03 Jan • 5 min Read
What another fantastic year 2023 was! Like each year, our dedicated team work hard to fulfil all skip bin orders for our customers. But also every year, our drivers experience some challenges when completing drop-offs and pickups.
With our skip bin hire in Western Sydney, we see a range of properties with new experiences at every turn. There are so many scenarios that see our drivers having to get crafty or test their skills!
As a new year is here, let’s reflect on the year that was 2023 and all the situations our trucks and drivers have faced.
Tight and awkward angles
When on the road, we find a lot of awkward and tight angles that we need to navigate in order to drop off a bin successfully. This could be the weird angle of the ground or a tight corner we need to manoeuvre our truck and bin around.
The perfect example of this is the duplex we visited in March. At the end of the complex, our client had a small, designated space in which we could place the bin. However, the sharp position and narrow shared driveway created an awkward angle for us. No matter, we could make the delivery with a bit of expert manoeuvring.
Another time we faced a tricky angle was for this client in Western Sydney, who had a sloped driveway. From a dramatic angle, it certainly made it tricky to drop the bin without scraping the truck. As always, we managed to get the job done, carefully reversing to ensure we got as close as possible without damage.
How about this angle we had to squeeze into while on a drop-off in Pitt Town? While the driveway was straightforward, the spot where the owners needed the bin out of the back wasn’t as straightforward. Between the neighbouring garden bed and the large container on either side of the driveway, we had to do a strategic angle to place the bin in the clear. Talk about squeezing it in!
Narrow streets and driveways
In addition to angles, narrow streets and driveways can also turn a trip into a mission! As our trucks are larger than the average car, some situations and areas allow little to no space, which can throw a spanner in the works. Luckily, our drivers aren’t claustrophobic and will slither their way through if possible!
Take this situation in May, for example. Boasting a tight driveway, the access point for this client’s home was through a gate smack-bang between a hedge and fence. This left heaps of room…not! Our driver worked out there was just enough space and made the narrow trip to complete the skip delivery. Phew!
Similarly, this St Marys job in July shared the same elements, making it a tight squeeze. This time, it was the fence line and dwellings! With some slow reversing, our driver successfully squeezed in, dropping off the bin and moving on.
Another narrow experience was this road we found ourselves on in October. A skinny side street, the road wasn’t as wide as we are used to reversing into the property. Luckily, with a few angles and a few close encounters with the bordering trees, we eventually made our way into the property.
Manoeuvring fences
Seeing all the different types of gates and fences, sometimes can create a challenge when meeting the requested bin spot. No worry! With some creativity and experience, we can manoeuvre fences to ensure the skip makes its final destination.
Sometimes, a fence is right in the way and there is no going above or around it. This was the predicament in October. Luckily, we could remove the fence to provide sufficient space for our skip!
The fence width isn’t the only issue – it can also be the height! This was a dilemma in June when visiting a rural property. To avoid hitting the crafted arched entrance, we discovered a second entrance that allowed more height clearance for our truck to enter without sacrificing the décor!
Another instance when a gate got in the way was in September. When we returned to pick up this skip, the bin was slightly offset from where we originally delivered it. This wasn’t too much of an issue; in this instance, a quick drag solved the issue before loading it on the truck.
Obstruct/Cars
Fences aren’t the only thing to get in our way! Several environmental factors can throw a spanner to our operations. We can find a way around these situations with patience and quick thinking.
When people block in our bins, it can become a game of Tetris! In September, a bin hired at a unit complex was cornered between parked cars, making it hard to retrieve the bin. This can be common on communal properties or even in new estates with tight roads. After a bit of investigating, we were able to chase up the owners and get the cars removed so we could continue with the job.
Back in June, we went to pick up a bin. However, it happened to move from its original location. The owners had relocated it to sit just under their pergola. While we understand the convenience, we could no longer safely move the bin without damaging the roof above! Instead, we had to drag the bin out to move it without disruption.
Talk about no room! While fences and buildings can cause issues in terms of space, so can piles of objects. Take this job in August for example. The customers had piled items right next to the bin. While it left little room to collect the bin, we still made it happen.
What another jam-packed year we had! Shout out to our drivers for their fantastic work and efforts. If you need reliable skip bin services in Sydney, call the professionals at Matt’s Skip Bins!
No challenge is too big for us. Visit our website to book our skip bins online or give us a call on 02 4708 2927.
