01506 653355 info@totalrecyclingscotland.co.uk
Mon – Fri: 07:30 – 17:45

Skip Hire — Accepted &
Prohibited Waste Guide

Please review before booking your skip. Understanding what can and cannot go in our skips helps us process your waste safely, legally, and in compliance with SEPA regulations.

SEPA Registered Waste Carrier Environmental Protection Act 1990 Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 Duty of Care Compliant

Accepted Waste Materials

The following materials are generally accepted in our skips. All waste must be non-hazardous and comply with SEPA guidelines. A Waste Transfer Note is provided with every collection.

  • Furniture (tables, chairs, shelving)
  • Carpets and underlay
  • Clothing and textiles
  • Broken household goods
  • Non-electrical toys and equipment
  • Bricks, blocks and rubble
  • Concrete and cement
  • Tiles, ceramics and porcelain
  • Timber and wooden doors
  • Metal piping and fixtures
  • Plasterboard (check restrictions — may require separate skip)
  • Soil and turf
  • Branches, hedge cuttings and leaves
  • Small tree trunks and roots
  • Grass cuttings
  • Plants and shrubs
  • Old radiators
  • Metal bed frames and shelving
  • Metal piping and guttering
  • Non-hazardous scrap metal
  • Cardboard and packaging
  • Paper and magazines
  • Plastic items (non-hazardous)
  • Glass (non-windscreen)
  • Wood and timber offcuts
Not sure if your item is accepted?
Call us on 01506 653355 before loading.

Prohibited Items — Do Not Place in Skip

The following items are strictly prohibited under UK waste regulations and SEPA guidelines. Placing prohibited items in a skip may result in collection refusal, additional removal charges, or prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  • Chemicals, solvents and pesticides
  • Paint, varnish and lacquers
  • Oil, fuel and petroleum products
  • Adhesives and resins
Why: These pose serious risks to health, the environment and our processing staff. They require specialist licensed disposal.
  • Televisions and monitors
  • Computers, laptops and tablets
  • Fridges, freezers and white goods
  • Washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Microwaves and small appliances
  • Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs
Why: WEEE Regulations require specialist recycling. These items contain hazardous components including refrigerants, mercury and lead.
  • All battery types (car, household, lithium)
  • Gas cylinders and propane bottles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Aerosol cans (pressurised)
Why: Risk of explosion, fire or toxic leakage during transport and processing.
  • Car, van and lorry tyres
  • Motorcycle tyres
  • Vehicle parts containing oils or fluids
Why: Tyres are banned from landfill under UK regulations and require dedicated recycling routes.
  • Needles, syringes and sharps
  • Medication and pharmaceuticals
  • Contaminated dressings or PPE
  • Biological or infectious waste
Why: Clinical waste is classified as hazardous and must be disposed of via licensed clinical waste services.
  • Liquid waste of any kind
  • Cooking oils and grease
  • Food waste and organic matter
  • Animal waste or carcasses
Why: Liquids contaminate recyclable materials. Food waste attracts vermin and creates biosecurity risks.
Unsure about an item?
Call us on 01506 653355 before loading your skip.
!

Restricted Items — Conditions Apply

These items may be accepted under specific conditions. Please contact us before loading them into your skip to avoid delays, additional charges, or collection refusal.

!

Asbestos & Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)

Accepted only in a dedicated, lockable enclosed skip arranged specifically for asbestos disposal. Cannot be mixed with any other waste. Prior written authorisation from Total Recycling Scotland is required before booking. All asbestos work must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and be carried out by a licensed contractor. Additional charges and documentation apply.

!

Plasterboard & Gypsum

Accepted in dedicated plasterboard-only skips. Cannot be mixed with general waste as it produces hydrogen sulphide gas when combined with biodegradable waste in landfill.

!

Mattresses

May be accepted subject to prior arrangement and an additional disposal charge. Please inform us at time of booking.

!

Upholstered Seating

Due to 2023 legislation changes, sofas, armchairs, stools and similar items may require separate arrangements. Contact us before loading.

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Soil, Rubble & Heavy Materials

Accepted in 8 Yard skips only. Not permitted in 14 Yard or 40 Yard skips due to weight restrictions.

Skip Size Weight Restrictions

Skip Size Soil / Rubble Heavy Construction General / Mixed
8 Yard
8 Yard Enclosed
14 Yard
14 Yard Enclosed
20 Yard RoRo
40 Yard RoRo
Not sure about restrictions?
Call us on 01506 653355 before booking.

Terms & Conditions — Skip Hire Waste Acceptance Policy

Total Recycling Scotland (Part of DEM Master Demolition Ltd) — Effective March 2026

1. Definitions

"Customer" refers to the individual or business hiring the skip. "Company" refers to Total Recycling Scotland, part of DEM Master Demolition Ltd, Pottishaw Place, Whitehill Industrial Estate, Bathgate EH48 2EN. "Skip" refers to any waste container hired from the Company. "Waste Transfer Note" (WTN) means the legally required document provided with every collection under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) (Scotland) Regulations 2014.


2. Accepted Waste

Skips may be used for non-hazardous general household waste, construction and demolition debris, garden waste, metals, timber, cardboard, plastics, glass, and other inert materials. All waste must comply with SEPA regulations and the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012. The Customer must ensure no prohibited items are placed in the skip.


3. Prohibited Waste

The following are strictly prohibited from general skips: chemicals, solvents, pesticides; paints, varnishes, lacquers; oils, fuels, petroleum products; all electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE); batteries of any type; gas cylinders, propane bottles, fire extinguishers; tyres; clinical or medical waste; liquid waste; food waste; animal waste or carcasses. This list is not exhaustive — if you are unsure, contact us before loading.


4. Restricted Items

Certain items may be accepted subject to prior arrangement and may incur additional charges. These include: asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) — accepted only in a dedicated lockable enclosed skip with prior written authorisation and in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012; plasterboard and gypsum products (require a dedicated skip); mattresses; upholstered seating and furniture (subject to 2023 disposal legislation); and heavy materials in larger skips. The Company reserves the right to refuse any item at its discretion.


5. Weight & Loading Restrictions

Skips must not be loaded above the fill line. Overloaded skips cannot be collected safely and will not be removed until the load is reduced. The Customer is responsible for ensuring the skip is loaded safely and does not present a hazard. Heavy materials such as soil, rubble, and concrete are only permitted in 8 Yard and 20 Yard skips.


6. Customer Obligations

The Customer is legally responsible for all waste deposited in their skip, including any waste added by third parties. The Customer must take reasonable steps to prevent fly-tipping into the skip. Failure to prevent the deposit of prohibited materials remains the Customer's responsibility under the Duty of Care regulations. The Customer must provide accurate information about the type and nature of waste at the time of booking.


7. Contamination & Additional Charges

If prohibited or undeclared items are found in the skip, the Company reserves the right to: refuse collection until items are removed; charge additional fees for specialist removal and disposal; pass on any fines or penalties imposed by regulatory bodies. Contamination of recyclable waste may result in the entire skip load being classified as non-recyclable, incurring higher disposal charges.


8. Regulatory Compliance

Total Recycling Scotland is a SEPA Registered Waste Carrier. All waste collected is processed at our licensed Waste Transfer Station in Bathgate. A Waste Transfer Note is provided with every collection for full audit trail compliance. The Company operates in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) (Scotland) Regulations 2014.


9. Environmental Commitment

All waste collected is segregated for recycling at our own facility. We are committed to maximising recyclable material recovery and minimising landfill waste. By adhering to these terms, Customers help us maintain high recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.


10. Liability

The Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or delay caused by the presence of prohibited items in the skip. The Customer indemnifies the Company against any claims, fines, or penalties arising from the deposit of prohibited or hazardous waste in the hired skip.

Please accept the terms above to continue
Unsure about an item?
Call 01506 653355 or email info@totalrecyclingscotland.co.uk
Total Recycling Scotland
Pottishaw Place, Whitehill Industrial Estate
Bathgate EH48 2EN