10 Practical Uses of Skip Bins
Common Applications and Pro Tips
Are you faced with a big clean-up job and don’t know where to start?
Skip bins can be a lifesaver when you need to get rid of a large amount of rubbish.
But with so many options, it can be confusing to know which size and type of skip bin is best for your needs.
ABC Skip Bins Brisbane is here to walk you through the 10 most common uses for skip bins, so you can make an informed decision next time you need to hire one.
We’ll also offer tips on choosing the right skip bin size for each situation. By the end, you’ll be a skip bin expert.
1. Home Renovations
One of the most popular uses for skip bins is during home renovations or refurbishments. When you’re ripping out old fittings and fixtures, the rubbish can really pile up. Skip bins provide an efficient way to dispose of all the unwanted materials.
For minor renovations generating 1-2 cubic metres of different types of waste like green waste or food waste, a mini skip is ideal. Bigger home improvement projects producing 6 or more cubic metres of rubbish will need a large skip bin. Be sure to check council regulations on what can and can’t be placed in skip bins size.
Tip: Order your skip bin early so it’s ready on site for the big demolition day. Position it close to the house for easy access.
2. Major Cleanouts
Sometimes mess and clutter can really build up in homes and businesses. When you need to clear a large amount of unused items and junk, a skip bin is the best solution.
Having a skip bin on site means you can quickly throw unwanted goods straight into the bin as you clean up. You don’t have to worry about making multiple trips to the rubbish tip or trying to find temporary storage space while you sort everything.
For major cleanouts, we recommend at least a 3m3 skip bin. If clearing decades of accumulated possessions, you may even need multiple skip bins over several weeks.
Tip: Set targets for how much you want to declutter each day or week. This will help estimate the skip size and timeframe required.
3. Gardening and Landscaping
Garden waste like tree branches, leaves, weeds and grass clippings can quickly accumulate. While some materials can be composted or reused, it’s not always practical for large volumes.
Renting a skip bin provides a convenient place to dispose of all your garden refuse after a big tidy-up or landscaping project. 2-4m3 skip bins are ideal for most yard waste.
Tip: Use a garden waste-only skip bin if you want to recycle green materials. Otherwise, place yard rubbish in a mixed waste skip.
4. Construction and Demolition
Skip bins are a building site necessity whenever construction or demolition work is taking place.
Having plenty of skips on-site means the crew can quickly dispose of off-cuts, damaged materials, and waste generated during the build. No more trips back and forth to the tip.
4-8m3 skips are commonly used, but larger 10-15m3 bins may be needed for big commercial sites producing huge volumes of waste.
Tip: Position skips in different zones around the site to improve accessibility.
5. Office Refits
When you’re giving the office a makeover, fitout waste can include old furniture, shelving, flooring, electrical, and more. Skip bins provide temporary storage so you don’t have to get rid of each bit of rubbish separately.
For minor cosmetic office refits generating up to 5m3 of waste, a 4m3 skip is usually sufficient. Larger office refurbishments will need bigger 6-8m3 skips.
Tip: Schedule daily skip bin emptying so waste doesn’t overflow during the refit process.
6. Event Waste
Skip bins are useful for managing rubbish at large events like festivals, markets, and shows. With lots of stallholders, exhibitors, and patrons on site, event waste can really add up.
Strategically placed skips throughout the event site make it easy for everyone to keep things tidy. For small community fairs, a mini 1-2m3 skip could work. Larger public events may require multiple front lift 4-8m3 skips.
Tip: Allow for peak waste times e.g. immediately after a major act/performance when crowds leave en masse.
7. Schools and Institutions
Schools, universities, hospitals, and other institutions often have ongoing waste needs. Skip bins allow for efficient management of routine garbage as well as periodic clearouts.
Front lift 2-4m3 skips are useful for typical institution waste. Have larger 6-8m3 skips on standby for periodic cleanouts or renovations. Emptying schedules can be tailored to suit usage patterns.
Tip: Locate skips conveniently for staff access but away from public areas.
8. Retail and Hospitality
Pubs, clubs, restaurants, and shops produce a lot of waste from glass, packaging, and food scraps. Skip bins provide a hygienic on-site disposal method.
To manage routine trading waste, compactors or 2-3m3 skips emptied 2-3 times per week are ideal. Allow extra capacity for periodic disposal of broken equipment, fitouts, and renovations.
Tip: Place skips away from dining/customer areas but allow convenient access for staff.
9. Industrial and Manufacturing
Processing waste and off-cuts are ongoing by-products of manufacturing and industrial premises. Skip bins allow bulk rubbish to be contained safely on site.
Larger 10-15m3 skips are well suited for factories and industrial sites producing large volumes of waste. Multiple skips may be required in different areas like production, and warehouses.
Tip: Ensure hazardous waste is identified and disposed of properly via regulated waste skips.
10. Household Trash
For households with excessive rubbish that won’t fit in regular bins, skip bins can provide a temporary solution.
This may include scenarios like disposing of bulky items that won’t fit in your wheelie bin, or extra waste generated during a renovation.
A mini 1-2m3 skip bin is usually adequate for most occasional household skip bin service needs.
Tip: Check council rules regarding household skip bins on residential properties.
Choosing the Right Skip Bin
When hiring a skip bin, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Volume – Estimate how much waste will be generated
- Type of waste – Mixed, electrical wire, construction waste, liquid waste, and household waste
- Access – Height and ability to manoeuvre skip to site
- Duration – How long will you need the skip?
- Proximity – Minimise distance to deposit waste
- Removal – Schedule regular emptying as required
By understanding your skip bin requirements, you can select the ideal size and type for your needs. Don’t forget to check council regulations for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in a skip bin?
Most standard and mixed waste skip bins accept non-hazardous household, commercial, or construction rubbish. But check the conditions first, as chemicals, liquids, batteries, asbestos, and more may be prohibited.
How much does it cost to hire a skip bin?
Skip bin costs include delivery, rental, waste disposal, and removal. Prices start around $350+ for a small 2m3 mini skip, up to $1500+ for a large 10m3 builder’s skip, depending on your location.
Where can I place a skip bin?
Skip bins are permitted on private property like residential yards, business premises, and construction sites. But you normally need council approval for placement on footpaths and public areas.
How long can I keep a skip bin?
Maximum skip bin rental periods are around 4-6 weeks. But for cleanups and renovations lasting 1-2 weeks, you can just hire the skip bin for your required duration.
Do I need a permit to use a skip bin?
For skip bins placed on private property like home renovation sites, permits are not usually required. But council approval may be needed for public locations or very large construction site skip bins.
Conclusion
As you can see, skip bins can be extremely useful for managing large volumes of waste and rubbish.
From home renovations to industrial sites, they provide a flexible on-site disposal solution.
The key is selecting the right size skip and emptying schedule for your situation.
With some forward planning, skip bins can save you time and money compared to making multiple trips to the rubbish tip.
Next time you’re faced with a big cleanup job, keep this list handy.
Knowing the most common skip bin uses and tips will ensure you hire the ideal bin to meet your waste management needs.
With the right skip bin on site, you’ll be able to pack it full of unwanted rubbish and declutter efficiently.
It’s satisfying to see a huge pile of waste neatly contained and ready for removal. Your space will be cleared in no time.
So don’t wait until the mess builds up. Stay on top of big cleanups and get the job done faster with a skip bin.
Keeping your home, workplace, or construction site tidy has never been easier.
