When it comes to removing waste, you might think it’s as easy as throwing it in the bin and waiting for it to be collected and taken away.

Whilst you wouldn’t far off, it’s not completely correct. Especially if it’s a big enough amount of waste, it requires you to hire a skip bin.

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, builder, renovator or interior designer, if you’re working on a something which requires a skip bin, you should understand what the limitations are.

1. It’s possible to be overloaded

Skip bins are available in volumes, meaning you can hire the size based on the amount of waste you think you’ll have. It can be easy to just pile everything in and overload the bin, however if the rubbish goes above the rim your bin will get left behind. This is because there are legal restrictions about how full a bin can be before it’s carried away. And because overloaded bins are a hazard to safety – both for those removing it and the general public – any skip bin hire company is not allowed to transport them. In fact, if they do, they can incur heavy fines.

2. There are certain materials that can’t go in

Certain materials are hazardous and not safe to transport in skip bins. Because of this, they’re banned from being taken away in one. The types of materials that are not allowed in a skip bin are:

a. Asbestos –As soon as you suspect asbestos is present, stop work immediately and call in specialist asbestos removals.

b. Batteries

c. Liquids

d. Car tyres

e. Gas bottles

f. Food wastes

g. Fibro

3. You can’t just leave it anywhere without permission

If you don’t have the room on your property to store the bin and need to leave it on public land, you’ll need a council permit. Speak to your skip bin hire company and they should be able to advise you on what’s needed.

4. There are time limitations

If you’re renting a skip bin, there will be a rental time limit. Once you’ve decided you need a skip, you’ll need to estimate the amount of time you think it will take. And when the job has finished, don’t forget to call for collection as if you go over the deadline, you may have to pay extra.

5. You can’t just throw it in as you remove it

Most people don’t realise there’s a method to loading a skip bin. It’s easy to just expect to be able to chuck everything in and it be ok. But doing this means you won’t make the most of space you have. Plus, it can cause safety issues too.

Sort your waste before you put it in the bin. Start with flat items, followed by larger items and then place smaller items on the top. There are walk in skips available which can make loading a lot easier.