Our Guide on Choosing the Right Skip Bin Size

Understand the Types of Waste You’ll Be Disposing Of

The first step to choosing the right skip bin size is to consider the type of waste you’ll be putting in it. Not all waste is the same; different materials can fill bins differently due to weight and shape. Proper waste disposal isn’t just about fitting it all in—it’s about ensuring it can be safely transported and correctly processed at the waste facility.

Before you book, sort your waste into categories to avoid contamination fees or the hassle of separating it later.

• General household waste: old furniture, toys, boxes, whitegoods
• Green waste: grass clippings, tree branches, garden trimmings
• Construction and renovation waste: timber, plasterboard, tiles
• Heavy materials: concrete, bricks, soil
• Mixed waste: a combination of household, green and light construction waste

By understanding your waste types, you’ll choose the right size bin and the right type of bin service to suit your project.

Estimate Your Waste Volume Before Booking

Underestimating how much waste you will generate is one of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a skip bin. It can lead to overfilled bins that attract extra fees or the need to arrange a second hire. Taking time to estimate your waste volume in advance can save you hassle and expense.

A simple way to think about bin capacity is in cubic metres. One cubic metre is roughly the size of a standard trailer load or about four household wheelie bins.

• Small skip bins are suitable for light clean-ups or garden waste, holding around four to five trailer loads.
• Medium skip bins are good for renovations or general clear-outs, holding about six to seven trailer loads.
• Large skip bins, roughly eight to nine trailer loads, are best for bigger renovation projects or heavier waste.
• Extra-large bins suit commercial projects or high-volume disposal needs.

Consider Access & Placement on Your Property

It’s easy to focus only on size without considering where the bin will go. Skip bins need to be placed somewhere accessible for delivery and pick-up trucks, and space can be tighter than you think. Poor planning here can cause delays or even make delivery impossible.

Think about access in practical terms:

• Is your driveway wide enough for the truck?
• Are there low-hanging branches, powerlines or gates in the way?
• Is the ground surface level and firm enough to support the bin?
• Will the bin block garages, driveways or pedestrian paths?

Checking all this before you book helps avoid last-minute surprises and ensures a smooth delivery.

Be Aware of Weight Limits & Restrictions

Not all skip bins can handle any weight you can cram into them. Every size has a maximum weight limit to ensure safe transport and compliance with local regulations. Overfilling or exceeding weight limits can lead to extra charges or collection refusal.

Common weight considerations:

• Heavy materials (bricks, concrete, soil) quickly use up weight allowances
• Mixed loads need to be balanced to avoid uneven weight distribution
• Overfilling above the rim is prohibited for safety reasons

Typical restricted items you can’t put in general bins include:

• Hazardous waste
• Liquids & paints
• Gas bottles & tyres
• Asbestos

Plan for Hazardous or Prohibited Materials

Not everything can go in a skip bin. Hazardous or prohibited materials require specialist disposal to ensure safety and environmental compliance. Including these items in your bin can result in significant fines or rejection of your load at the waste facility.

Common prohibited materials:

• Asbestos or contaminated building materials
• Chemicals & liquid waste
• Paints, solvents & oils
• Gas bottles & batteries
• Tyres & large appliances

Factor in Local Regulations & Permit Needs

If you plan to place your skip bin on public property, such as a street or nature strip, you’ll likely need a council permit. Rules vary depending on location, so checking in advance is essential. Ignoring these requirements can lead to fines, forced removal of the bin or project delays.

Things to consider when planning your permit:

• Whether the skip will be on a public street or footpath
• Time limits for how long it can stay in place
• Requirements for signage, lighting or barricades
• Any council fees or application processes

Your skip provider can often help explain local requirements and handle the permit application on your behalf.

Ask Your Skip Bin Provider for Expert Advice

Ultimately, your skip bin provider is your best resource for choosing the right size and service. They deal with all kinds of waste and project types daily, so they know what works (and what doesn’t) in your local area.

When talking with your provider, consider asking:

• What bin size do you recommend for my project?
• Are there weight limits I should know about?
• What types of waste are prohibited?
• How soon can you deliver and collect?
• Do I need a permit for placement?

A good provider will offer honest, practical advice that helps you avoid unnecessary costs and ensures your waste removal is smooth, legal and hassle-free.

Plan Your Waste Removal with Us

At Fat Boy Skips, we’re committed to helping you choose the perfect skip bin for your project. Whether you’re doing a simple garden tidy-up or managing a complex renovation, our team will help you select the right size, understand any local requirements, and ensure prompt delivery and collection. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs or to learn more about our skip bins in Townsville.