Hiring a skip bin is a convenient solution to waste disposal. Whether you need it for personal or business use, skip bins offer a clean, fast and affordable way to manage your general household waste or waste generated through business.

Let’s look first at how skip hire works; by understanding the process, you will better understand how to fill your skip bin.

How do skip bins work?

Skip bin hire is simple to understand once you’ve booked your first skip bin online.

The things which you need to take into consideration are as follows –

  • Which waste types you have to dispose of
  • How much skip space you’re going to need
  • Where you will place the skip bin

Waste type matters because skip bin companies offer different skip bins depending on waste type.

There are a number of skip bin types as follows-

  • General waste
  • Green waste
  • Concrete/brick
  • Soil/dirt
  • Mixed waste

Each skip bin type is available in a variety of sizes. Booking the right size skip bin is important because if you order a skip bin which is too small or large, you’re immediately inconvenienced.

Measuring your rubbish

The way skip bins are measured is in cubic metres. The smallest skip bins are around 2 cubic metres and they will hold about 8 wheelie bins worth of waste.

Then there are many more skip bin sizes going all the way up to 30 cubic metres. Most people don’t need huge bins though.

Mixed materials go into mixed skip bins. This is a good skip bin for those who are clearing a house. House clearances tend to produce a variety of rubbish such as old furniture, tiles, glass, metal and more.

For convenience, mixed skip bins are ideal. The other, more specialist skip bins are great for building or gardening projects where a large amount of one type of waste is generated.

Which waste types?

Decide which type and size of skip bin will be best for your project and then choose a day and time for delivery.

When you book, you will be able to specify which day and roughly what time your skip bin will arrive. When the skip bin truck arrives, you can be at home to greet it or not. Your booking form will allow you to specify where you want it to be placed. If you have any concerns about this, be sure to contact your supplier prior to delivery.

Permits – do you need one for a skip bin?

Probably not; if you’re using a skip bin at home, as long as you don’t park it on public land, you will not require a permit.

If you want to place your skip bin on the nature strip, street or other public area, then a permit will be needed. They’re not expensive and your local council will supply one if you make an application.

How to fill your skip bin

Filling a skip isn’t quite so simple as simply throwing rubbish into the skip and walking away.

You need to consider what to put in first so that you make the most of the available space.

Also, you should consider what type of waste you’re disposing of. Even mixed skips cannot accept all waste and general waste isn’t good for everything either.

Prohibited waste

For example, hazardous waste cannot be thrown into a skip and forgotten about. Hazardous materials include the following –

  • Asbestos
  • Batteries
  • Fluorescent light tubes
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Chemicals
  • Flammable liquids

These things can cause health issues or are a fire hazard. Or, as in the case of oils and paints, require special treatments to dispose of safely.

If you do have any of the above items, contact your local council and find out where you can dispose of them. But remember, asbestos should never be handled by unqualified people.

Packing your skip bin correctly

The best approach to avoiding overfilled skips or underfilled skips is to pack flat objects into the skip first and add bulky items later.

This means items such as doors and unwanted timber which can lie flat. Be sure to break down furniture as much as possible. This means you can pack it inside in an organised manner, and use up as much space as possible.

Then you can force lighter rubbish and soft objects into any gaps which are left and maximise space. Never go over the fill line of your skip.

Skips which are piled over the safety limit can cause you to be charged more for your skip hire. You want your skip to save time and you want to get your money’s worth – so pack with care so you have a completely full bin.

Green waste and skips

Green waste skips are great for big garden projects. If you’ve ever had to clear an overgrown garden then you’ll know just how much rubbish can be generated.

Once you start redesigning a garden it can feel like a massive clean up project but skip hire can ease your load considerably.

Organic tips

Green waste includes grass clippings, leaves, tree branches, dead plants, tree stumps, bark chips, palm fronds and more.

A good tip for organic waste is to never let it get wet. This can affect weight restrictions and add a considerable amount of weight to your skip.

If you can’t immediately utilise a skip but have a lot of organic waste, cover it and protect it from rain as much as possible.

Recyclable waste management

If you’re keen to do your bit for the environment, then you’ll like skip bin hire even more! Much of what is disposed of in skips is also recycled after collection and that includes organic waste.

Filling your skip with rubbish in the knowledge that much of it will be recycled, is a great feeling.

If you make multiple dump runs yourself, then you’re not only wasting your time but building up your carbon footprint. Skips allow you to dispose of a lot of rubbish with only one vehicle making the journey.

Transport costs are another consideration – you’re paying for fuel with every dump run.

Top tips for skips

Some final thoughts and tips regarding your skip hire.

  • Stick to your weight limit – if you’re not sure, then ask your contractor what the weight capacity is
  • Pack rubbish thoughtfully and carefully
  • Place loose items in and around bulkier things
  • Electronic equipment can be reused and recycled, check with your council
  • Avoid additional costs by letting your contractor know in advance if you have mattresses or white goods
  • If you have extra space in your skip, double check your property to see if there’s anything else you could add
  • Not finished the job on time? Contact your supplier and ask for an alternative pickup date
  • Get the right skip for your needs – check all the skip types carefully
  • Bulky items such as filing cabinets and big household junk can be wheeled into the skip with a wheelbarrow if there is a rear opening
  • Make sure you have the correct waste type for your bin hire
  • Remember, overfilled skip bins can result in extra charges – fill yours with care
  • Always ask questions – a friendly and experienced team will be more than happy to assist