From a worn-out washing machine to a microwave that has finally given up, dealing with broken or unwanted appliances is a fact of modern life that every household faces at some point. But can you put appliances in a skip when you no longer want them?
What Counts as a Household Appliance?
Household appliances usually fall into two main categories:
- Small appliances like kettles, toasters, hairdryers, irons, and coffee machines
- Larger white goods such as washing machines, ovens, fridges, freezers, tumble dryers, and dishwashers
These items are made from various materials, metal, plastic, wiring, and some, especially cooling appliances, may contain substances like refrigerants that require careful handling. That’s why it’s essential to dispose of them responsibly, whether you’re recycling, donating, or using a skip.
Can You Put Broken Appliances in a Skip?
Yes, as long as you follow a few important rules.
You can get rid of most general appliances in a skip, including washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens and tumble dryers. However, some items, particularly those containing hazardous materials, require special handling.
For example, you cannot put refrigerators and freezers in a standard skip because they contain environmentally hazardous gasses. Experts must collect them individually and process them. Electrical items classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) must be disposed of in line with WEEE rules. A lot of household appliances fall into this category.
To be on the safe side, always check with your skip hire provider before loading any appliance, especially large white goods, into your skip.
Why Proper Appliance Disposal Matters
Expertise matters because appliances aren’t just big and bulky, they can also damage the environment if you don’t dispose of them correctly.
Many contain metals and plastics that take hundreds of years to break down; batteries or capacitors that can leak chemicals; or refrigerants that cause ozone depletion.
This explains why the Environment Agency and local authorities have strict guidelines on how to manage appliances. Ignoring these regulations may result in penalties or, worse, harm to the environment.
When Skip Hire Is a Good Option
If you’re clearing out a home, redoing your kitchen, or getting rid of several appliances at once, hiring a skip can be a simple and affordable solution. Here’s how:
- More space: A skip gives you room for all sorts of things, from old appliances to furniture and general junk.
- Less hassle: No need for multiple trips to the tip or trying to book a council collection.
- Peace of mind: A trusted company like PP O’Connor will make sure your waste is dealt with properly and recycled where possible.
Just let your skip hire company know what you’re planning to throw out so they can help you pick the right skip and handle anything that needs special treatment.
Other Ways to get Rid of Appliances
If you’re only getting rid of one or two items, or the appliance is still in decent condition, you probably won’t need a skip. Instead consider these options:
- Council bulky waste collections: Most local authorities offer scheduled pickups for items like fridges, washing machines and cookers, although fees may apply.
- Retailer take-back schemes: Some retailers offer to collect and recycle your old appliance when you buy a new replacement.
- Charities and reuse networks: Organisations like the British Heart Foundation accept working appliances and even offer collection.
- WEEE drop-off points: Following WEEE regulations, some recycling centres and stores accept electrical items.
These alternatives can often be very handy if you only have a few appliances to get rid of and you’re not in a hurry.
Before You Throw Anything Out
Before putting any appliance in a skip, or arranging for its collection, follow these simple but important steps:
- Unplug and drain: Make sure that none of the appliances are connected to power, gas or water supplies.
- Clean inside and out: Remove any food and or detergent residue from fridges, washing machines and ovens.
- Secure moving parts: Tape doors shut or remove them entirely for safety, especially when getting rid of fridges and freezers.
- Remove batteries: Don’t dispose of an appliance before taking the batteries out.
Following these steps makes disposing of appliances safer, smoother and more environmentally responsible.
So, can you really put appliance in a skip? The short answer is: sometimes.
As a rule, items like washing machines, ovens and dishwashers are usually fine, while appliances like fridges and freezers require special handling because of the materials they contain. It’s also important that your chosen skip hire company has the right processes in place.
The good news? At PP O’Connor Skip Hire, we know exactly how to handle every type of appliance – safely, legally and with the environment in mind. If you’re not sure what’s allowed, just give us a call on the number below.
Need A Hand Getting Rid of Old Appliances?
We offer next-day skip hire across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, and we will advise you on exactly what can (and can’t) go in the hired skip. Whether you’re clearing out your home or swapping out your white goods, we’re here to make it easy.
Call us today on 0161 945 4668 or hire a skip online through our website to book your skip with confidence.
