What Is A Skip Bin In Australia?

A skip bin is a large, open-topped container used for collecting and disposing of large amounts of waste in one trip. These bins are common for construction, renovation, and big clean-up projects.

Shape and Design

Skip bins are usually rectangular or trapezoidal, with sloping sides or floors to make loading and unloading easier. They have lugs on each side to lift them onto or off trucks.

Common Skip Bin Sizes

Skip bins come in different sizes depending on the waste type and project size: – 2 m³ (Mini Skip): Holds about 25-35 black bin bags, good for small household or garden clean-ups. – 4 m³ (Medium Skip): Can handle 45-55 black bin bags, ideal for small refurbishments or garden waste. – 6 m³ (Builders Skip): Fits around 60-70 black bin bags, perfect for house clearances or larger refurbishments. – Hook Lift Skip Bins: Range from 4 m³ to 30 m³, mainly used for industrial and commercial waste.

Types of Skip Bins

• Open Skips: Common on construction sites for easy waste loading.
• Closed Skips: Prevent overloading and unauthorized use.
• Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) Skips: Large industrial containers that roll onto trucks with a hook.
• Mobile Skip Bins: Mounted on trailers for easy transport in residential areas.
• Hook Lift Bins: Large bins lifted by hydraulic arms, mostly used in commercial settings.

Skip bins are essential for managing various types of waste, such as household, garden, construction, and industrial debris. They are delivered and collected by trucks, with waste often sorted for recycling or sent to landfills.

History of Skip Bins

The term “skip” comes from the Old Norse word “skeppa”, meaning a basket, or “skjópr”, meaning to throw. The concept of skip bins dates back to the Industrial Revolution in Europe, where coal miners used large baskets called “skeps” to hold coal. Over time, these baskets were replaced by bigger metal containers, similar to modern skip bins.

Early 20th Century Developments

• In 1895, Edwin Walker, a St. Louis blacksmith, patented a “tilting container for garbage or refuse.” In 1913, George E. Johnson patented a “steel container for handling garbage and refuse,” setting the stage for today’s skip bins.
• In the 1920s, Southport, England, introduced large metal containers for waste collection. A truck company employee came up with the idea of using detachable boxes on vehicles, revolutionizing long-distance waste collection.
• Sir Robert McAlpine brought the concept of using steel containers for construction debris from the U.S. to the UK, which quickly became a common practice in the construction industry.

Mid-20th Century Innovations

By the 1960s, the skip hire industry grew with the use of larger vehicles and better methods for loading and unloading. Various skip sizes like mini, midi, and maxi skips became popular. In the 1970s, companies like Biffa and George Cross & Co began importing durable metal skips from Germany, improving waste management for households.

Regulations and Modernization

In 1971, new UK regulations required skips to be painted yellow for visibility and safety. The introduction of hydraulic winches and mechanical arms, such as the Dempster-Dumpmaster, made skip bin operations more efficient by reducing the need for manual labor.

Today, the skip hire industry is a multi-billion-pound sector, essential to both domestic and commercial waste management worldwide.

Types of Skip Bins

Marrel Skip Bins

• Sizes: These bins range from 2 to 17 cubic metres.
• Usage: Suitable for both homes and businesses, they handle general waste, mixed waste, green waste, soil, and building materials like rubble, concrete, and bricks.
• Characteristics: Marrel bins are high-sided and relatively short, taking up about the same space as a car. They fit well on residential properties.

Hook Lift Skip Bins

• Sizes: Available from 4 to 30 cubic metres.
• Usage: Ideal for large waste loads, commonly used in construction and demolition projects.
• Characteristics: These bins have long, straight sides with walk-in access at the rear. They need a large hook for delivery and require a significant clearance area—about 15 metres in length and 6 metres in height.

Mobile Skip Bins

• Sizes: Usually smaller and trailer-mounted.
• Usage: Perfect for residential areas and smaller clean-up tasks, as they’re flexible in terms of placement and don’t need special permits.
• Characteristics: Mounted on wheels, mobile skip bins are easy to move and fit into tight spaces, such as underground parking or under carports.

Mini Skips

• Sizes: Typically between 1.5 and 2 cubic metres.
• Usage: Ideal for small projects, like garden clean-ups or minor home renovations.

Walk-In Skips

• Feature: These bins have hinged doors, making it easy to load heavy or bulky items.
• Usage: Commonly used for major home renovations and construction projects.

Choosing the Right Skip Bin

When choosing a skip bin, consider key factors like the waste volume, project type, and local regulations. Here’s a guide to help you decide:

Assess Your Waste Volume

Estimate the waste your project will create: – Home cleanout: Typically produces smaller amounts of household waste. – Garden work: May include green waste like branches and leaves. – Construction job: Likely involves heavier materials like bricks or concrete.

Calculate Waste Volume

To visualize waste volume, a pile measuring 1.6m x 1.8m x 1.3m equals about 3.75 cubic metres. In this case, a 4 cubic metre bin would work well.

Project Scale

The size of your project helps determine the bin size: – Small projects: Like garage cleanouts or garden work, need a 2-4 cubic metre bin. – Medium projects: Bathroom renovations or moving houses may need a 5 cubic metre bin. – Large projects: Such as home renovations or construction, might need 6-10 cubic metre bins.

Bin Access and Loading Techniques

• Hinged door bins: Ideal for heavy or bulky items, making loading easier.
• Efficient loading: Break large items down, place heavy materials at the bottom, and lighter ones on top to save space.
• Avoid overfilling: Overfilled bins can lead to unsafe transport and extra costs.

Local Regulations and Permits

• Check regulations: Review local rules on bin sizes and placement, especially if it’s on public property. A permit may be required.

Weight Restrictions and Waste Types

• Weight limits: Watch both the volume and weight of your bin to avoid extra charges or safety issues.
• Waste types: Different waste, like construction debris or household waste, may need different bin sizes.

Skip Bin Permits and Regulations

In Australia, placing a skip bin on Council land, like roads, footpaths, or nature strips, requires a permit. However, you don’t need one if the skip bin is on private property or a driveway..

Permit Application and Requirements

• Skip bin permits are issued to contractors, not residents. Contractors must apply and may need to show proof of public liability insurance covering at least $20 million.
• Applications are usually available online, but contractors need to register with the Council first.
• Permit applications must be submitted at least 48 business hours before placing the skip bin.

Permit Fees (Examples by Location)

• City of Port Phillip: $35 application fee and $30 per day.
• City of Kingston: $103 application fee, with $32 per day or $133 per week.
• City of Whitehorse: Permit cost is included in the bin hire charge, but $45 per day applies for bins in metered parking spaces.

Skip Bin Placement Guidelines

• Skip bins must follow the VicRoads Code of Practice when placed on roadsides.
• A minimum of 3 metres must be kept clear for vehicle access.
• Skip bins must not block pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, or obstruct a driver’s view.
• Reflective markings must be on all top corners and opposite ends of the bin.
• Flashing yellow lights are required on bins placed on main roads or poorly lit areas.
• The skip bin must display the contractor’s name and contact information.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Placing a skip bin on Council land without a permit can lead to fines of up to $1000.
• Skip bins not meeting permit conditions may be impounded, and the skip bin owner will cover all associated costs.

Additional Permits for Building Works

• Other permits, like a Street Occupation Permit or Work Zone Permit, might be needed during construction projects.
• A valid Work Zone Permit allows skip bin placement in a designated work zone without needing a separate skip bin permit.

Restrictions

• Shipping containers are not allowed on roads or Council land due to their size and potential safety risks.

Size of Skip Bins

Skip bins come in various sizes to suit different waste disposal needs, from small home projects to large commercial clean-ups. Picking the right size helps manage waste efficiently and avoids extra costs from overfilling. Here are the common skip bin sizes available in Australia:

• 2 cubic metres: Best for small household tasks like yard clean-ups or minor renovations. This size holds about 8 wheelie bins or 2 trailer loads of waste.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 1.8m (L) x 1.5m (W) x 0.9m (H)

• 3 cubic metres: Often used for small renovations such as bathroom or laundry remodels, commonly by builders or plumbers.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 2.6m (L) x 1.5m (W) x 1.0m (H)

• 4 cubic metres: Suitable for moving out of an apartment, disposing of old furniture, or handling small renovations.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 3.3m (L) x 1.5m (W) x 1.0m (H)

• 6 cubic metres: Ideal for larger household clean-ups or renovations, like moving out of a house.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 3.7m (L) x 1.6m (W) x 1.3m (H)

• 8 cubic metres: Great for bigger renovation projects or large waste disposal during house moves.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 3.7m (L) x 1.6m (W) x 1.65m (H)

• 9 cubic metres: Typically used for large house clearances or commercial jobs.

  • Dimensions: Approximately 4.2m (L) x 1.6m (W) x 1.5m (H)

• 12 cubic metres: Meant for large commercial or industrial waste disposal tasks.

  • Dimensions may vary but are generally larger than 9 cubic metre bins.

Additional Considerations:

• Drop-door skips: Available in different sizes, these have a door that opens for easier loading, making them useful for projects needing manual handling of heavy items.
• Waste type and quantity: Always consider both the type and volume of waste when choosing a skip bin size. Overfilling is illegal and may lead to extra charges, so if in doubt, opt for a slightly larger bin.

Benefits of Using Skip Bins

Using skip bins offers many benefits, making waste management easier and more affordable for both homes and businesses.

• Convenient Waste Collection and Delivery: Skip bins are dropped off at your location and picked up when full. This saves you from making multiple trips to the landfill, saving time and effort.

• Reduces Transportation Efforts: Hiring a skip bin means you don’t have to use your personal vehicle to haul waste. This is especially helpful when dealing with large amounts of waste.

• Handles Large Volumes of Waste: Skip bins come in various sizes, from smaller 4-yard bins for small cleanups to large 50-yard bins for big construction projects. They’re perfect for renovations, garden clearouts, and construction sites.

• Good for Residential and Commercial Use: Whether it’s for home cleanups or large commercial jobs, skip bins offer an efficient way to store large amounts of waste, providing a practical solution for all disposal needs.

• Cost-Effective: Though hiring a skip may seem pricey at first, it often saves money compared to other waste removal options. It includes costs like fuel, transportation, and waste storage, avoiding multiple trips to a landfill.

• Handles Various Types of Waste: Skip bins can hold different types of waste, including general rubbish, green waste, construction debris, and recyclables. However, hazardous materials are usually not allowed.

• Promotes Recycling: By sorting waste, skip bins encourage recycling, ensuring that recyclable materials go to the right recycling centers.