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.
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.

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.
These are the most common items removed during extension work and are routinely processed at our waste transfer station:
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:
Every extension project creates general waste alongside heavier materials. This type of waste is common and expected during building work and includes:
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.
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:
Items containing certain electrical components require specialist handling:
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:
Vehicle-related waste is not suitable for standard skips:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.