Can you put tyres in a skip? 

Posted 3 weeks ago

Are you wondering ‘can you put tyres in a skip?’ Whether you’re clearing out your garage or moving home, it is important to know exactly what you can and can’t put in a skip. This will ensure that you don’t face any unexpected fines or penalties. It also helps the skip hire company to process the items correctly for sustainable waste management. In summary, typically you can’t put tyres in a skip unless you pay an additional fee.

Why are tyres restricted in skips?

There are various reasons why tyres have restrictions in place. This is due to environmental, regulatory and practical reasons. Firstly, due to their material of rubber and synthetic materials, they do not break down in landfills and over time, they can release harmful chemicals and pose a serious environmental hazard. 

It is also illegal to dispose of whole tyres in landfill in the UK under the Landfill Directive, which aims to prevent waste from going to landfill and promote responsible waste disposal. To responsibly dispose of tyres, they need to be sent to a specialist facility where they can be shredded, repurposed or recycled into other products. 

Lastly, only licensed waste carriers are legally allowed to collect and dispose of tyres. That’s why we require tyres to be declared and paid for separately. Depending on the size of the tyre, we charge from £10 to £14 per tyre. 

How to dispose of tyres properly?

To ensure proper disposal of tyres, the best way to do this is through a licensed waste carrier such as Hurleys Skip Hire. Although they are not allowed in standard skips, we can accept them for an additional fee. We will make sure that the tyres are processed legally and sustainably. You can also choose to dispose of your tyres at local council recycling centres, authorised garages or tyre recycling facilities. Most importantly, don’t just throw your tyres in with general waste as this is illegal and can result in heavy fines.

What else can’t you put in a skip?

As well as tyres, there are other items that you shouldn’t put in your skip unless your skip hire company has clearly stated that you can. Here are the top things to keep out of your skip:

• Batteries: Including car batteries and household batteries. These contain harmful chemicals.
• Asbestos: Highly dangerous and needs expert removal.
• Paint, solvents, and oils: These can be flammable and toxic.
• Gas cylinders: Even empty ones can be hazardous.
• Electrical items (WEEE): Things like TVs, fridges, and computers should go to a proper recycling centre.
• Medical waste: Needles, sharps, and medications can pose serious health risks.
• Tyres: Most skip companies won’t accept them due to disposal regulations.

If you’re caught disposing of any of these improperly, it can lead to fines or refusal to collect the skip.

Tips for responsible waste disposal

When it comes to responsible waste disposal, Hurleys ensures that all waste is dealt with safely and responsibly following the waste hierarchy. Responsible waste disposal is really important to us. Here are some of our top tips to help you practice responsible waste disposal.

• Separate recyclables: Always separate recyclables from general waste and avoid mixing in any hazardous or restricted items such as tyres or batteries.
• Always use licensed waste carriers: This ensures everything is done legally and responsibly.
• Reuse or donate items: Instead of throwing things away, see if you can donate them or reuse them for something else.
• Plan ahead: Always check in advance with your skip provider on what you can and can’t put in your skip to ensure responsible waste disposal

So, can you put tyres in a skip? No, but don’t worry, you’re not alone; it’s a common question. Understanding what you can and can’t put into a skip will prevent any problems and make your life much easier. 

At Hurleys Skip Hire, we’re here to support you with professional, reliable skip hire, recycling services, and a commitment to responsible waste disposal. Need help getting a skip? Contact us today, and we’ll help ensure you fill your skip responsibly.

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