Why Can’t Electricals Go in a Skip?

During a house renovation, it is not uncommon for homeowners to part ways with electrical equipment and replace them with brand new alternatives. With this said, it is important that people dispose of these materials in the most effective and environmentally friendly way possible as the majority of household electronics are not suitable for placing in a skip. Here at PWM Skip Hire, we want to ensure that our readers understand why. Read on to find out more information…

Which electrics cannot be placed in a skip?

The average person has over a dozen electrical items inside their home and these span from large bulky pieces of equipment to small household appliances that can be held in one hand. Some of the most common electrics that people tend to incorrectly place in a skip include refrigerators, microwaves, electrical ovens, washing machines, irons, toasters and even vacuum cleaners.

Why aren’t electrics suitable for skip disposal?

Knowingly placing hazardous and harmful materials into a skip is prohibited and that is why the majority of electrical items are not safe for skip disposal. After all, most of them are made up of an array of different components that can be dangerous when not disposed of at a specialist facility. For example, batteries have a number of harmful materials like mercury and zinc coursing through them which is why incorrect disposal of electronics can have devastating effects on the environment.

What is WEEE recycling?

Since electrical items are not permitted for skip disposal, the government has introduced an alternative solution in a bid to reduce the amount harmful materials that enter landfill and affect the environment. WEEE recycling is a program that divides Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment into 10 categories and has been in use since 2005. The directive uses a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and means that the retailer is obliged to take back the items and recycle them accordingly.

Here at PWM Skip Hire, we recognise that it can be frustrating for clients to discover that large and bulky household items like refrigerators and lighting equipment cannot be placed inside a skip. After all, this is often the most convenient way to dispose of them without accumulating an expensive bill in the process. With this said, safety is the number one priority when it comes to skip hire and that is why it is important that electricals are discarded properly. To find out more information, get in contact with the best skip hire Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the PWM team today!