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What Can And Can’t Be Put In A Skip From A Home Extension Project? 

Whether you’re expanding your living room, redesigning a kitchen or adding an extra bedroom; an extension can turn a house into a ‘forever home’. Alongside the exciting decisions about layouts and finishing touches however, it’s just as important to plan how waste will be managed during the build. With the right approach in place, waste removal doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact it can actually be one of the easiest parts of the project to organise. So, what can and can’t be put in a skip for a home extension project?

The first step in the process is understanding what can and can’t go into a skip, this alone can save time, avoid extra charges and give peace of mind that everything will be handled responsibly. At Morley Skips our team works with homeowners and builders every day across Essex and Suffolk, to make waste removal clear, compliant and hassle-free; keep reading below to find out more. 

Why Waste Planning Matters With Home Extensions 

Extension projects often generate a wide mix of materials. Unlike smaller renovations, waste can range from heavy construction debris to packaging and fittings, all helpfully appearing at different stages of the build! Without a clear plan, it’s easy for waste to build up in the wrong places or for unsuitable items to end up in the skip, causing headaches later down the line. That’s why understanding what belongs in your skip, and what doesn’t, is just as important as choosing the right size. 

Image of a big home renovation project for the blog What Can’t Be Put In A Skip For A Home Renovation Project?

What You Can Put In A Skip  

Most of the waste generated by a home extension can be safely disposed of in a skip, provided it’s loaded correctly and doesn’t exceed weight limits. 

Construction And Building Materials 

These are the most common items removed during extension work and are routinely processed at our waste transfer station

  • Bricks and breezeblocks 
  • Concrete and rubble 
  • Roof tiles and slates 
  • Timber and offcuts 
  • Mortar and cement bags 
  • Hardcore and aggregates 

Fixtures And Fittings 

You’re probably going to be removing a lot of existing features to create your new layout. As long as these items are free from hazardous materials, they can usually go straight into the skip: 

  • Old kitchen units and worktops 
  • Doors and frames 
  • Skirting boards and architraves 
  • Built-in cupboards and shelving units 

General Site Waste 

Every extension project creates general waste alongside heavier materials. This type of waste is common and expected during building work and includes:  

  • Packaging from new units 
  • Cardboard and plastic wrapping 
  • Wood pallets (broken down) 
  • Insulation offcuts 
  • Dust sheets and protective coverings 

What You Can’t Put In A Skip 

Whilst skips can take a wide range of materials, certain items must never be placed inside due to legal requirements and will always need to be disposed of separately. 

Hazardous Materials 

If you suspect that any of your waste may fall into the hazardous materials category, it’s important to contact the Morley Skips team before disposal so that we can arrange a suitable container: 

  • Gas bottles 
  • Oil drums 
  • Fuel containers 
  • Chemicals or solvents 
  • Paint, including thinners, lacquers and wood stains 

Some Electrical Items 

Items containing certain electrical components require specialist handling: 

  • Fridges and freezers 
  • Dishwashers and tumble driers  
  • Certain other electrical appliances 

Upholstered And Bulky Items 

During extension projects, furniture may also be removed, but these materials are subject to additional processing rules and should always be discussed with the team before loading: 

  • Sofas 
  • Mattresses 
  • Upholstered chairs 
  • Cushions and padded headboards 

Tyres And Vehicle Parts 

Vehicle-related waste is not suitable for standard skips: 

  • Tyres 
  • Vehicle tracks 
  • Automotive parts 

Plasterboard: A Common Area Of Confusion 

Plasterboard is widely used in extension projects but it needs careful handling because of how it breaks down; as such, it needs to be kept separate from general waste. The Morley Skips team can advise on the best way to manage plasterboard waste, whether that’s through an adapted skip, bagged disposal or separate collection.  

How Correct Loading Makes A Difference 

Even when only-permitted items are placed into a skip, how it’s loaded matters. Overfilled or unevenly loaded skips cannot be transported safely. Following these guidelines will help to avoid additional charges: 

  • Waste must not sit above the skip fill line 
  • Heavy items should be evenly distributed 
  • Materials should be placed inside carefully, not dropped from height 

What Happens To Your Extension Waste? 

Once collected, waste from your home is taken to our fully-licensed waste transfer station. Here, materials are manually and mechanically sorted and processed to recover recyclable elements. Materials such as wood, metal, cardboard, plastic and hardcore are separated and reused wherever possible. 

What If You’re Unsure About An Item? 

Extension projects can uncover unexpected materials, particularly in older properties. If you’re ever unsure whether something can go into your skip, the best approach is to ask. The Morley Skips team are always happy to: 

  • Confirm whether an item is suitable 
  • Advise on alternative disposal methods 
  • Help avoid unnecessary charges or delays 

Choosing The Right Skip For An Extension 

Home extensions often suit medium to large skip sizes, as waste tends to build steadily over time. At Morley Skips we offer skips from 2 to 14 yards, as well as Roll On Roll Off containers (RORO) for larger developments. Again, if you’re unsure what skip size will work best for your project, we are only a phone call away and happy to discuss.  

Why Proper Disposal Protects You And Your Project 

Correct waste disposal isn’t just about compliance with the law (though this is of course important), it also protects your build timeline and budget. Placing restricted items into a skip can result in: 

  • Delayed collections 
  • Additional disposal costs 
  • Project downtime 
  • Safety risks on site 

Why Choose Morley Skips? 

If you’re planning a home extension and want clear guidance on waste disposal, Morley Skips is here to help. We’ll advise on the most suitable skip size, explain what can and can’t go inside and arrange delivery at a time that suits you and your project. 

From the first stages of demolition to the final clear-up, we’ve been keeping extension projects organised and compliant for over 25 years. It couldn’t be easier to book your skip or RORO, simply give us a call on 01621 815 287 or book online here

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