You can put glass in a skip, and we have a few suggestions to make disposing of glass safer for yourself and those dealing with it when it returns to the waste management site for processing and recycling.
This article will cover all types of glass you might need to get rid of, how best to do it and any safety tips and equipment you need.
How to dispose of different types of glass in a skip safely
Greenhouse glass
Greenhouse glass can be disposed of in a skip along with the frame. Try to keep the glass in large pieces and avoid breaking it down as much as possible.
Adding some tape to the larger sheets of glass can help keep it together if it breaks.
If you have any other garden waste to dispose of after taking the greenhouse down, check out our garden waste clearance guide if you need help and advice on what to do with it.
Glass bottles
Glass bottles are fine to go in a skip. However, please ensure they’re empty and haven’t had any toxic or hazardous residues left in them.
Try to keep them in one piece, avoid smashing them, and put the lids on if possible.
Broken glass
Broken glass can be disposed of in a skip. Just try to keep the glass in larger pieces.
A container such as a cardboard box can be a great way to keep all the glass in one place and help prevent accidents.
Glass doors
Glass doors are safe to put in a skip, and It doesn’t matter if it’s an internal or external door.
The glass, door frame, locks, handles, and hinges are all fine.
The frame material doesn’t matter. It can be wood, PVC, or metal. Once It’s back at the processing plant, It will be stripped down, and each item will be processed and recycled. You can see how we process different waste streams if you want to know how we deal with them.
Glass tables and furniture
Glass tables can be disposed of in a skip along with the frame, although not all glass tables can be recycled. If you have any other furniture or household items with glass, they can be put in a skip too.
Try to keep the glass in one piece. The table will be broken down into different waste streams when it’s back on site. Providing the table fits in the skip and doesn’t stick out, it’s OK to dispose of it in a skip.
Glass mirrors
You can dispose of a glass mirror in a skip, but it would be better to repurpose it if possible.
Check with your friends, family, and neighbours to see if anyone could use it. Failing that, you can always take it to a charity shop.
Mirrors can be challenging to recycle, so it’s always best to repurpose them if you can.
If you put it in the skip, add it at the end to minimise the breakage.
Glass windows
Glass windows can be disposed of in a skip. However, it’s also best to keep them in one piece if possible and place some tape on the glass to help keep the shards together if it breaks.
The type of glass window thrown in the skip doesn’t matter. Single glazed, double glazed and coloured or stained glass is OK to go in a skip.
The frame can go in with it, which is usually preferable as it can help keep the glass in one piece. Much like doors, it doesn’t matter if there is metal, wood, or PVC framing. It can all be processed back at the waste disposal plant.
Toughened glass
Toughened glass can go in a skip. Be careful when handling it, though. Due to its manufacturing process, it’s likely to shatter when it breaks.
Toughened glass can’t be recycled due to the extreme heat used in its manufacture. But It can be disposed of in a skip and will be safely processed.
What to do if the glass is mixed in with other waste
It’s OK to throw glass with mixed waste in a skip providing the mixed waste isn’t contaminated and doesn’t contain any prohibited items. So rubble, soil, plastic and most other rubbish are fine.
Check out our restricted items FAQ section if you’re unsure about what can’t go in a skip.
How to safely dispose of glass in a skip
It’s essential to handle glass safely when disposing of it, and we have a few tips on what you can do to protect yourselves and others.
Gloves
A pair of gloves is a must when it comes to glass disposal. They won’t only protect your hands and wrists, but they will allow you to work a lot faster.
You’ll be able to find a pair of glass handling gloves either online or in a hardware store. They cost only a few pounds, so they’re worth the investment.
Eye protection
Safety glasses are cheap and available online and in-store too. They’re also handy to have around the house, so it’s worth the purchase if you don’t have a pair.
Clothing
You don’t need special clothing, just something sensible that covers your legs and upper body. A decent jumper, jeans, boots, or other robust footwear are acceptable.
Boxing & Taping
You can put all your glass in a cardboard box, label it, and tape it up. If the glass is too big, placing a few lengths of tape over it before it goes in the skip can help keep it together if it breaks.
If you can’t box it up, then add the glass last. It’s far less likely to get crushed and broken on top of the skip which makes processing it much easier.
After the skip has been collected
Always check the surrounding area after the skip has been collected. Not only could rubbish have fallen out, but there are drainage holes at the bottom of the skip.
If there was a lot of glass at the bottom of the skip and it’s been broken up so it’s small enough to fall through, you may have some small pieces of glass left behind. Make sure to clear them up so no people or wildlife get injured.
We’ve hopefully answered any questions or concerns you had about putting glass in a skip. If you’re in the southeast and looking for skip hire, don’t hesitate to contact us or check out our skip selector.
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