Getting rid of unwanted items at home, renovating or tackling a garden project often generates more waste than you can handle alone. Hiring a skip bin is the best way to manage large volumes of rubbish efficiently and safely. But before filling up a bin, it is very important to know what can and can’t be put in a skip bin to avoid extra charges or safety hazards.
This guide breaks down the different types of skip bins, the waste each can accept, and what must never go in a bin.
Types of Skip Bins and What You Can Put in Them
Skip bins come in all kinds of types and sizes to match what you need for getting rid of rubbish. Picking the right kind makes sure your waste gets dealt with safely quickly and by the rules. Knowing what goes in each skip bin and what stays out helps you skip fines, added costs and any danger spots.
General Waste Skip Bins
Purpose: General waste skip bins are made for normal stuff from homes and offices. They work great for clearing out clutter doing a big spring clean or sorting office junk. These bins take loads of safe everyday items so they fit well for houses or business spots. When you use a general waste skip bin you can pile all your rubbish in one easy spot which makes pick up and dumping simpler and keeps your place tidy and clear.
Items you can put in a general waste skip bin:
- Old furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- Household junk (books, toys, kitchenware, décor)
- White goods (washing machines, fridges, microwaves)
- Clothing, linen, towels, bedding
- Office furniture (desks, chairs)
- Cardboard and paper
Items you cannot put in a general waste skip bin:
- Bricks, concrete, soil
- Hazardous waste (asbestos, chemicals, paints, oils)
- Gas bottles
- Medical waste (needles, syringes)
- Liquids or food waste
Builders/Construction Skip Bins
Purpose: Builders or construction skip bins are made for renovation demolition and construction jobs. They can take heavy, big and thick stuff that comes from building or fixing up work. When you use a builders skip bin it keeps the rubbish safe in one spot. That makes your work area cleaner, safer and neater while you follow the local rubbish rules.
Items you can put in a builders skip bin:
- Concrete, bricks, tiles, and pavers
- Timber, wood, plaster
- Metal and steel
- General construction debris
Items you cannot put in a builders skip bin:
- Organic waste and food
- Liquids (paints, oils, chemicals)
- Hazardous materials
- Gas bottles
Green Waste Skip Bins
Purpose: Green waste skip bins are made to handle natural stuff from gardens, lawns and yard jobs. They work great for home owners, gardeners or companies that need to throw out grass clippings, branches and other plant bits that break down on their own. Getting a green waste skip bin keeps your yard clean and makes sure all the plant stuff stays separate so it can go to recycling or composting which cuts down on what ends up in the rubbish dumps.
Items you can put in a green waste skip bin:
- Grass clippings, leaves, and weeds
- Branches, shrubs, hedge trimmings
- Garden pruning
Items you cannot put in a green waste skip bin:
- Large tree stumps or logs
- Rocks, bricks, and stones
- Treated or painted timber
- Hazardous materials
Dirt/Soil Skip Bins
Purpose: Dirt and soil skip bins are made just for outside jobs like fixing up the garden, digging holes or changing the yard. These bins work great for getting rid of normal dirt, sand clay and rocks in a safe quick way. When you use a special dirt soil bin you stop mixing it with other rubbish and make loading, moving and reusing the stuff much simpler. These bins keep your work spot tidy and help you follow the rules for throwing things away.
Items you can put in a dirt/soil skip bin:
- Natural soil, sand, clay, and rocks
- Small amounts of turf (if less than 10% of bin volume)
Items you cannot put in a dirt/soil skip bin:
- Organic waste
- General or construction waste
- Contaminated soil
- Hazardous materials
Concrete/Brick Skip Bins
Purpose: Concrete and brick skip bins are made to deal with heavy thick stuff from knocking down walls or fixing up buildings. These bins give you a safe quick way to gather up and get rid of concrete bricks and other stone junk without breaking other rubbish boxes or trucks. Picking a skip just for concrete and brick makes throwing stuff out easier, cuts down on dangers when lifting and keeps you following the rules for heavy loads.
Items you can put in a concrete/brick skip bin:
- Concrete slabs and blocks
- Roof tiles and pavers
- Bricks
Items you cannot put in a concrete/brick skip bin:
- Soil or dirt
- Organic or household waste
- Hazardous materials
Specialized Items
Some items require separate handling or additional charges:
- Mattresses – accepted by most providers but often need prior notice.
- Car tyres – may incur extra fees.
- Gas bottles – must be disposed of at designated recycling facilities.
- E-waste – computers, TVs, and appliances sometimes require specialized bins.
Items That Should Never Go in Any Skip Bin
No matter the type of bin, certain items are strictly prohibited:
- Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials
- Chemicals, paints, oils, and other hazardous liquids
- Gas bottles and flammable materials
- Medical waste, needles, and syringes
- Food waste and other putrescible materials
These items pose safety hazards and can damage the environment if not disposed of properly. Always contact a licensed professional or council-approved disposal facility for these items.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Skip Bin Use
Using a skip bin safely and efficiently ensures your waste is managed properly, prevents accidents, and helps you avoid extra costs. Following a few simple guidelines can make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Do Not Overfill
Always keep the waste level with the top of the bin. Overfilling can be dangerous during transport and may result in spillage, fines, or even damage to the bin and surrounding property.
Separate Materials
Segregating recyclables, garden waste, and construction materials not only helps the environment but can also save you money. Different materials may require separate bins, so sorting beforehand makes disposal easier.
Check Local Regulations
Some councils have specific rules about certain types of waste, including hazardous materials and green waste. Always check local regulations to ensure you’re compliant and avoid potential fines.
Notify Your Provider
If you’re disposing of heavy, bulky, or hazardous items, inform your skip bin provider in advance. They can advise on the appropriate bin size, safe handling, and any extra charges that may apply.
Weight Limits
Every skip bin has a weight capacity. Exceeding this limit can result in fines, additional fees, or even refusal of collection. Be mindful of the bin’s restrictions and distribute heavy materials evenly.
FAQs
Q1: Can I put mattresses in a skip bin?
Yes, most skip bin providers accept mattresses, but you should notify them in advance to ensure proper disposal.
Q2: Can I dispose of concrete or soil?
Concrete and soil require specialized bins. Use concrete/brick or dirt/soil skip bins to dispose of these materials safely.
Q3: What happens if prohibited items are in my skip bin?
Prohibited items like asbestos, chemicals, or gas bottles may result in fines, extra charges, or refusal of collection. Always check with your provider.
Q4: Can I put e-waste in my skip bin?
Some providers accept electronics, but it’s best to use a dedicated e-waste bin to ensure responsible recycling.
Conclusion
Knowing what you can put in a skip bin helps you save time, avoid fines, and dispose of waste responsibly. From household clutter to construction debris and garden waste, there’s a skip bin to suit every project.
Vic Metro Bin Hire are experts in skip bin hire across Melbourne. Contact us today to get the right bin for your needs and enjoy hassle-free waste removal. Get a free quote now!