Skip Bin Hire Frequently Asked Questions
Skip Bin Hire FAQs in Melbourne
Hiring a skip bin in Melbourne comes with a few common questions about permits, placement, what can and cannot go in the bin, and how long you can keep it. This page covers everything from standard hire periods and council road permits to weight limits, asbestos rules, green waste, and pickup timeframes. If you are planning a clean up, renovation or construction project, these answers will help you choose the right bin and avoid delays or extra fees.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact our team and we will give you clear advice based on your suburb and the type of waste you need to dispose of.
Hiring, Pricing and Booking
What is the standard skip bin hire period in Melbourne?
Most skip bins are hired for 3 to 5 business days. We are flexible and you can discuss your requirements when ordering. If a council permit is issued for 7 days, we allow you to keep the bin for the duration of the permit.
Can I extend my skip bin hire if I need it longer?
Yes. If you need the bin longer, let us know as early as possible and we will try to make allowances. Extensions can depend on availability and any council permit conditions if the bin is placed on public land.
How do I choose the right skip bin size for my rubbish?
Tell us what you are disposing of, such as household junk, renovation waste, soil, concrete or green waste, and we will recommend a suitable size and type. Choosing the right size helps avoid overfilling and heavy loads that can affect pickup.
Do you offer green waste only skip bins or concrete only bins?
We do not offer dedicated green waste only or concrete only bins. When booking, mention what will go in the bin and we will advise on the best option. In some cases, special pricing may apply depending on the waste type and expected weight.
Do I need to tell you what I am putting in the skip bin when booking?
Yes. Please tell us the main waste types when you book. Different materials can affect pricing, safe transport limits, and whether the waste needs special handling. This helps us recommend the right bin and avoid issues on pickup.
Can I put mixed waste in a skip bin for a house clean up or renovation?
Usually yes. Mixed loads are common for clean ups and renovations. Please tell us what is going in the bin so we can confirm it is suitable and advise if any items need separate disposal.
Delivery, Access and Pickup
Can you guarantee a specific skip bin pickup date and time?
We aim to meet requested pickup timeframes, but exact pickup dates and times cannot always be guaranteed due to routing, traffic, weather and operational constraints. If you have a specific requirement for removal on a certain date or time, tell us when booking and we will do our best to accommodate it.
How soon can you deliver a skip bin in my suburb?
Delivery depends on availability, scheduling and your distance from our depots. Smaller bin deliveries can be subject to distance from depots. If you need a bin urgently, contact us with your suburb and preferred delivery window and we will confirm the earliest option.
Do I need to be home for skip bin delivery or pickup?
Not always. If the drop off location is clearly described and accessible, we can usually deliver without you being present. Please make sure the area is clear and safe, and leave any placement instructions during booking.
How much space is needed for skip bin delivery and truck access?
We need clear access for the truck to safely place and remove the bin. Allow room for the bin footprint plus manoeuvring space, and keep the area clear of vehicles, low branches and overhead cables. If access is tight, tell us during booking so we can advise.
Can a skip bin be placed on a sloped driveway or uneven ground?
It may be possible, but safety comes first. Bins should be placed on stable, reasonably level ground where the truck can safely load and unload. If your site is sloped or uneven, tell us and we will discuss the safest placement option.
Will a skip bin damage my driveway or paving?
Bins are heavy and can mark or damage some surfaces, especially pavers, decorative concrete and soft ground. If you are concerned, tell us before delivery and consider using boards or protection where appropriate. We can also advise on the best placement to reduce risk.
Permits and Bin Placement
Do I need a council permit to place a skip bin on the nature strip or road in Melbourne?
Often yes. If the bin will be placed on public land, such as a nature strip, footpath or road, many councils require a permit. Requirements vary by council and location. If you are unsure, tell us where you want the bin placed and we will advise.
Do you organise skip bin permits for Brimbank and other councils?
Yes. We arrange permits on behalf of the customer for all councils that require permits. We will collect the details needed for the application and coordinate the permit process where a permit is required for placement on public land.
How long does a council skip bin permit last?
Permit durations vary by council. Some permits are commonly issued for around 7 days, but this can change depending on local rules and the placement location. If a permit is required and issued for 7 days, we allow customers to keep the bin for the duration of the permit.
Can I place a skip bin on the nature strip outside my property?
Sometimes, but only if it is allowed by the local council and there is safe clearance for pedestrians, parking and sight lines. If a permit is required, it must be approved before placement on public land. Tell us your suburb and the intended placement and we will guide you.
Can a skip bin be placed on the road in front of my house?
In some cases, yes, but road placement typically requires a council permit and must meet safety rules. Road placement may not be approved in certain streets or near intersections, bus stops or driveways. We will help confirm the best placement option for your address.
What happens if a skip bin permit is not approved by council?
If the council does not approve the permit for the proposed spot, we will work with you to choose another compliant location on private property where possible, or discuss alternative arrangements. Permit outcomes and conditions can vary between councils.
What You Can Put in the Bin
What can I put in a skip bin for a general clean up in Melbourne?
You can typically dispose of household junk, furniture, general rubbish, and many non hazardous items. Always tell us what you plan to load so we can confirm it is suitable and advise if any items need separate disposal.
Can I put renovation waste in a skip bin, including timber and plaster?
Yes, renovation waste like timber, plasterboard, cabinets and floor coverings is commonly accepted. Please mention the main materials when booking so we can recommend the right bin size and advise on any restrictions.
Can I put green waste in a skip bin, like branches and lawn clippings?
Green waste can often be included, but please tell us what is going in the bin. We do not offer dedicated green waste only bins, however we can advise on the best option and whether special pricing applies depending on the load type.
Can I put concrete, bricks or tiles in a skip bin?
Concrete, bricks and tiles can be very heavy. Tell us what you are disposing of and we will advise on a suitable bin and safe loading levels. We do not offer dedicated concrete only bins, but we may be able to apply special pricing depending on the load.
Prohibited and Special Waste
What items are not allowed in a skip bin?
Some items cannot go in standard skip bins, including hazardous materials and regulated waste. Examples can include asbestos, chemicals, paints, oils, batteries and gas bottles. Tell us what you need to dispose of and we will confirm what is allowed and what needs separate disposal.
Can I put asbestos in a skip bin in Melbourne?
No, asbestos must not be placed in a standard skip bin. If you suspect asbestos, stop work and arrange assessment and removal by appropriately licensed professionals. If you need help with compliant disposal options, tell us what you have and we can point you in the right direction.
Can I put paint, chemicals or fuel in a skip bin?
No. Liquids, chemicals, fuels and many household hazardous items should not go in a skip bin. These need separate disposal through approved programs or facilities. If you are unsure about an item, tell us before loading it.
Can tyres, gas bottles or batteries go in a skip bin?
These items are usually not accepted in standard bins due to safety and disposal rules. If you have tyres, gas bottles or batteries, tell us during booking and we will advise on the correct disposal pathway.
Loading Rules, Weight and Safety
Do skip bins have weight limits in Australia?
Yes. Weight limits exist so trucks are not loaded beyond legal and safe load limits. Bins should not be filled above the top rim, and heavy materials can reach weight limits quickly. Always mention what is going in the bin when booking so we can advise on a suitable bin and loading level.
How full can I fill a skip bin before pickup?
Bins must not be filled above the top rim. Overfilled bins may be unsafe to transport and may not be collected until the load is reduced. If you think you might overfill, contact us and we can discuss a larger bin or an additional bin.
Can I put heavy waste like soil or concrete in any skip bin size?
Heavy waste needs the right bin choice and careful loading. Soil, concrete, bricks and tiles can exceed safe transport limits if overfilled. Tell us your waste type and we will recommend the right bin and advise how to load it safely.
What should I do if I am not sure whether an item is allowed in the bin?
Ask us before you load it. Tell us the item and your suburb, and we will confirm whether it can go in the bin or needs separate disposal. This avoids contamination fees, pickup delays and safety risks.
Need help with your skip bin in Melbourne?
Every suburb has different permit rules and placement requirements. If you are unsure about nature strip permits, asbestos restrictions, weight limits or delivery access, we are here to help. Tell us your suburb and waste type and we will guide you through it.
Contact Our Team