Skip bins are a great and convenient way to get rid of a large amount of waste. However, many people make the mistake of throwing everything away without realising that certain items are prohibited. Junkyard Skips is a leading provider of skip bin hire services across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. We’ve seen many cases where people dispose of hazardous or prohibited items in our skip bins. So we’ve compiled a guide to safe waste disposal and a list of seven everyday items that should not be put in your skip bin.
Why Can’t You Put Everything In A Skip Bin?
Before we dive into the list of prohibited items, it’s essential to understand why you can’t put just anything in a skip bin. Skip bins carry general waste and can only handle a specific type and amount of waste.
Certain items can pose a threat to the environment, wildlife, and human health if not disposed of properly. Moreover, putting prohibited items in skip bins can lead to additional charges or legal penalties.
7 Common Items That Should Not Be Put In a Skip Bin
- Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazardous material commonly used in building materials until the 1990s. It is now known to cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos should be handled and disposed of by licensed professionals. - Batteries
Batteries contain chemicals like lead and acid, which can cause soil and water pollution. They should be recycled at a designated facility rather than in a skip bin. - Chemicals
Chemicals like solvents, pesticides, and acids can harm the environment and pose a risk to human health. They should be disposed of in designated hazardous waste facilities. - Electrical appliances
Electrical appliances like TVs, computers, and refrigerators contain hazardous chemicals like lead, mercury, and CFCs, which can harm the environment and cause health problems. They should be recycled at a designated facility. - Gas cylinders
Gas cylinders can be explosive and pose a severe risk to human life if improperly handled. They should be returned to the supplier or taken to a designated facility for disposal. - Medical waste
Medical waste, including syringes and needles, can cause injury or infection if not handled properly. They should be disposed of in special medical waste containers or returned to a medical facility. - Paint
Paint contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health. It should be disposed of in designated hazardous waste facilities or recycled at a designated facility.
Safe Waste Disposal Skip Bins
Disposing of waste in a skip bin is a quick and easy solution, but it’s vital to ensure you’re not putting prohibited items in it. By following this list of 7 everyday items that should not be put in skip bins, you can guarantee safe and responsible waste disposal. Remember, proper waste disposal is essential for the environment, wildlife, and human health.
FAQs
- Can I put garden waste in a skip bin?
Yes, you can put garden waste like leaves, branches, and grass clippings in a skip bin. - Can I put old furniture in a skip bin?
You can put old furniture like sofas, chairs, and tables in a skip bin. - Can I put cardboard in a skip?
Yes, you can put cardboard in a skip bin. However, it’s important to flatten the cardboard boxes to save space. - Can I put hazardous waste in if it’s mixed with general waste?
No, hazardous waste should not be mixed with general waste. It should be disposed of in designated hazardous waste facilities to avoid harm to the environment and human health.
How To Dispose Of Prohibited Items
If you have any items listed above, it’s important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to the environment and human health. Here are some tips on how to dispose of prohibited items:
Asbestos: Contact a licensed asbestos removal company to handle and dispose of asbestos safely.
Batteries: Take batteries to a designated recycling facility or return them to the supplier.
Chemicals: Contact a hazardous waste disposal facility to dispose of chemicals properly.
Electrical appliances: Take electrical appliances to a designated recycling facility or return them to the supplier.
Gas cylinders: Return gas cylinders to the supplier or take them to a designated facility for disposal.
Medical waste: Dispose of medical waste in special containers or return it to a medical facility.
Paint: Contact a hazardous waste disposal facility to dispose of paint properly.
Following these tips, you can safely and responsibly dispose of prohibited items.
Safe Waste Disposal with Junkyard Skips
Skip bins are a convenient way to dispose of waste, but they are not suitable for all types of garbage. By following the list of 7 common items that should not be put in skip bins and disposing of prohibited items properly, you can ensure safe and responsible waste disposal. Remember, we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and human health by disposing of waste responsibly.
