Skip bins are a convenient and efficient way to manage waste, whether you’re cleaning out your home, starting a renovation, or working on a garden project. However, it’s essential to know exactly what you can and cannot place in the skip bins you hire. In New Zealand, environmental concerns are a priority, and regulations vary depending on the type of waste.
Today, we want to help you make the most of your hire by providing clear guidelines on what is and is not acceptable. This ensures your bin is used properly and that you dispose of your waste in the most responsible way. This information is designed to save you money and time.
In this blog, we will walk you through the types of waste you can dispose of in a skip bin and highlight some things that should be kept out. Read on as we explore the most common types of waste and ensure you’re fully prepared for your next clean-up or project.
The short answer is no. There are firm categories set up at landfills across New Zealand that are dictated by local councils, so don’t want mix things up. Depending on who has provided your skip bin, you may end up having to sort through the waste before they haul it away, or you could end up being charged an exorbitant fee on top of your agreed-upon hire cost. This is because the hire company will be stopped and charged extra when they go to dispose of your waste at the local landfill. It’s best to avoid either of these scenarios with a bit of clarity upfront.
Three main categories of waste can be placed in skip bins in New Zealand: Green, General, and Hardfill. Let’s break down what sits inside these categories.
Skip bins are a great way to remove all your green waste in one go if you are getting the garden sorted out with a working bee or a seasonal clean-up. It’s also a perfect solution if you have clippings or organic waste piled up after a few months of mowing and clipping. Responsible green waste disposal includes grass clippings, small tree stumps, weeds, leaves, branches, and unwanted plants. Essentially, all biodegradable, natural matter is suitable for skip bins in New Zealand.
You will need to assess your level of green waste before you order your skip bin, as they come in a variety of sizes. If you are having trouble figuring out what might work, just contact your provider; they should be able to help you pick the appropriate size for your cleanup project.
Paper and Cardboard: Empty boxes, newspapers, magazines, and packaging can be placed in a skip bin for recycling. Just make sure they’re clean and dry before disposal.
Plastics: Bottles, containers, and plastic wrappers are usually accepted, provided they’re not heavily contaminated with food or other waste.
Wood: Old furniture or wood from a DIY project is acceptable, but be sure to avoid placing any treated timber or painted wood in the bin, as these require special disposal.
Clothing & Textiles: Old clothes, linens, and curtains that are no longer needed can be disposed of here, but ensure they’re not heavily soiled or hazardous.
If you are landscaping or clearing a site for building, hard waste can build up quickly. It’s best to do a regular clean-up at the end of the day when you have this kind of project on the go, as piles of hardfill around your yard or site can quickly create a hazard. Skip bins for hard fill will also generally be suitable for clean fill. Hardfill includes concrete, which must be smaller than 150mm in width with no steel. It also includes soil, bricks, clay, ceramic tiles, rocks and stone.
Don’t add tyres, solvents, gas bottles, oil, petrol or diesel or medical waste to your hardfill – or any other skip bin. It’s risky, dangerous and will cost you to remedy this with your provider when they come back to you with a charge from the landfill – and potentially a commercial cleaning charge.
Bricks & Concrete: Broken bricks, tiles, and concrete blocks are typically accepted in skip bins. If you’re unsure about the amount, it’s worth asking your provider for guidance.
Tiles & Ceramics: Bathroom or kitchen tiles and ceramics can be discarded in your bin.
Metal: Any scrap metal or steel from your renovation, like pipes and roofing iron, is acceptable.
Now you know what kind of bin you will need, it’s just a matter of choosing the right size. Take a look here at this handy guide. Make sure you understand the limits. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to go past the fill mark. In some cases, you can fill to the top, but it must be level. Each provider will have specific instructions, and you will likely be charged if you go ‘overweight’.
So, there you have it. Now you can get on with your project with the right skip bins parked up in a nominated spot at a time that suits you. If you still need some clarification, our friendly team are always happy to help. Give us a call or fill out our easy online form. Need a bin? Monsta it!
