they are empty)

🚫 Batteries

🚫 Electrical appliances such as televisions, fridges and washing machines

🚫 Fluorescent tubes

🚫 Clinical waste, animal remains, food waste, liquids and sludges

🚫 Asbestos

🚫 Tyres

🚫 Mattresses and textiles, such as clothing and bedding

Tips for Smarter Skip Use

Think about whether something can be reused or recycled before throwing it away. MyWaste's "Think Before You Skip It" campaign encourages reusing, repairing and proper segregation before disposal. Keep the contents of your skip level with the sides as overfilling can be dangerous. Choose the right skip size to avoid unnecessary trips or wasted space. If your skip will be on public property you may need a council permit so check with your skip hire company in advance.

Asbestos Disposal in Ireland

Asbestos is highly hazardous and must never be placed in any skip. Only licensed asbestos removal contractors can handle and dispose of it safely. If our driver suspects asbestos in your skip, it will not be collected and a callout fee will apply. Discovery of asbestos after tipping will result in full disposal costs and any related charges. Common sources include old roofing sheets, insulation boards, water pipes and pipe lagging. If in doubt, stop work and arrange testing before booking skip hire.