What is the Difference Between a Skip and a Bin?

14 November 2025

If you’re planning a clean‑out, renovation, or landscaping job, you’ve probably heard the terms “skip” and “bin” thrown around. Some people use them interchangeably, but the truth is, they’re not quite the same. As your local Auckland skip bin provider, we know the differences inside and out, and choosing the right one can save you time, money, and hassle.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between skip bins and standard bins, and help you decide which one suits your project best.

Skip Bins vs Bins: What is the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics. Both skips and bins are used for waste collection, but they serve different purposes. The primary differences stem from size, usage, and the collection methods.

Size and capacity: Skip bins are much larger and designed to handle bulky or heavy waste. Our skip bins are available in various sizes, including 3m³, 4.5m³, 6m³ and 9m³. Regular bins (like your weekly wheelie bin) are much smaller, often between 120 and 240 litres, and are intended for everyday household rubbish.
Access and design: Skips are open-topped and built for easy loading. Bins, on the other hand, usually have closed lids and narrower openings, which limit what you can throw in.
Waste handling: Skip bins can hold mixed or specific types of waste, such as green waste, hardfill, or general rubbish. Regular bins are more restrictive; typically, only household waste or recyclable materials are accepted. In Auckland, a separate bin is required for green waste, including grass clippings and plants.
Transport and collection: Skips are delivered and picked up using specialised trucks with lifting arms or chains. Regular bins are emptied into garbage trucks as part of your routine collection service.

Placement and permits: Skips are often placed in driveways or on the street. If they’re on public property, you might need a council permit. Regular bins remain on your property and typically do not require any approvals.

When You Should Use Skip Bins

If your project generates more waste than your regular bin can handle, skip bins are the ideal solution.

Skip bins are perfect for:

Home renovations: Removing cabinetry, tiles, carpet, or broken furniture? A skip bin handles it all in one go.
Landscaping and garden jobs: Disposing of soil, branches, or green waste becomes much easier when you can toss it straight into a skip.
Construction and demolition: If your work involves bricks, concrete, or rubble, a hardfill skip bin is a must.

Moving house or decluttering: When it’s time to get rid of large amounts of unwanted items, a skip gives you one central place to dump them all.

When a Regular Bin Is Enough

Not every job necessarily requires a skip bin. Sometimes a regular household or commercial bin is more appropriate.

Choose a regular bin if:

You’re only throwing out a small amount of rubbish.
The waste is lightweight and compact, similar to paper or small food scraps that require weekly disposal.
You already have a routine collection.

A regular bin is perfect for day-to-day rubbish, but it simply can’t handle heavy, oversized, or mixed waste. If your rubbish doesn’t fit easily into your wheelie bin, that’s when it’s time to think skip.

Choosing the Right Skip Bin for the Job

Once you know a skip bin is the right choice, the next step is making sure you get the right type and size. Here’s what to consider:

1. What Kind of Waste Are You Removing?

Not all skip bins are created equal. We provide different options depending on the type of rubbish you’re dealing with:

General waste: Perfect for household items, furniture, packaging, and non-hazardous junk.
Green waste: For garden trimmings, grass, leaves, and branches.

Hardfill: For concrete, bricks, soil, or rocks from landscaping excavations or renovations.

2. How Much Space Will You Need?

We find that people are often surprised by just how much space a job will take up. Choosing the right skip size ensures you’re not stuck with an overflowing bin or, worse, needing to order a second one unexpectedly.

Our skip bins come in various sizes, ranging from small (3 m³) for minor clean-ups to large (9 m³) for DIY projects or full-house clear-outs. When in doubt, go up a size; it’s better to have a bit of room to spare than to run out halfway through the job.

3. Where Will the Skip Bin Go?

The skip will need to be placed on a flat, accessible space, usually a driveway or front yard. If it needs to go on the footpath or road, check with your local council about permit requirements.

Ensure the area is clear of overhanging branches, power lines, and other obstructions. Our drivers will need enough space to deliver and collect your bin safely and efficiently.

4. How Long Will You Need It? ?

Our standard hire period is five days; however, you can extend it for a small daily rate of $13 per extra day if needed. Be realistic about how long your project will take; having a buffer for an extra day or two can make a big difference when plans change.

Need a Skip Bin? Monsta It!

Whether it’s a big renovation or a garden clean-up, we’ve got skip bins to suit every type of job and every type of rubbish. We’ll drop it off, you fill it up, and we’ll take care of the rest. Just give us a call and we’ll walk you through the options, help you estimate your waste volume, and make sure you get the right solution the first time. We’re here to help take the stress out of waste removal.