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25 Nov • 6 min Read 3 Key Steps for Proper Waste Disposal Using Skip Bins in Sydney
Think hiring a skip bin is as simple as filling it up and waving goodbye? Not quite. Proper waste disposal takes a bit of planning if you want to save time, money, and the environment.
Despite appearances, skip bins are not simply large general waste containers. There are rules and regulations for what can go into them, and a schedule that needs to be maintained to get the best service for the best price.
In this practical waste disposal guide, we delve into how to get the absolute best out of your skip bin service. Whether it’s your first skip bin or you’re a regular hirer, these 3 steps ensure you’re disposing of waste correctly.
Step 1: Sort Your Waste for Skip Bin Efficiency
Before the skip bin arrives:
It’s a great time-saving idea to audit your waste and estimate the volume of rubbish to be disposed of before your skip bin even arrives. This helps you determine which type of bin you need (not all bins can handle all items) as well as the appropriate size so that you’re not paying more than you have to.
Always separate prohibited items before they reach the skip. Throwing items like dangerous chemicals, batteries, or even something as mundane as building materials in a green waste skip can result in extra fees.
Additionally, some hazardous waste is not suitable for any type of skip bin. This includes items such as food, liquid, chemicals, oils, paints, fire extinguishers, gas bottles and asbestos (we do provide asbestos-only bins). Some other items, such as spring mattresses and tyres, may also incur additional disposal fees.
If you’re unsure about an item you want to dispose of, check our complete guide in ‘What Can and Can’t Go‘ on our website. Finally, create staging areas by waste type for easy loading once the skips arrive.
Loading strategy for skip bins:
Maximising space and layering waste correctly is key to getting the most out of your skip.
Always place heavy items, like bricks and concrete, in the skip first. Break down large items (including furniture like beds and couches), flatten cardboard boxes and fill gaps with smaller debris to make sure you maximise the space available to you.
Finally, make sure you load everything evenly to prevent the load from shifting or becoming unbalanced during transport.
Sydney-specific sorting tips:
In Sydney, some of the most common waste material types come from renovations, and include fibro, weatherboard, and tiles. In the sprawling Western Sydney suburbs, construction site debris is another major use of skip bin waste management, and one that has stringent waste disposal practices.
Given Sydney’s long history of construction, asbestos and hazardous industrial waste are common, and these, more than most, require proper waste disposal practices for the safety of personnel and the public, and the environment. If you suspect you may require effective waste management of dangerous substances, get in touch with us, and we will work with you to dispose of your waste correctly, adhering to all council requirements.
Step 2: Choose the Right Skip Bin Service and Type
Selecting your skip bin type:
There are several common types of skip bins, depending on the types of materials you need to dispose of:
- General waste skip bins: For mixed household/renovation waste. Think old furniture, toys, clothes, and bits and bobs in your spring cleaning.
- Green waste skip bins: For garden clean-ups, which include lawn clippings, branches, and leaves. If you can, separate this waste, as pure green waste can be composted, which is an environmental benefit.
- Heavy waste skip bins: For concrete, bricks, soil, construction waste, and other rubbish that weighs more than the average.
Choosing a responsible skip bin service:
When selecting a skip bin provider, choose one that’s committed not only to excellent customer service but also to environmental responsibility. A trustworthy company will prioritise recycling, uphold strict safety standards, and ensure waste is managed and disposed of responsibly and ethically.
At Matt’s Skip Bins, we’re dedicated to recycling as much as possible. Our team works closely with you to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill, helping us all lower our environmental impact and protect the planet for future generations.
For this very reason, you should always ask about waste sorting practices at disposal facilities. Does the company extract raw materials for reuse? Do they have recycling bins? Do they properly extract valuable materials from electronic waste for recycling?
Finally, always verify proper licensing and compliance with legal and environmental standards. At Matt’s Skip Bins, we sort and recycle at licensed Sydney facilities and are completely transparent and proud of the way we reduce waste from reaching landfill.
Sydney placement considerations:
Depending on where you are in Sydney, council permits may be required, especially if the skip is going to be placed on council land. If on private land, permits are generally not required, but it is always a good idea to verify with us the most effective placement, whether on the driveway or the street.
It is also important to consider neighbour courtesy, particularly in Sydney’s suburban areas. If you have a small block, it is advisable to share with your neighbours your plans and timelines before the skip arrives.
Timing and logistics:
For a general household clean-up, we generally hire out bins for up to 5 days, while our standard hire for building waste bins is 14 days. However, it is possible that hire must be scheduled around Sydney council collections. You should also consider the peak times for skip bin availability in Sydney, as availability can be affected by long weekends and public holidays when people find more time to clean.
Need a skip bin in Western Sydney? Get a quote for professional, eco-friendly disposal.
Step 3: Maximise Recycling and Minimise Landfill
Before filling your skip bin:
Before filling your skip, consider how much recyclable waste you have and separate all your recyclable materials (where possible). Set aside any items that can be donated, which can be delivered to Sydney charities like Reverse Garbage and The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre.
In addition, consider what items you have that are sellable. Second-hand furniture is just one major item that sells well in online marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Try to sell unwanted items at least a month before disposal and be ready to negotiate on price if it doesn’t sell immediately.
Finally, locate your local e-waste drop-off points to ensure that valuable electronics materials, like copper, gold, and lithium, are sustainably stripped out of old electronics and reused.
During your project:
Always ensure that hazardous materials, as well as the wrong types of waste, are kept separate from waste intended for the skip. Rinse containers thoroughly to prevent chemical contamination, and break down old materials for better sorting. If you have unusual items ready for disposal, call Matt’s Skip Bins for guidance.
What happens to your skip bin waste:
Once your skip bin is picked up by Matt’s Skip Bins, your waste undergoes professional sorting at licensed Sydney facilities. This ensures that all waste is properly handled with respect to both public and environmental health. At licensed facilities, by law, different materials are sent to recycling services or for reuse as much as possible. For instance, from the facility, metals go to metal recycling, while green waste gets composted and reused.
Sydney-specific recycling opportunities:
In Sydney, especially in the Western Suburbs, there is a range of waste transfer stations, ready to take on your recyclable goods to create a better, more environmentally friendly world. If you are in the Penrith or Blacktown area, look into your local community recycling events to offload unwanted items.
As in many states, collections for beverage containers, such as Return and Earn in NSW, are a great way to get rid of piles of unwanted containers. Finally, check your local council website to take advantage of their hard waste collection services.
Skip Bin Best Practices
As a final checklist, let’s review best practices for skip bin hire:
✓ Sort out prohibited items first
✓ Maximise recycling opportunities
✓ Load efficiently to avoid multiple bins
✓ Follow Sydney council requirements
✓ Choose a service committed to recycling.
Why Proper Skip Bin Disposal Matters
In Sydney, proper skip bin disposal helps reduce illegal dumping and supports cleaner communities. Together, we can optimise the impact we have on our waste disposal services and reduce our environmental impact with an effective waste management plan.
Get in Touch With Sydney’s Waste Disposal Experts
Take the hassle out of waste disposal with Matt’s Skip Bins. We’ll help you streamline your waste management, stay compliant, and do your part for the planet by reducing landfill and maximising recycling.
If you’re in Sydney and need reliable skip bin hire, get a quick quote today. Not sure what can or can’t go in your bin? No problem, our friendly team is always ready to offer expert advice and make sure your waste is handled in the right way.
