Can You Put Fridges, TVs and Electricals in a Skip?
Not without telling us first. Fridges, freezers, televisions, monitors and computers can only go in one of our skips by prior arrangement, because they have to be separated from general waste and sent for specialist recycling. Smaller electrical items should also be kept out of a general skip where possible, especially anything containing a battery.
Why Electricals Are Treated Differently
Old electrical and electronic equipment is known as WEEE, short for waste electrical and electronic equipment. It contains valuable materials such as copper, aluminium and steel, but also hazardous parts such as batteries, circuit boards, mercury in older backlit screens and chemicals in older appliances. The WEEE rules are designed to make sure these items are collected separately, stripped down safely and recycled rather than crushed in with other rubbish.
Fridges and Freezers
Fridges and freezers contain refrigerant gases and insulating foams that can damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change if they escape. They have to be degassed at specialist facilities before the metal and plastic can be recycled, which is why a fridge cannot simply be thrown into a skip and crushed. If you need one removed, let us know when you book so we can arrange to handle it correctly.
TVs, Monitors and Computers
Screens and computers contain circuit boards and, in older models, materials that need careful handling. Before getting rid of a computer, laptop or phone, make sure you have wiped any personal or business data, as it is your responsibility to protect it. Businesses have additional responsibilities for electrical waste, which are covered in our guide to the WEEE regulations for businesses.
Small Electricals and Batteries
Kettles, toasters, hairdryers, power tools and similar items can be recycled at household waste recycling centres and at many retailers, who often run take-back schemes when you buy a new product. Anything with a rechargeable battery, from vapes to cordless drills, should never go in a skip because of the fire risk, as explained in our guide on lithium batteries and vapes in skips.
Clearing an Office or Home Full of Electricals?
Office and house clearances often involve a lot of electrical equipment at once. Our office clearance team can remove desks, chairs and IT equipment together, keeping electricals separate so they are recycled properly. For the full list of items we can and cannot accept in a skip, see our guide on what you can put in a skip.
